Knee Replacement (Total Knee Replacement)
What is Total Knee Replacement?
The knee joint is a hinge joint made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella), which slides along a groove at the end of the femur. Total Knee Replacement in Koramangala, Bangalore is a surgical procedure in which a painful or poorly functioning part of the knee is replaced with prosthetic components to reduce pain and restore mobility. It is often compared to “retreading an old tyre,” where the original structure is retained and only the worn-out surface is replaced.
Parts of the Knee Prosthesis
The knee prosthesis is designed to replace the damaged parts of the knee joint. It consists of the following components:
- Femoral component: This replaces the lower end of the thighbone (femur). It is made of metal and shaped to match the natural contour of the femur.
- Tibial component: This replaces the top end of the shinbone (tibia). It consists of a metal tray with a plastic bearing surface that glides against the femoral component.
When should Total Knee Replacement be considered?
A knee that is painful due to osteoarthritis, injury, or chronic inflammatory disease can significantly affect your ability to lead an active life.
What to expect during Total Knee Replacement Surgery
The surgery is usually performed under spinal anaesthesia. An incision is made at the front of the knee, and the kneecap is gently moved aside to expose the joint. The damaged joint surfaces of the femur and tibia are reshaped using specialized instruments so the prosthetic components fit accurately. The trial components are placed temporarily to assess knee stability and movement. Once confirmed, the final components are fixed permanently, often using special bone cement. The incision is closed in layers with sutures, a dressing is applied, and you are transferred to the recovery room.
The hospital stay usually ranges from 1 to 4 days. You will be discharged once you can safely get out of bed, walk with the help of a walker or crutches, and manage stairs if required. Physiotherapy exercises will be taught to help you recover faster. Full recovery from Total Knee Replacement in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore may take around 3 months.
Longevity and long term functional returns
Most activities important to Indian patients—such as sitting cross-legged, sitting on the floor, and climbing stairs—can be comfortably performed after recovery. Dr. Laxman advises the use of high-flexion knee implants to improve movement.
Most knee replacements perform well for 20–25 years when post-operative instructions and lifestyle modifications are followed.
FAQs
When Dr. Rewat suggests a total knee replacement, it is natural to have many questions.
Here, he addresses the most common queries shared by our patients.
Do I really need surgery?
Surgery may be recommended if knee pain becomes severe, medications and lifestyle modifications no longer help, daily activities are restricted, or dependence on others has increased. Other indications include knee deformities such as bow legs or knock knees.
What happens during surgery, and how long does it take?
- An incision is made at the front of the knee to expose the damaged joint.
- The incision usually measures about 4–5 inches.
- Damaged joint surfaces are reshaped.
- Metal and polyethylene components are placed to form an artificial joint.
- The artificial joint mimics the movement of a natural knee.
- Most knee replacement surgeries take about 30–45 minutes.
What are the knee implants?
Knee implants are made of metal and medical-grade plastic called polyethylene.
Dr. Rewat uses high-flexion implants to provide better stability and improved bending.
On average, knee replacements last for around 25 years.
Which anesthesia will be given to me? Is it safe?
All procedures involving anesthesia carry some risk. These risks are minimized through a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation and medical fitness assessment. Dr. Rewat consults physicians and cardiologists when required to ensure safety. Risks are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and appropriate optimization is planned.
The anesthesia options for total knee replacement include:
- Spinal or epidural anesthesia
- Regional nerve block anesthesia
The anesthesia team decides the safest option for you, and most knee replacements use a combination of these techniques.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
Post-surgical pain is usually well controlled, and your care team will ensure your comfort.
A nerve block is often given before surgery, and long-acting local anesthetics may be used during the procedure to reduce pain.
Pain-relief medications will be prescribed when you leave the hospital.
After recovery, knee pain is usually much less than before surgery.
Following your doctor’s instructions and physiotherapy plan ensures the best outcome.
Intravenous antibiotics are also given to reduce the risk of infection.
What can I expect during recovery and rehabilitation?
Most patients begin walking on the same day with the help of a walker or crutches.
A physiotherapist will guide knee movement, walking, and daily activities—often starting on the day of surgery.
Hospital discharge usually occurs within 2–3 days.
Physiotherapy continues at home for several weeks to improve strength and function.
Most patients recover within 4–6 weeks.