Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement in Surat
Total knee replacement at Vedaant Orthopaedic Center, Surat, by Dr Dev Padia, MS Ortho (USA) — what the surgery involves, what recovery looks like, and what affects the cost.
In short: A total knee replacement removes the worn surfaces of all three compartments of the knee and replaces them with a metal and polyethylene implant. It is considered when arthritis pain no longer responds to medication, injections or physiotherapy. Most patients stand and walk with support within a day or two of surgery.
What a total knee replacement is
The word “replacement” is slightly misleading. The joint is not removed and swapped for a mechanical one. What actually happens is closer to resurfacing: a few millimetres of worn cartilage and bone are taken from the end of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone, and those surfaces are capped with metal components. A polyethylene bearing sits between them and does the job the cartilage used to do. The kneecap may or may not be resurfaced, depending on its condition.
The knee has three compartments — inner, outer, and the one behind the kneecap. A total replacement addresses all three. That is the difference between this and a partial replacement, which treats only one.
The operation usually takes between one and two hours. It is done under regional anaesthesia, often a spinal, or under general anaesthesia where that is more appropriate. Your ligaments are preserved where possible, and the implant is chosen to match your anatomy and the pattern of wear.
When a total knee replacement is considered
- Pain that continues despite months of medication and physiotherapy
- Pain at rest or at night, not only when walking
- Stiffness that limits stairs, squatting or getting out of a car
- X-rays showing advanced arthritis across all three compartments
- Deformity such as bowing of the leg, or a knee that gives way
- Shrinking walking distance that is affecting work and daily life
When it may not be the right operation
This is the section most clinic websites leave out, and it matters more than any of the promotional copy.
- Arthritis confined to one compartment. If only the inner or outer side is worn, a partial knee replacement may serve you better — it preserves more of your own bone and ligaments, and generally feels more like a natural knee.
- Active infection. An infection anywhere in the body, including dental infection, must be treated before an implant goes in. Implants and bacteria are a bad combination and the consequences are serious.
- Insufficient bone stock. Where bone quality is very poor, fixation becomes unreliable and the plan may need to change.
- Non-surgical treatment not properly tried. If you have not had a genuine course of physiotherapy, weight management and appropriate medication, surgery is premature.
- Pain that is not coming from the knee. Hip arthritis and spinal nerve compression both refer pain to the knee. Replacing a knee that was not the source of the pain leaves the patient no better off.
How the surgery is performed
- Anaesthesia — regional or general, decided with the anaesthetic team
- An incision over the front of the knee
- Worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone removed from the femur and tibia
- Trial components fitted, and alignment and stability checked through a full range of movement
- The final implant fixed in place, with or without cement
- A polyethylene bearing inserted between the metal components
- Closure, dressing, and transfer to recovery
Typical operating time is around one to two hours.
Book an appointment
Considering knee replacement? Start with an assessment.
Speak to the clinic directly. Open Monday to Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
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Recovery after total knee replacement
| Stage | What to expect | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Swelling and discomfort, controlled with medication. A drain and dressing in place. | Stand and take first steps with a walker under supervision. Ankle and breathing exercises begin. |
| Week 1 | Bruising spreads down the leg, which is normal. Sleep is often disturbed early on. | Walk short distances indoors with support. Begin bending exercises. Wound kept dry. |
| Week 2–6 | Stitches or clips removed. Swelling starts to settle. Movement improves week on week. | Walking distance increases, support reduces. Stairs practised. Physiotherapy is the main work of this period. |
| Month 3 | Most day-to-day activity is comfortable. Some swelling after long days is still normal. | Driving usually possible for the right leg once control returns. Return to desk work. |
| Month 6+ | Continued gradual improvement. The knee feels increasingly like your own. | Walking, cycling, swimming. High-impact sport is generally discouraged. |
Recovery varies between individuals. Your own timeline will depend on your age, general health, the condition of the joint before surgery and how rehabilitation progresses.
