Knee Replacement Surgery
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Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee Replacement Surgery is nothing but removing damage part of knee and replace it with artificial metal joint. Dr. Gaurav Sharma is Renowned Knee Replacement Surgeon in Lucknowand specialised in performing knee joint replacement surgeries. operating surgery, surgeon will diagnose the condition of patient and and decides to go whether it is total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.
Knees play a significant role in movement. Each movement that you make from one place to another is dependent on your legs. So, if your knees are in pain, your movement is automatically restricted. So, what do you do when you experience Knee Joint Pain? Exercise, or probably go in for some treatment that can help you get some pain relief. But then, does it really help when you take medicines? Or, how long can you avoid the pain?
You might have to get yourself something more if your pain has become a chronic affair. So, for that, you’ll have to check how severe the pain is and how long you’ve been experiencing it. You might have to get a knee replacement surgery in case you are diagnosed with a condition that can cause you discomfort, and you’ve reached the right place when it comes to treating your knee joints. Here, we can guide you through on the basics of a knee replacement surgery.
Let’s first look at the knee.
The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the entire body and is often referred as the junction where the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone meet and help the body move from one place to another. The knee comprises of the following:
- Anterior and posterior ligaments
- Bones – The thigh and the shin bones, the knee cap (patella)
- Cartilage on the surface of the bones that are joining (for smooth functioning)
- Tendons
There is also a sac that secretes a lubricating fluid placed between the femur and the shin bones, which cushions them and allows smooth functioning. Sometimes you might experience dryness in the joint while moving which results in throbbing pain. Walking or even the smallest of the movement becomes difficult, and that’s when you need some oiling for your joints.
What causes knee joint pains?
There are many reasons that can be significant contributors to joint pains. Listed are some of the most common conditions that also lead to a lot many complications for which a knee replacement surgery becomes a necessity.
1. Obesity – Obesity is one of the most common causes of the knee joint getting affected to a large extent. The entire body weight falls on the knees adding a lot of pressure on the joint, which leads to stiffness, inflammation, and damage to the knee cartilage. This, over a period, might lead to the need for a knee replacement surgery.
2. Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis can be referred to an age related condition. It causes the knee cartilage to wear off with age and the bones start rubbing against each other. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms that you will notice. It usually occurs in people over the age of 50 and can lead to the cartilage completely getting damaged that brings the need for a knee replacement.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the defensive cells attack the healthy cells by mistake. This can affect any part of the body, and bones are the most affected. The articular cartilage completely wears of and causes pain, stiffness and extreme inflammation causing swelling around the knee joint.
4. Trauma – If you’ve had a very serious injury that has affected your knee joint, probably with fractures, you might have a possibility of having the tendons and ligaments damaged too. This can lead to the cartilage getting severely damaged over time causing you a lot of pain and stiffness. As a result you might need to get your knee replaced.
Every treatment will have a list of goods and bads, and when it comes to a treatment that requires you to go under the knife, it is bound to be a little painful. A knee replacement surgery is one among these surgical treatments that involves some amount of pain, but can relieve you from Chronic Knee Pain. So, here’s what it is.
What is a knee replacement surgery?
A surgical intervention called knee arthroplasty in medical terms and involves slicing out the damaged or decayed area of the knee joint and replacing it with a metal or plastic replacement joint. This artificial joint is specially designed to function as naturally as a natural joint.
The procedure involves your consultation and joint assessment as the first step of your treatment. This is the most important part and Dr. Madhu thumu, no doubt is known to be one of the best in assessing your condition. There are various types of knee replacement surgeries and they depend on the degree of damage that your knee joint has.
1. Total knee replacement: A total knee replacement surgery, also known as a primary knee replacement involves the entire joint to be replaced. It provides complete relief from pain and aids in smooth functioning of the knee. Post-surgery care plays an imperative role in alleviating pain and promoting better functionality and mobility.
2. Partial knee replacement: A partial or unicompartmental knee replacement surgery involves a small part of the cartilage being replaced with a plastic or metal prosthesis. It preserves the natural bones apart from the part that is damaged. It is performed with a smaller incision, and hence, causes less blood loss and less pain too.
3. Complex knee replacement: A complex knee replacement is usually done in case you have an extremely painful arthritic condition that leads to the damage of the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments which aid in the mobility of the knee joint. You might also need a complex knee replacement in case you have a previous under healed knee replacement surgery. A complex knee replacement surgery is a complex surgery which involves various complex implants that aid in bringing better range of motion.
