Quick answer
Knee replacement surgery removes the worn-out surfaces of a damaged knee and replaces them with smooth metal and plastic implants. It is usually advised when arthritis causes severe pain and stiffness that limit walking, sleep and daily life, and medicines, physiotherapy and other treatments no longer help. Most people walk with support within a day of surgery and return to most daily activities in about three months.
Dr. Praful Kilaru
Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A knee examination and X-ray to see how much the joint is damaged
Knee Replacement at a Glance
Question
Typical answer
What is replaced?
The damaged joint surfaces, not the whole knee
How long does surgery take?
Usually about 1 to 2 hours
Hospital stay
Usually 3 to 5 days
When can I walk?
With a walker, usually within 24 hours
Return to most daily activities
About 6 to 12 weeks
Full recovery
Up to 6 months to 1 year
How long does the implant last?
Most last 15 to 20 years or more
These are typical figures. Your own timeline depends on your age, general health, the type of surgery and how regularly you do your exercises. For more detail, see how long the knee replacement operation takes.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Your knee is where three bones meet: the thigh bone, the shin bone and the kneecap. Their ends are covered with smooth cartilage that lets the knee bend and straighten easily.
When this cartilage wears away, usually because of osteoarthritis, the bones rub against each other and cause pain, swelling and stiffness. In knee replacement, the surgeon removes only the damaged surfaces and covers the bone ends with metal and plastic parts called implants. Your own muscles and, in most cases, ligaments are kept.
The main aims are to reduce pain, straighten a bent or bowed knee, and help you walk and live more comfortably.
Do You Need Knee Replacement?
Not everyone with knee pain needs an operation. Many people improve with simpler treatment. Knee replacement is usually considered when:
The most common cause is osteoarthritis. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis and old injuries that damaged the joint. Read the common signs you may need knee replacement surgery.
Not sure yet?
If your pain is recent or mild, a knee replacement is usually not the first step. Our knee pain treatment page explains other causes and treatments.
What Treatments Are Tried Before Surgery?
Surgery is not the first step. Most people first try simpler treatments, and some never need an operation:
These options are explained in our guide to non-surgical treatments for knee pain. If they stop working and the knee keeps getting worse, knee replacement may be the next step.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
The right type depends on how much of the knee is damaged, your age, activity level and general health.
Total knee replacement
All the worn surfaces of the knee are replaced. This is the most common type and suits arthritis that affects the whole knee. Read the full guide to total knee replacement surgery.
Partial knee replacement
Only the worn part of the knee is replaced and the healthy parts are kept. It suits damage limited to one area, with healthy ligaments.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
A robotic system helps the surgeon plan the operation and position the implants. The surgeon still performs the operation. It is not needed for everyone.
Bilateral knee replacement
Both knees are replaced, on the same day or at two different times. Doing both together suits only some patients who are fit enough.
Revision knee replacement
A second operation to fix or replace an older implant that has worn out, loosened or become infected. Learn more about knee revision surgery.
Watch: Dr. Praful Kilaru Explains Robotic Knee Surgery
In this Yashoda Hospitals Health Talk, Dr. Praful Kilaru explains why knee problems are common, when surgery is needed, how robotic-assisted knee replacement works and who stays in control during the operation.
Robotic assistance is a tool that helps the surgeon plan and position the implant. It is not needed for every patient, and recovery and results vary from person to person. Your surgeon will explain whether it suits your knee.
Which Type of Knee Replacement Is Right for You?
Type
What is replaced
Who it usually suits
Total
All worn surfaces of the knee
Arthritis across the whole knee
Partial
Only the damaged part
Damage in one part of the knee, healthy ligaments
Robotic-assisted
Same as total or partial, with robotic guidance
Selected patients, depending on the knee
Bilateral
Both knees
Arthritis in both knees, if health allows
Revision
An old knee implant
A previous knee replacement with a problem
Your surgeon will confirm the right option after examining you and reviewing your X-rays.
Robotic vs Conventional Knee Replacement
Feature
Conventional
Robotic-assisted
Who performs the surgery?
The surgeon
The surgeon, with robotic guidance
Planning
X-rays and surgical instruments
A computer plan of your knee
Implants used
Standard knee implants
Standard knee implants
Cost
Lower
Usually higher
Result
Good results in most patients
Similar overall; may help precision in some knees
Both methods can give good results. The surgeon's experience, your knee's condition and your rehabilitation matter more than the technology alone. See how robotic knee replacement cost in Hyderabad compares.
