In the knee joint, there is a layer of smooth cartilage on the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone) and the undersurface of the kneecap (patella). This cartilage serves as a cushion and allows for smooth motion of the knee. Arthritis is a wearing away of this smooth cartilage. Eventually it wears down to bone. Rubbing of bone against bone causes pain, swelling and stiffness.

A total knee replacement is really a cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. The knee itself is not replaced, as is commonly thought, but rather an artificial substitute for the cartilage is inserted on the end of the bones. This is typically done with a metal alloy on the femur and plastic spacer on the tibia and kneecap (patella). This creates a new, smooth cushion and a functioning joint that does not hurt.

Knee-replacement surgery has a high rate of success in eliminating pain and restoring range of motion; 90-95 percent of patients achieve good to excellent results.

Your orthopaedic surgeon will decide if you are a candidate for the surgery. This will be based on your history, examination, X-rays and response to conservative treatment. The decision will then be yours.

Age is not a problem if you are in reasonable health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. Your surgeon will ask you to be evaluated by a physician for an opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery.

We expect most knees to last more than 15 years. However, there is no guarantee, and 5–10 percent may not last that long. A second replacement may be necessary.

Most surgeries go well, without any complications. Infection and blood clots are two serious complications that concern us the most. To avoid these complications, we use antibiotics and blood thinners. We also take special precautions in the operating room to reduce risk of infections, such as wearing “space suits,” which are full-head and -body operating garments that are exceptionaly sterile. The chances of acquiring an infection or developing a blood clot are 1 percent or less.

Yes. You should discuss preoperative physical therapy and exercise options with your surgeon. Exercises should begin as soon as possible.

We recommend that most people take at least one month off from work, even if your job allows you to sit frequently. More strenuous jobs will require a longer absence from work.

Rarely do patients need blood after the surgery.

You will be able to get out of bed the day of your surgery.

Most knee-replacement patients will be hospitalized for one day. If you need more time for rehabilitation, other options may be available to you.

Yes, but we will keep you comfortable with appropriate medication. We begin by managing your pain with pills following surgery and can give intravenous medication as needed. Your surgeon will discuss with you what pain control option is best for you in the hospital and at home.

We reserve approximately three to three-and-a-half hours for pre-operative preparation, surgery and recovery.

After deciding a date of admission and surgery, usually about 7 or 10 days prior to admission, we advise some Blood and Urine tests and a medical checkup by Physician. This is to make sure that you are fit for anaesthesia and operation. This will also help us detect if, at all, there is any active or recent infection in your body which can be treated before surgery.

Any active skin, dental or urinary infections are to go ahead for surgery and should be treated and documented in Lab reports! Patient is also required to inform the doctor regarding all the medicines being taken so as to stop certain drugs like blood thinner well ahead of surgery! All these reports can be done without any hassle in our hospital only.

Yes, but we will keep you comfortable with appropriate medication. We begin by managing your pain with pills following surgery and can give intravenous medication as needed. Your surgeon will discuss with you what pain control option is best for you in the hospital and at home.