Knee Replacement Surgery Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial metal and plastic components. It is recommended when severe arthritis or injury has destroyed the cartilage lining the joint, causing persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, our orthopaedic team performs both total knee replacement (TKR) — where all three compartments of the knee are resurfaced — and partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement for patients with damage limited to one compartment. With advanced implants, intra-operative precision techniques, and a structured post-operative physiotherapy programme, we help patients return to pain-free mobility.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

• •Patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee causing daily pain and difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a chair
• •Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis that has destroyed the knee joint surfaces despite medication
• •People with post-traumatic arthritis following a severe knee fracture or ligament injury
• •Patients whose knee pain persists despite conservative treatment — medications, injections, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes
• •Anyone with significant knee deformity (bow legs or knock knees) that affects gait and balance

How to Prepare

1. 1Complete medical evaluation including blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and knee X-rays or MRI to plan implant size and alignment
2. 2Inform the surgeon about all medications; blood thinners may need to be stopped 5–7 days before surgery
3. 3Begin pre-operative strengthening exercises (quad sets, straight leg raises) as advised by the physiotherapist to aid faster recovery
4. 4Arrange your home for post-surgery recovery — a firm chair with armrests, toilet seat riser, and grab bars in the bathroom
5. 5Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery to improve wound healing and reduce anaesthesia risks

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia; the choice is discussed with the anaesthesiologist beforehand
2. 2An incision of 15–20 cm is made over the front of the knee to expose the joint
3. 3Damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are carefully removed using precision cutting guides
4. 4Metal implant components are fixed to the reshaped bone surfaces of the femur and tibia using bone cement or press-fit technique
5. 5A medical-grade plastic (polyethylene) spacer is placed between the metal components to provide a smooth gliding surface
6. 6The knee is tested for range of motion, stability, and alignment before the incision is closed with sutures

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓You will begin standing and walking with a walker or crutches within 24 hours of surgery with physiotherapy guidance
• ✓Hospital stay is typically 4–5 days; daily physiotherapy sessions focus on knee bending, strengthening, and gait training
• ✓Continue prescribed exercises at home 3–4 times daily; aim for 90 degrees of knee flexion by 4 weeks
• ✓Use ice packs on the knee for 15–20 minutes after exercise to reduce swelling during the first 2–3 weeks
• ✓Most patients can walk independently without a walker by 4–6 weeks and resume driving by 6–8 weeks
• ✓Full recovery and return to all normal activities including light sports typically takes 3–6 months

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg — prevented with blood-thinning medication and early mobilisation
• ⚠Infection at the surgical site or around the implant — minimised with antibiotics and sterile surgical technique
• ⚠Implant loosening or wear over time — modern implants last 15–20 years in most patients
• ⚠Stiffness of the knee if physiotherapy is not followed diligently after surgery
• ⚠Nerve or blood vessel injury near the knee — rare with experienced surgical teams

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions