Overview:
There is a huge of number of people in the world who all are affected by arthritis, as a result of which they suffer from incapacitating pain which hinders their everyday activities – such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods. Total knee replacement or arthroplasty is a well-established treatment at the end stage of a degenerated knee joint. This operative treatment generally relieves pain, improves physical function, and has a high level of patient satisfaction, especially in the elderly. This procedure is recommended by a doctor if medications or other simpler forms of treatment do not help to alleviate the pain. This surgery helps a person to be more active and self-dependant.
What is Total Knee replacement?
A Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. The knee is a hinge joint which provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg. The thigh bone (or femur) abuts the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint. The term “Total Knee Replacement” is a misnomer. The knee is not being totally replaced; rather, the knee is simply being resurfaced. Only the worn-out arthritic ends of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) are removed and replaced.
Candidate for Total Knee replacement:
Whether to have total knee replacement surgery should be a cooperative decision made by you, your family, your family physician, and your orthopaedic surgeon. Your physician may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for a thorough evaluation to determine if you could benefit from this surgery. Alternatives to traditional total knee replacement surgery that your orthopaedic surgeon may discuss with you include a unicompartmental knee replacement or a minimally invasive knee replacement. Reasons that you may benefit from total knee replacement commonly include:
Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. You may find it hard to walk more than a few blocks without significant pain and you may need to use a cane or walker.
Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night
Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications
Knee deformity: a bowing in or out of your knee
Knee stiffness: inability to bend and straighten your knee
Failure to obtain pain relief from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, often are most effective in the early stages of arthritis. Their effectiveness in controlling knee pain varies greatly from person to person. These drugs may become less effective for patients with severe arthritis.
Inability to tolerate or complications from pain medications
Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as cortisone injections, physical therapy, or other surgeries
Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are age 60 to 80, but orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age. Total knee replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
Symptoms for Total Knee Replacement:
Night pain is particularly distressing. If dysfunction of the knee is causing significant reduction in the patient's quality of life, this should be taken into account. Correction of significant deformity is an important indication but is rarely used as the primary indication for surgery. Roentgenographic findings must correlate with a clear clinical impression of knee arthritis. Patients who do not have significant loss of joint space tend to be less satisfied with their clinical result following TKA. Exhaust all conservative treatment measures before considering surgery. Knee replacement has a finite expected survival that is adversely affected by activity level.3, 7, and 8 generally; it is indicated in older patients with more modest activities. It is also clearly indicated in younger patients who have limited function because of systemic arthritis with multiple joint involvements. Young patients requesting knee replacement, especially those with posttraumatic arthritis, are not excluded by age but must be significantly disabled and must understand the inherent longevity of joint replacement. Rarely, severe patellofemoral arthritis (see image below) may justify arthroplasty because the expected outcome of arthroplasty is superior to patellectomy. Isolated patellofemoral replacement still is undergoing clinical investigation.
Preparation for total knee replacement:
Before surgery, joints adjacent to the diseased knee are carefully evaluated. This is important to ensure optimal outcome from the surgery. Replacing a knee joint which is adjacent to a severely damaged joint may not yield significant improvement in function. Furthermore, all medications which the patient is taking are reviewed. Blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin may have to be adjusted or discontinued prior to surgery. Routine blood tests of liver and kidney function and urine tests are evaluated for signs of anemia, infection, or abnormal metabolism. Chest X-ray and EKG are performed to exclude significant heart and lung disease which may preclude surgery or anesthesia. Finally, it is less likely to have good long-term outcome if the patient's weight is greater than 200 pounds. Excess body weight simply puts the replaced knee at an increased risk of loosening and/or dislocation. A similar risk is encountered in younger patients who may tend to be more active, thereby adding trauma to the replaced joint.
Procedure for Total Knee replacement: The term “Total Knee Replacement” is a misnomer. The knee is not being totally replaced; rather, the knee is simply being resurfaced. Only the worn-out arthritic ends of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) are removed and replaced. Less than half an inch (~9mm) is removed from the ends of the bones and being replaced with metal and plastic caps, the TKA components. Total Knee Replacement is a Resurfacing and Realignment procedure. It is “Human Carpentry” in which the rough, arthritic, painful joint surfaces are removed and replaced with smooth-gliding metal and plastic surface components while the ligaments are realigned and balanced to straighten the knee. The procedure is designed to produce a pain-free stable knee that delivers better motion and better performance than your preoperative arthritic knee. Total Knee Replacement or Total Knee Arthroplasty is an implant procedure performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The operation lasts approximately two hours during which the damaged joint surfaces are resected and replaced with the metal and plastic implants. The procedure itself takes approximately 2 hours. Your orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position the new metal and plastic joint surfaces to restore the alignment and function of your knee. After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will remain for 1 to 2 hours while your recovery from anesthesia is monitored. After you awaken, you will be taken to your hospital room.