4. High flex knee replacement: This is usually done for people suffering from osteoarthritis, yet desire to have a higher range of knee flexibility and motion. People who opt for a high flex knee replacement surgery are those who get back into an active lifestyle post surgery, or sports personalities.
5. Revision knee replacement: A revision knee replacement refers to a redo of a previous surgery. This is either done if the previous knee replacement fails or if the implanted prosthesis wears off over a period.
Advanced Knee Replacement Surgery in Lucknow
Restoring mobility and quality of life through precision-led surgical care with
Dr. Gaurav Sharma. Experience the next generation of knee arthroplasty with
personalized treatment plans.
Advanced Knee Replacement Surgery in Lucknow
Restoring mobility and quality of life through precision-led surgical care with
Dr. Gaurav Sharma. Experience the next generation of knee arthroplasty with
personalized treatment plans.
Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Knee Replacement
Patients often describe their knee problems in everyday language. The following are warning signs that your knee joint may be significantly damaged and warrants specialist assessment:
Stiffness in the morning lasting more than 30 minutes
Knee giving way or feeling unstable during walking
A locking or catching sensation when you bend or straighten the knee
Bowing of the leg or visible deformity of the knee
Difficulty rising from a chair or getting in and out of a car
Dependence on a walking stick or support where none was needed before
Knee giving way or feeling unstable during walking
Swelling and warmth around the knee that does not settle with rest
Pain while climbing or descending stairs
Night pain that disturbs sleep
Inability to walk more than a few hundred metres without stopping
Stiffness in the morning lasting more than 30 minutes
Knee giving way or feeling unstable during walking
A locking or catching sensation when you bend or straighten the knee
Bowing of the leg or visible deformity of the knee
Difficulty rising from a chair or getting in and out of a car
Dependence on a walking stick or support where none was needed before
Knee giving way or feeling unstable during walking
Swelling and warmth around the knee that does not settle with rest
Pain while climbing or descending stairs
Night pain that disturbs sleep
Inability to walk more than a few hundred metres without stopping
These symptoms alone do not confirm the need for surgery. A surgeon’s clinical examination, combined with imaging is essential before any decision is made.
When to see a doctor urgently?
While knee pain is often a gradual process, certain situations require prompt medical attention. Do not delay if you experience:
- Sudden inability to bear weight on the leg after a fall or accident
- Significant swelling appearing within hours of an injury
- A popping or cracking sound during a sports or trauma event followed by pain
- Fever combined with a hot, red, swollen joint (may indicate infection)
- Elderly patients who fall and cannot stand seek emergency evaluation immediately
- Any open wound near the knee joint
- Sudden dramatic worsening of previously manageable knee pain
How Is Knee Joint Replacement Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis guides the right treatment choice. At Orygyn Clinic, the process includes:
Clinical Examination
- Assessment of walking pattern (gait analysis)
- Range of motion measurement
- Stability testing of ligaments
- Assessment of muscle strength and alignment
- Evaluation of deformity – varus (bow leg) or valgus
Imaging
- Weight-bearing X-rays – essential to assess joint space narrowing, bone-on-bone contact, and alignment
- MRI scan – evaluates soft tissue structures, cartilage quality, and bone oedema; useful when the X-ray picture does not fully explain symptoms
- DEXA scan – bone density assessment, particularly in elderly patients or those on long-term steroids
Functional Assessment
- Stair climbing ability
- Walking distance before pain stops you
- Stability testing of ligaments
- Oxford Knee Score or WOMAC questionnaire to document baseline function
Blood Tests
- Full blood count, ESR, CRP – for inflammatory arthritis and infection screening
- Rheumatoid factor and anti- CCP – for rheumatoid arthritis
- Uric acid levels – to rule out gout as a contributing factor
- HbA1c, blood glucose – diabetes management is critical before elective joint surgery
Treatment Ladder for Knee Arthritis
Most patients do not require surgery. Treatment is usually approached in stages:
1) Non-Surgical Management
- Weight management
- Activity modification
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Home exercise programmes
2) Physiotherapy & Injections
- Specialized physiotherapy
- Knee braces
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- PRP injections
3) Minimally Invasive
- Arthroscopic procedures
- High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO)
- Joint preservation
techniques
4) Knee Replacement
- Severe persistent pain
- Limited walking distance
- Sleep disturbance
- Visible deformity
- Advanced arthritis on X-rays
Risks and Limitations of Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is a major surgical procedure. While outcomes are excellent in the majority of patients, informed consent includes discussion of the following:
General Surgical Risks
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism – blood clot risk is reduced with blood thinners, compression stockings, and early mobilisation
- Wound healing problems, particularly in patients with diabetes or poor circulation
- Anaesthetic reactions
Long-Term Limitations
- Implants are not lifetime devices – revision surgery may be needed in 10–20 years
- High-impact activities should be avoided to extend implant life
- Feeling of a ‘different’ knee is common – most patients adapt over time
Knee-Specific Risks
- Infection – the most feared complication; risk is 1–2% but requires thorough pre-operative screening and operative sterility
- Stiffness – inadequate physiotherapy or scar tissue formation can limit range of motion
- Implant loosening over time – well-fixed implants last 15–20 years in most patients
- Nerve or blood vessel injury – rare but possible
- Persistent pain despite surgery in a minority of patients
- Leg length discrepancy – usually minor and well-tolerated
Frequently Asked Questions
When is knee replacement surgery recommended?
