Knee Replacement Surgery: Cost, Procedure, Types, Tests, Risks and Recovery

Knee replacement surgery in India is a common procedure that provides great relief to around 9 out of 10 patients. Patients suffering from stiff knee joints and reduced mobility either due to arthritis or being overweight and normal wear and tear of ageing gets benefitted from Knee joint replacement surgery in India. Knee joint replacement surgery helps the patients by lowering pain and improving their daily activities. It’s especially beneficial for patients who have severe knee joint damage from arthritis or injuries, making activities like walking, and stair climbing easier. The most common method is called total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total knee replacement (TKR).

When it comes to less invasive treatments of arthroscopic surgery in India, Arthroscopy knee surgery, can be performed. A small camera is used during knee arthroscopy to identify and treat various knee problems, particularly in patients with severe osteoarthritis.

However, in cases of severe injury, knee replacement is required. During knee replacement surgery, they replace broken bones and cartilage with different metal and plastic parts. The number of reported cases of knee replacement in India has increased notably, from 1,019 in 2006 to 27,000 in 2019, primarily cases of knee osteoarthritis.

Knee replacement surgery helps those who suffer from knee pain, stiffness, or instability as a result of a condition such as arthritis.  During the procedure, doctors replace fractured bones and cartilage with advanced artificial components made of durable materials like metal or plastic that function similarly to your joints. Knee replacement is normally suggested after simple treatments (such as weight loss, medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices) have failed to provide pain relief and improved mobility. Factors like the severity of the pain, deformities (knock-knees), age, and overall health determine candidacy for knee replacement surgery.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India offers a cost-effective alternative to the high costs in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.  The cost of a knee replacement surgery in India starts from $3000. The excellent medical facilities in India provide successful results, making Knee Replacement Surgery both accessible and economical. Many people are selecting India for Knee Replacement Surgery because it’s a great place for top-quality healthcare that doesn’t cost too much.

Normal Anatomy of Knee

• The knee, the body’s largest joint, is necessary for everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
• It functions as a hinge, allowing for bending, straightening, and twisting.  
• It is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone, the upper end of the shin bone, and the
• Ligaments connect the bones and keep them steady.
• Cartilage acts as a cushion, preventing the bones from rubbing together and allowing them to move effortlessly.
• The synovium, a soft lining, makes fluid to reduce friction and wear.

Symptoms of Knee Replacement

Symptoms of knee replacement surgery are often triggered by chronic illnesses such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury-related damage. Some common symptoms that may necessitate knee replacement include:

• Persistent Discomfort: Long-lasting pain in your knee that doesn’t go away, especially when moving around.
• Trouble in walking: Finding it tough to walk without hurting or feeling unstable.
• Swollen Knee: Your knee looks puffy, feels warm, or hurts when touched.
• Morning Stiffness: Feeling very stiff in your knee when you wake up or after sitting for a while.
• Weak and Wobbly: Your knee feels weak and unstable, making you feel unsure when you stand or walk.
• Noisy Knees: Hearing strange clicks or pops when you move your knee.
• Conservative Treatment Doesn’t Help: If exercises, pills, and treatments haven’t helped much.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

The four primary categories of knee replacement surgery are:

1. Total Knee Replacement Surgery: A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components. This comprehensive approach is often chosen when the entire knee is damaged due to conditions like severe arthritis (Osteoarthritis), Rheumatoid arthritis, and Posttraumatic arthritis. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed during surgery, and metal and plastic parts are used to rebuild the joint. This provides a new, functional knee joint that moves easily and painlessly.
2. Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement Surgery: This procedure replaces only the injured portion of the knee joint. This method is appropriate when the injury is limited to one spot, which is often on the inner (medial) or outside (lateral) side of the knee. Healthy tissue and bones are preserved by replacing only the damaged part, potentially leading to a faster recovery and improved movement.
3. Kneecap Replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty) Surgery: Kneecap replacement, commonly known as patellofemoral arthroplasty, is a knee joint procedure that prioritizes the kneecap area. When the cartilage behind the kneecap is damaged, resulting in pain and movement problems this kneecap replacement procedure is recommended. The worn-out cartilage is replaced with prosthetic components, which improves kneecap alignment and movement.
4. Complex or Revision Knee Replacement Surgery: A complex or revision knee replacement is a specialized treatment used when a previous knee replacement has to be corrected or the joint has undergone significant damage. This surgery is more advanced, addressing issues such as implant failure, bone loss, and joint instability. In situations where regular knee replacements may not be enough, revision knee replacement tries to rebuild appropriate joint function and reduce pain.

