What is knee replacement?
In a knee replacement operation, only the worn out soft cartilage, which normally covers the end of the bone, is replaced. It’s like capping the bone ends. This cap is fixed at the end of the bones and most of the time the operation is done under local anaesthesia by just making your legs numb while you remain fully awake.

Do I need a knee replacement?
Some patients with damaged knee continue to manage reasonably well with non-operative treatment methods. At most times, they even avoid surgery because they’re not sure whether their knee is bad enough to be replaced. On doing this, however, chances are that the patients may develop deformities, get intolerable pain, lose control and fall.

How long can I postpone the operation?
At most times, even though surgery is the only option, patients keep looking for ways of postponing their operation, which often leads to complications. In fact, waiting in these cases is like inviting trouble. If the patient continues to walk on an arthritic knee, the legs can get deformed, the ligaments supporting the knee may get stretched out, the muscles become weak and the bones get worn out. Then, surgery becomes inevitable.

What is the benefit of a knee replacement operation?
After the knee replacement, your deformity will be corrected, your pain will be reduced and the knee regains strength. You can, thus, go for walks, go up and down the stairs, go shopping and lead a normal life.

Will I be able to tolerate the operation at this old age?
Knee replacement operation is rarely done before the age of 55 years. In fact, it is only done in old age.

Is the operation painful?
Modern pain management techniques have made this operation practically painless. Some of the Techniques used are the same as used for ‘painless labour’.

What are the chances of my recovery?
According to the success rate, in 95% of the cases, the knee will become pain-free, regain strength and look straight. The chances of failure are 5% and these are usually patients who come for surgery too late. Such cases may take a little longer to recover.

How long will it take to recover?
On an average, when both knees are operated upon together, the usual time to walk without support is six weeks. However, when only one knee is replaced, it takes nothing more than three weeks.

What should you expect during hospitalization?
You will be admitted a day before surgery. On the day of the surgery, you will be taken to the operation theatre in the morning for an hour long operation. You shall be then kept in the ICU that day and you can return to your room the next day.

How long will I be hospitalized?
The usual period of hospitalization is between five to seven days. Once discharged from the hospital, you will be able to take a few steps and walk to the toilet. It is at this stage of recovery what you can be safely sent home.

What is the post-operative requirement?
Once you are discharged from the hospital, the Max knee care team will take care of you. Your stitches will be removed. And two weeks after the surgery, our specialist physio will help you learn exercises that you will require