Who needs a knee replacement?
Knee replacement is advised when knee damage causes pain and stiffness that limit daily life, and medicines, physiotherapy, weight loss and injections no longer help. Common reasons include:
- Osteoarthritis (age-related wear of the knee cartilage), the most common reason
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases
- Arthritis after an old knee injury or fracture
- Bow-leg or knock-knee deformity that keeps getting worse
- Severe pain at night or after walking a short distance
Types of knee replacement
- Total knee replacement (TKR): the whole joint surface is replaced. This is the most common option.
- Bilateral knee replacement: both knees in the same operation or the same trip, which saves a second journey.
- Partial knee replacement (UKR): only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, for arthritis limited to one side.
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement: a robotic arm helps the surgeon place the implant precisely.
- Revision knee replacement: replacing an old implant that has worn out or loosened.
Your surgeon will recommend the right option after examining your X-rays and your knee.
Reports to send before you travel
Send these on WhatsApp so our doctor and the surgeon can plan your treatment and give you a cost estimate:
- Standing X-rays of both knees (front and side views), taken in the last 3 months
- Recent blood tests: blood count, blood sugar and HbA1c, kidney function
- ECG, and an echo if you have any heart condition
- A list of all your current medicines and other illnesses
- Any previous knee surgery reports
How the surgery is done
Before surgery you have a full check-up in Chennai: blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray and a meeting with the surgeon and anaesthetist. The operation is usually done under spinal anaesthesia, so you are numb from the waist down and lightly sedated.
The surgeon removes the damaged surface of the thigh bone and shin bone, fits metal components shaped like a healthy joint, and places a smooth plastic insert between them. The kneecap may also be resurfaced. Most operations take 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery and your stay in Chennai
Physiotherapy starts the day after surgery. Most patients stand and walk with a walker on day 1 or 2 and climb stairs before going home. After 3 to 5 days in hospital you move to a hotel or service apartment near the hospital and continue daily physiotherapy.
Stitches or staples are usually removed around day 12 to 14, after which most patients are fit to fly home. Plan for about 2 to 3 weeks in India for one knee, slightly longer for both knees. Most people return to normal daily activities by 6 weeks, with full recovery over 3 to 6 months. We continue online follow-up after you return home.
What affects the cost of knee replacement in India
Knee replacement in India usually costs a fraction of private hospital prices in many other countries. Your exact cost depends on:
- One knee or both knees
- The implant type and brand
- Standard or robotic-assisted surgery
- The hospital and room category
- Other illnesses that need extra care, such as diabetes or heart disease
- Length of hospital stay and physiotherapy
Send your X-rays and reports for a free doctor review and a written cost estimate within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both knees replaced on the same trip?
Yes, if you are medically fit. Many international patients choose bilateral knee replacement to avoid a second journey. The surgeon decides after your check-up whether both knees can be done together or a few days apart.
How soon can I fly home after knee replacement?
Most patients fly home around 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, once the wound has healed and stitches are out. We advise compression stockings, moving your legs and drinking water on the flight to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Is knee replacement painful?
There is pain after surgery, but modern pain control, including nerve blocks and medicines, keeps most patients comfortable enough to walk on the first or second day.
How long does a knee implant last?
Most modern knee implants last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on activity, weight and bone quality.
This page gives general information to help you plan. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a doctor who has examined you. Your treating specialist in Chennai will confirm the right treatment for you.