Artificial knee replacements have three parts:

1. Thigh Bone Part (Femoral component): A metal piece covering the end of the thigh bone. It has a groove that lets the kneecap move when the knee bends or straightens.
2. Shin Bone Part (Tibial Component): This is a flat metal piece with a plastic cover that sits on top of the shin bone.
3. Kneecap Part (Patellar component): A rounded plastic piece that can slide smoothly.

Best Artificial Knee Joint Implant in India

When looking for knee joint implant manufacturers, look for companies that are known for creating stable, long-lasting, and high-quality knee implants. Some reputable knee manufacturers recognized for their reliable knee implants include:

1. Zimmer-Biomet:  Zimmer Biomet is a major player in the orthopedic implant business, controlling over 35% of the global implant market and a significant 25% share of the knee implant market. Their popular knee implant models, such as Zimmer Persona, Nexgen, and Gender Solutions, demonstrate their commitment to different patient needs and long-term solutions in knee replacement surgeries.

2. Johnson & Johnson: De Puy Synthes: De Puy Synthes, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a major global manufacturer of hip and knee implants. Recognized for models like Attune, Sigma, S-ROM Noiles, and LCS Complete, meet a wide range of total and revision knee replacement needs, displaying their commitment to innovation and patient satisfaction.
3. Smith & Nephew: Smith & Nephew is well-known for providing high-quality knee implant solutions that prioritize durability and stability. They are a UK-based manufacturer observed for their creative ideas, such as using oxidized zirconium alloy instead of plastic to reduce implant deterioration. Prominent models such as the Journey I BCS, Journey II, Genesis II, and Legion meet a variety of knee replacement needs, demonstrating their dedication to high-quality orthopaedic solutions.
4. Stryker Corporation: Stryker Corporation is a global pioneer in advanced knee implant production, with experience in building robotic arms for robotic knee replacement. Stryker, known for their long-lasting orthopaedic treatments, offers prominent knee implant models such as Triathlon, Triathlon Tritanium, Scorpio, Duracon TS, and Avon Patello-Femoral.
5. Arthrex Inc.: Arthrex is a medical device company that specializes in knee replacements, with their flagship iBalance series giving innovative choices for whole and partial knee replacements. Notable models include the Arthrex iBalance Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Arthrex iBalance Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty, which demonstrate the company’s commitment to new knee implant treatments that emphasize customization and tissue preservation.

Risk Factors of Knee Replacement Surgery

The risks of Knee Replacement Surgery are:

• Blood Clots: Doctors advise taking medications to thin the blood and prevent clumping. These clumps may develop in the veins of the legs and can be dangerous if they go to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Nerve Damage: Nerves close to the implant site may be damaged, resulting in numbness, weakness, and discomfort.
• Infection: Infections surrounding the replacement knee parts can occur after surgery, even days, weeks, or years later. Small infections are treated with medication, but larger ones might require additional surgery to remove the components and repair them.
• Implant Problems: Over time, implant surfaces might wear down, and components may loosen.
• Continued Pain: Although this is uncommon, a few people might experience constant discomfort after surgery, with the majority of patients experiencing great pain relief.
• Neurovascular Injury: It’s not very common, but there’s a chance that nerves or blood vessels can get hurt during the surgery, and that could change knee functions.

Knee Replacement Surgery Treatment Cost in India

The cost of knee replacement surgery in India varies depending on criteria such as hospital choice, type of accommodation, and medical team expenses. The cost of improved facilities and longer stays increases. Costs are also influenced by treatment type. Fees include the surgeon, anesthetist, physiotherapist, and nutritionist, as well as medicine, physiotherapy, evaluation, and implant type. The average Total knee replacement surgery cost in India ranges between $2,500 and $7,000.