Knee replacement surgery may be recommended when severe knee pain, stiffness, or joint damage continues to affect daily activities despite medications, physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle modifications. A clinical examination and imaging studies help determine whether surgery is appropriate.
What are the common signs that I may need a knee replacement?
Common signs include persistent knee pain while walking, difficulty climbing stairs, morning stiffness, swelling, knee instability, deformity, reduced walking distance, and pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.
What causes severe knee arthritis?
Severe knee arthritis may develop due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, previous knee injuries, post-traumatic arthritis, obesity, ageing, or long-term wear and tear of the knee joint.
How is knee replacement surgery diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a clinical examination, weight-bearing X-rays, and, in selected cases, MRI scans, blood tests, DEXA scans, and functional assessments to evaluate joint damage and overall knee function.
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients benefit from non-surgical treatment such as weight management, physiotherapy, medications, knee braces, activity modification, and injection therapies. Surgery is generally considered only when these treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
How long does recovery take after knee replacement surgery?
Recovery varies from person to person. Many patients begin assisted walking within 24 hours after surgery, while routine daily activities may gradually resume over the following weeks. Full recovery depends on individual health, rehabilitation, and the type of surgery performed.
Is physiotherapy necessary after knee replacement surgery?
Yes. Physiotherapy plays an important role in improving strength, flexibility, balance, and walking ability. Following the prescribed rehabilitation programme may help achieve better long-term function.
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
Like any major operation, knee replacement surgery carries potential risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant loosening, nerve or blood vessel injury, persistent pain, and the possibility of revision surgery in the future.
How long does a knee replacement implant last?
Modern knee replacement implants often function well for 15–20 years or longer. Implant longevity depends on factors such as age, activity level, body weight, implant type, and overall joint health.
Can both knees be replaced at the same time?
Some patients may be suitable for bilateral knee replacement surgery. The decision depends on overall health, fitness for surgery, severity of arthritis, and the surgeon’s clinical assessment.
When should I seek urgent medical attention for knee pain?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain after a fall or accident, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, fever with a hot and swollen knee, an open wound near the joint, or sudden worsening of symptoms.
Why should I choose Orygyn Clinic for knee replacement treatment?
Dr. Gaurav Sharma provides evidence-based orthopaedic care with comprehensive evaluation, personalised treatment planning, modern surgical techniques, structured rehabilitation, and continued follow-up to help patients make informed treatment decisions.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Why Choose Orygyn Clinic?
- Led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma, MMBS, MS Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Arthroplasty, Fellowship in Arthroscopy
- Trained at Medanta, Gurgaon and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
- Specialist in Joint replacement Surgery
- Modern operation theatre with laminar flow (infection control standard for joint surgery)
- Full orthopaedic and gynaecology facility under one roof
- Structured pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative protocols
- Dedicated physiotherapy support for rehabilitation
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Dr. Gaurav Sharma is one of the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lucknow. He is well known to provide patient-focused care and excellence in treating all conditions of Knee, Shoulder & other Orthopaedic problems.
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Dr. Ruchi Garg
Dr. Ruchi Garg is a dedicated Senior Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopy Surgeon with 23+ years of vast experience in clinical practice, surgeries & academics. She is well known for preferring & successfully conducting Normal Deliveries, even for her High-Risk Pregnancy Patients.