The Post-Op Course after Total Knee replacement:
Total Knee Replacement is generally an inpatient procedure. Immediately after the surgery, you will be placed in a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine which will passively move your knee through a range of motion while you are in bed. Physical Therapy is started on the day after the surgery and it involves joint mobilization, transfer training and walking. You will initially train at using a walker for transfers and walking. You may later transition to using crutches or a cane. If you can achieve a knee range of motion of 0 – 95 degrees, safely perform transfers and walk well, you will be discharged from the hospital and sent home with help to continue your recovery. If you seem to need more time to meet those goals and / or if you do not have sufficient help at home, you will be transferred to extended care rehabilitation center where you will continue your rehabilitation until you a safe to be discharged home. Within two weeks, you will become very independent in your activities and you will have returned to near your preoperative functional capabilities in activities of daily living. You will continue your rehabilitation through outpatient physical therapy and a home exercise program. Golfers often return to their recreational participation within four to six weeks. After hospital discharge, you will have regular follow-up visits at my office so that I can monitor your healing and guide your rehabilitation and activity until you achieve maximum medical recovery.
Recovery after Total Knee replacement:
It is important for patients to continue in an outpatient physical-therapy program along with home exercises for optimal outcome of total knee replacement surgery. Patients will be asked to continue exercising the muscles around the replaced joint to prevent scarring (contracture) and maintain muscle strength for the purposes of joint stability. The wound will be monitored by the attending physicians and their staff for healing. Patients also should watch for warning signs of infection including abnormal redness, increasing warmth, swelling, or unusual pain. It is important to report any injury to the joint to the doctor immediately. Future activities are generally limited to those that do not risk injuring the replaced joint. Sports that involve running or contact are avoided, in favor of leisure sports, such as golf, and swimming. Swimming is the ideal form of exercise, since the sport improves muscle strength and endurance without exerting any pressure or stress on the replaced joint. Patients are recommended to take antibiotics before, during, and immediately after any elective procedures in order to prevent infection of the replaced joint. Though infrequent, patients with total knee replacements can require a second operation years later. The second operation can be necessary because of loosening, fracture, or other complications of the replaced joint.
Alternatives to Total Knee replacement:
The decision to undergo total knee replacement surgery is yours. It is important that you be aware of your options, other than total knee replacement surgery. You may simply decide not to have surgery and live with your arthritic knee. The following is a list of alternatives to total knee replacement surgery you may wish to explore.
Specialized Braces: There are specialized braces that can be helpful in some cases of knee arthritis. These braces are designed to create a force which transfers load from an area of the knee where the cartilage is more worn, to an area of the knee where the cartilage is less worn. These braces are helpful in cases where there is still some cartilage remaining in the knee, and the pressure of the brace causes less discomfort than the knee arthritis.
Arthroscopy: There are less invasive surgical procedures available which can be helpful in some cases. These include arthroscopy. Arthroscopy requires only small incisions around the knee which allow the insertion of small instruments, which are about the size of a pen or pencil. With arthroscopy, degenerated and worn cartilage can be trimmed and smoothed, which reduces the source of inflammation. Additionally, the lining of the knee (the synovium), can be trimmed, and this also decreases inflammation.
Cartilage Transplantation: It is now possible to transplant articular cartilage from one location to another. Healthy cartilage, from an area of the knee that does not bear weight, can be transplanted into another area of the knee where weight-bearing cartilage has been damaged. Cartilage transplantation is best for localized areas of damaged cartilage in an otherwise healthy knee. Unfortunately, in most cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the degeneration and wear of articular cartilage involves the majority of the joint surfaces. Cartilage transplantation is not a good option in such cases.
Osteotomy: Some cases, where the leg is imperfectly aligned, can be treated by an osteotomy. An osteotomy is an operation that cuts the bone, either above or below the knee, and re-aligns the knee to a better position. This is a bigger operation than an arthroscopy and patients usually stay 1 or 2 days in the hospital. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the bone to heal. Physical therapy is usually required to restore knee motion and strength. Complete recovery takes a number of months. An Osteotomy is a good operation, especially for younger patients, and those where the leg is clearly not straight and the cartilage wear is confined to one portion of the knee.
Uni-Compartmental Arthroplasty: In a few cases, only a portion of the knee joint surfaces have worn out and need to the replaced. When only a portion of the knee is replaced, this is called a uni-compartmental arthroplasty. Patients usually stay 2 or 3 days in the hospital and it takes a couple of months for the knee to recover. Physical therapy is usually required to restore knee motion and strength. Unfortunately, in most cases of arthritis, the joint surfaces are diffusely worn. Uni-compartmental arthroplasty is, therefore, less commonly performed than total knee replacement.
Arthrodesis / Knee Fusion: In cases when the risk of failure of total knee replacement is considered to be very high, an Arthrodesis, or knee fusion may be recommended instead. In this operation, the ends of the femur and tibia bones are cut flat, the cut ends are pressed together such that the leg is just slightly bent, and then held in this position by pins, or plates and screws. Over a couple of months the ends of the bones grow together, hence the term knee fusion. The knee fuses in a nearly straight position and cannot be bent. Although the knee no longer moves, it is not painful and most patients walk with only a slight limp.