Cost of Total Knee Replacement ( Unilateral): $4,000 to $5,500

Cost of bilateral knee replacement : $6,500 to $8,800

Top Knee Replacement Surgery Doctors in India

Top knee replacement surgery doctors in India have attained exceptional knowledge and significant expertise in the field. Their contributions range from the development of new techniques to the consistent delivery of successful surgical outcomes. These topknee replacement surgeons contribute significantly to India’s status as a center for innovative and successful knee replacement treatments.

• Subhash Jangid- Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon
• Prakash M Doshi- Nanavati Max Hospital Mumbai
• Hemant Sharma- Marengo Asia Hospital Gurgaon
• Harshavardhan Hegde- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi
• Pradeep Sharma- BLK Max Hospital Delhi
• Krishnamoorthy K- Apollo Hospital Chennai
• SKS Marya- Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
• Rakesh Mahajan- BLK Max Hospital Delhi
• Pradeep Bhosale- Nanavati Max Hospital Mumbai
• Ashok Rajgopal- Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
• IPS Oberoi- Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

Best Knee Replacement Surgery Hospitals in India

The best hospitals for knee replacement surgery in India provide individual care, cutting-edge technology, and a swift recovery. These prestigious private hospitals combine cutting-edge techniques with qualified medical personnel to provide world-class care. Patients heal quickly because of attentive nursing personnel and personalized rehabilitation. Foreigners are attracted to India because of its high-quality medical care, low costs, English proficiency, and skilled doctors. These facilities, located in places such as Mumbai, Gurugram, Chennai, and Delhi, promise new life, identifying themselves as the best knee replacement surgery hospitals in India.

• Medanta – Gurugram
• Fortis Hospital – Kolkata
• Apollo Hospitals – Ahmedabad
• Max Hospitals – Mumbai
• Columbia Asia Hospitals – Chennai
• Indian Spinal Injuries Centre – Delhi
• Manipal Hospitals – Chennai
• Aakash Healthcare – Delhi
• Artemis Hospitals – Gurgaon
• Apollo Hospitals – Delhi

Knee Replacement Surgery Success Rate in India

In India, the success rate for knee replacement surgery is about 100%. This safe and successful method ensures that patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks. Even two decades after surgery, the long-term prognosis remained positive. A pain-free, well-mobilized existence is possible with simultaneous bilateral knee replacement. When it comes to picking experienced surgeons and hospitals, India’s affordable costs make it a desirable choice.

Top Knee Replacement Surgeons in India

• 

  Dr. Anil Arora

  Associate Director, MBBS, MD, DNB

  Orthopedician

  33+ years of experience

• 

  Dr. Ashok Rajgopal

  Chairman, MBBS, MS, MCh, FRCS

  Orthopaedic

  47+ years of experience

• 

  Dr. Subhash Jangid

  Head of Department , DNB, MS, MBBS

  Orthopaedic

  22+ Years of Experience

Best Knee Replacement Hospitals in India

Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon

Max Hospital, Gurgaon

Medanta The Medicity

Artemis Hospital

Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

Jaypee Hospital

Apollo Hospital, Delhi

Marengo Asia Hospitals Formerly W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon

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Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Anywhere from Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.3,80,000 (roughly $2,200 to $5500) is the range for knee replacement cost in India. The patient must remain in the hospital for five days and then be sent home for an additional eight days. Based on the illness and facilities selected, a patient’s overall treatment costs might vary greatly from one another. Knee Meniscectomy Cost In Indiais around Rs 60,000-2,50,000 and Amputation Above Knee Treatment Cost In Indiais approximately around 3 lakh INR.

One of the most common surgical procedures to treat arthritis in the knees, knee arthroplasty, is also known as knee replacement or knee resurfacing. Remove the damaged knee cartilage and bone via surgical surgery. Afterward, a metal implant is screwed into the thigh & calf bone ends by the surgeon. Knee Arthroplasty Cost In India is 70000-100000 INR.

Depending on the surgeon and the complexity of the procedure, Knee Arthroscopy Cost in India might range anywhere from Rs. 70000 to Rs. 100000 and Knee Osteotomy Cost In India may range anywhere between 20,000-25000 rupees (300-400USD). Arthroscopy knee surgery makes use of the most up-to-date technology at Solitaire hospital. The cost of a knee replacement surgery in India is much lower than in many Western nations.

Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery in India