Risks and possible complications
Knee replacement is a common and generally reliable operation, but it is surgery and it carries risk. You should hear these before you consent, not after.
- Infection. Uncommon but serious, because an infected implant may need further surgery. Reduced by antibiotics at induction, strict theatre discipline, and treating other infections beforehand.
- Blood clots. Clots in the leg or lung. Reduced by early mobilisation, calf exercises, compression and blood-thinning medication where indicated.
- Stiffness. Some knees scar down and lose movement. Consistent physiotherapy in the first six weeks is the main protection, which is why that period matters so much.
- Loosening or wear over time. Implants have a finite service life. Higher body weight and higher activity shorten it.
- Nerve or vessel injury. Rare, and usually temporary numbness in a patch of skin beside the scar.
- Persistent pain. A minority of patients continue to have discomfort despite a technically sound replacement. This is discussed honestly before surgery.
What affects the cost of knee replacement in Surat
A fixed price quoted before assessment is not a meaningful number, because the variables below change it substantially. What can be explained clearly is what those variables are:
- Implant type and material. The largest single factor. Options differ in bearing material and fixation.
- One knee or both. Bilateral surgery in one sitting costs less than two separate admissions, but is not suitable for everyone.
- Length of hospital stay. A fast-track pathway shortens admission for suitable patients.
- Anaesthesia and theatre time. Complex or deformed knees take longer.
- Physiotherapy. How much supervised rehabilitation you need afterwards.
- Insurance. Whether the procedure is covered, and whether a cashless arrangement applies with your insurer.
Call the clinic on +91 6355 991 466 for an estimate based on your own assessment and insurance position.
Why patients choose Dr Padia for knee replacement
Dr Padia holds an MS in Orthopaedics with fellowship training at University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland, Careggi University Hospital in Italy, and the University of Utah in the United States.
The practice concentrates on the knee and hip rather than covering general orthopaedics, and takes on revision cases — correcting replacements that have worn, loosened or failed — which not every surgeon does. The clinic is open seven days a week, including Sunday mornings, which makes follow-up easier during the weeks when it matters most.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern implants are designed for long service life and the majority remain functional well beyond fifteen years. How long yours lasts depends on your age, weight, activity level and the implant used.
Will I be able to sit cross-legged or squat afterwards?
Many patients regain a good range of movement, but deep squatting and floor-sitting cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the implant, your movement before surgery and how rehabilitation goes. Raise this specifically before surgery if it matters to your household.
How long will I be in hospital?
A standard admission is usually a few days. Suitable patients on a fast-track pathway go home sooner. The decision depends on your pain control, how safely you are walking, and whether there is support at home.
When can I climb stairs again?
Stair practice usually begins during the first week with supervision, taking the operated leg down first and the good leg up first. Confident independent stairs typically returns over the following few weeks.
When can I drive?
Once you can bend the knee enough to sit comfortably, control the pedals and perform an emergency stop without hesitation, and are no longer taking strong painkillers. For a right knee this is usually longer than for a left. Check your insurer’s position too.
Is having both knees done at once an option?
Yes for some patients. It means one anaesthetic and one rehabilitation, but places greater demand on the heart, lungs and blood count. It suits fit patients whose knees are equally affected.
Is the surgery covered by insurance?
Knee replacement is covered by most health insurance policies in India, subject to waiting periods and policy terms. The clinic can tell you what documentation your insurer will need and whether a cashless arrangement applies.
What happens if I delay the surgery?
Delay is reasonable while non-surgical treatment is still helping. Prolonged delay beyond that allows deformity and muscle wasting to progress, which lengthens rehabilitation and can turn a straightforward replacement into a more complex one.
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Visit the clinic
Vedaant Orthopaedic CenterUG/9B Galloping Corridor, GD Goenka School Road
(Canal Road – VIP Road)
Surat, Gujarat 395007
| Monday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Medically reviewed by Dr Dev Padia, MS Ortho (USA)
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Vedaant Orthopaedic Center, Surat.
Last reviewed:
The information on this website is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own symptoms.