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?
Check-up and tests
The surgeon examines your knee and reviews X-rays. Blood tests, an ECG and a physician's fitness check make sure surgery is safe for you.
Anaesthesia
Usually a spinal injection that numbs the lower body, sometimes with sedation or general anaesthesia.
The operation
The damaged surfaces are removed, the bone ends are shaped and the implants are fixed in place. This usually takes about one to two hours.
Walking and going home
Most people stand and walk with a walker within a day, with the physiotherapist's help, and go home in a few days once they can walk safely.
The full day-by-day process is explained on our total knee replacement page.
How Long Is Recovery After Knee Replacement?
Most people walk with a walker within a day, move around the house in one to two weeks, walk more freely by about six weeks and return to most daily activities in about three months. Strength and comfort keep improving for up to a year.
Daily exercises are the most important part of recovery. Learn about our physiotherapy and rehabilitation support, or read the detailed knee replacement recovery timeline.
Is Knee Replacement Painful?
You will not feel pain during the operation because of anaesthesia. After surgery there is some pain and swelling, which is controlled with medicines and ice and eases over the following weeks. Most people find their knee much less painful than before surgery once they recover. Read more on whether knee replacement is painful.
What Are the Risks of Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is a common and well-established operation, but like any surgery it has some risks:
Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and weight before surgery, and following your exercises afterwards, helps lower these risks. Tell your doctor about all your health problems and medicines.
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?
Most knee implants keep working well for 15 to 20 years or more. Body weight, activity level and general health affect how long they last. If an implant wears out or loosens, a revision operation can usually replace it. Read more about how long a knee replacement lasts.
How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost in Hyderabad?
The cost depends on the type of surgery, whether one or both knees are replaced, the implant, the hospital room and the length of stay. Health insurance usually covers knee replacement when it is medically needed.
For price ranges, what is included and how insurance works, read our guide to knee replacement surgery cost in Hyderabad. You can get a written estimate for your own surgery after a check-up.
Why Consult Dr. Praful Kilaru for Knee Replacement in Hyderabad?
Dr. Praful Kilaru is a Senior Consultant Joint Replacement and Complex Trauma Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, with 18 years of orthopaedic experience. His qualifications include MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) and an AO Trauma Fellowship from Davos.
At your consultation, you can discuss:
Read what patients say on our testimonials page, or learn more about Dr. Praful Kilaru's orthopaedic practice in Hyderabad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery
What is the best age for knee replacement?
There is no fixed best age. Most patients are between 60 and 80, but the decision depends on how severe the pain is, how damaged the knee is and your general health, not on age alone.
Is knee replacement a major surgery?
Yes, it is a major operation, but it is one of the most common and well-established joint operations. Most people are up and walking with support within a day.
What is the success rate of knee replacement?
Most patients get good pain relief and better movement. Studies show that around 8 to 9 out of 10 people are satisfied with their knee replacement.
Can I walk normally after knee replacement?
Most people walk with a walker within a day, often without support by about six weeks, and walk much more comfortably than before surgery once they recover.
How long does it take to recover from knee replacement?
Most people return to daily activities in about three months, but full recovery of strength and movement can take six months to a year.
When can I climb stairs and drive after knee replacement?
Many people manage stairs with support before going home. Driving is usually possible after about four to six weeks, once you can bend the knee well and brake safely. Ask your surgeon before driving.
What should you not do after knee replacement?
Avoid high-impact activities like running and jumping, deep squatting, kneeling on the new knee for long periods and sitting cross-legged unless your surgeon says it is safe.
Is total knee replacement better than partial knee replacement?
Neither is better for everyone. Total knee replacement suits arthritis across the whole knee, while partial replacement suits damage limited to one area.
Is robotic knee replacement better?
Not always. Robotic assistance may help with planning and implant positioning in some knees, but many people do very well with conventional knee replacement.
Can both knees be replaced at the same time?
Yes, in some patients who are fit and healthy. Others are safer having one knee done at a time. Your surgeon will advise you.
Does insurance cover knee replacement in Hyderabad?
Most health insurance policies cover knee replacement when it is medically necessary. Check your policy's waiting period, room-rent limits and implant coverage with your insurer and the hospital.
What happens if I delay knee replacement?
Delaying is often safe while you can manage the pain. However, very long delays can lead to more deformity, weaker muscles and a harder recovery. Watch for early signs of arthritis in the knees and get checked early.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment choices, recovery times and results vary from person to person and should be discussed with your surgeon.