Total Knee Replacement in India:
Of late, India has become the most preferred medical destination for Total Knee Replacement. The reason behind this paradigm shift is the presence of hi end medical infrastructure abreast with state-of-art technologies which is virtually equivalent to those in USA, UK and Europe. India has some of the best orthopedic hospitals and treatment centers in the world and some truly superior facilities, with almost zero patients wait list. The hospitals and orthopedic medical centers have high end facilities, equipped with latest technology equipments and gadgets. Hospitals adhere to international standards of clinical care, safe environment, medication safety, respect for rights and privacy, international infection control standards.
The panel of Indian orthopaedic surgeons is highly qualified, having the experience of thousands of Total Knee Replacement surgeries - They are trained and worked in some of the prestigious medical centres in England, USA & Europe. They have a good success rate and are world renowned medical professionals known to cater service both India and abroad. And besides, India has world heritage places and exotic beaches, where the patients can rejuvenate while they recover following any orthopedic surgery.
The Total Knee Replacement in India is available at various hospitals in the following cities with latest amenities and state-of-art-facilities.
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
The cost of Total Knee Replacement in India: Significant cost difference is the key in bringing patients all across the world for Total Knee Replacement in India. India is not only cheaper but the waiting time is almost zero. This is due to the outburst of the private sector which is comprised of hospitals and clinics with the latest technology and best practitioners.
Procedure
USA ($)
Singapore($)
UK($)
India ($)
Total Knee Replacement
40,000
14,000
33,000
6,500
Knee replacement (unilateral)
32,000
13,000
30,000
5,500
Knee replacement (bilateral)
54,920
23,000
48,000
11,000
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Kenya
Ethiopia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Congo
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Nepal
Uzbekhistan
ABOUT INDIA
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.
Mumbai - Formerly known as Bombay, is the commercial & financial capital city of India. Mumbai is famous for many things, including its thriving Bollywood film industry, teeming bazaars, colonial-style buildings, Art Deco structures and a superb choice of restaurants, often being rated as the dining capital of India. The tourist district of Colaba in Mumbai is a great place to start exploring this great city.
Hyderabad – Hyderabad city is a great place to visit in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The place has witnessed a continuous growth for last many years. Hyderabad has become a tourist hotspot following ever increasing number of tourists during past few years. Hyderabad has a well-founded reputation as one of the safest cities in the world.
Goa - The country's smallest state and famed for its colonial Portuguese and Catholic past, most tourists visit Goa for its endless selection of sandy beaches and coastal attractions. Standing proudly next to the Arabian Sea, Goa is a particularly compact state and often feels like a large town, being easy to travel. Around Goa, tourists will soon realize that the state has much more to offer than simply stunning beaches, fishing, water scooters, windsurfing and scuba diving.
Bangalore - Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder and if you want to see one of the most beautiful places in India then Bangalore is the word for it. Bangalore has earned sobriquets like 'Silicon Valley of India', 'Pub Capital of India', and 'City of Gardens'. Pleasant climate with colorful gardens with lakes and glittering nightlife, Bangalore has made its own attraction for travelers as one of the most charming cities in India,
Nagpur - Nagpur is the largest city in central India, but with its friendly atmosphere and dependable transportation, you’ll instantly feel at home. The city of Nagpur has a well-built infrastructure, is a clean and affluent city which makes a good jumping-off point for a series of trips into the far eastern corner of Maharashtra..
Kerala - Welcome to Kerala, state in India's southern tip and a state known as God's Own Country. Kerala is one of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.
Delhi - Delhi, the capital of India is situated in the northern part of the country. Apart from being the capital of India, Delhi is also the travel hub of northern India. It serves as an excellent base for visiting the colorful state of Rajasthan, and Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, is less than three hours away. Discover the many tales behind Delhi’s ancient, bewitching existence. Feel the excitement of stepping foot on a piece of the world’s oldest land!
Pune - Pune is the eighth largest city in the India state of Maharashtra. The city derives its name from Punya Nagari, which means 'the city of virtuous deeds.'Pune or the 'Queen of Deccan' is known for its educational, research and development institutions. This beautiful city has many exotic locales attracting innumerable tourists.
Jaipur – Jaipur is located in India and attracts a flurry of tourists from all over the world. Sited within eastern Rajasthan, North India, the city of Jaipur is famed for its hilltop fortresses, magnificent royal palaces and historic pink-painted sandstone architecture, earning it the affectionate nickname of the 'Pink City'.
Chennai - Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its culture and tradition. Chennai hosts a large cultural event, which includes performances by hundreds of artists. The city has a vibrant theatre scene and is an important centre for the Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form.
Gurgaon – It is one of the four important satellite cities of the National Capital Region and is often referred to as the 'Millennium City.' Gurgaon has recently emerged as the latest hub for Medical Tourism. Apart from being IT hub and a favorite haunt for MNC offices, the city has a number of world class hospitals that not only treat Indian citizens but also people from outside.
Chandigarh - Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, Chandigarh is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly called “THE CITY BEAUTIFUL”.
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