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Knee Replacement Surgery in Mumbai by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

A Complete Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery in Mumbai

Knee replacement surgery is performed to reduce pain and improve function when an arthritic or severely damaged knee is no longer responding adequately to appropriate non-surgical treatment.

The operation may be considered when knee symptoms interfere substantially with:

  • Walking

  • Stair climbing

  • Getting up from a chair

  • Standing

  • Work

  • Travel

  • Sleep

  • Exercise

  • Household activities

  • Independence

The decision should not be based on an X-ray report alone.

A complete assessment should consider:

  • Pain severity and frequency

  • Comfortable walking distance

  • Knee stiffness

  • Swelling

  • Knee movement

  • Bow-leg or knock-knee deformity

  • Instability

  • Night or rest pain

  • Arthritis distribution

  • Previous injuries or operations

  • Medical fitness

  • Response to non-surgical treatment

  • Patient goals and expectations

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai with a focused clinical practice in knee arthritis assessment, total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement and revision knee surgery.

Quick Answer: What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone from the arthritic surfaces of the knee.

The prepared surfaces are resurfaced using:

  • Metal components on the femur and tibia

  • A medical-grade plastic bearing between the components

  • A kneecap component in selected cases

The objective is to:

  • Reduce arthritic pain

  • Improve alignment

  • Improve stability

  • Improve walking

  • Improve daily function

  • Correct clinically significant deformity where appropriate

The whole knee is not removed.

The damaged joint surfaces are prepared and resurfaced while important muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels around the knee are preserved.

When Is Knee Replacement Considered?

Knee replacement may be considered when:

  • Pain occurs on most days

  • Walking distance is substantially reduced

  • Stairs are severely difficult

  • The patient struggles to get up from a chair

  • Pain disturbs sleep

  • Pain occurs while resting

  • The knee is becoming progressively deformed

  • The knee is stiff or unstable

  • Swelling repeatedly returns

  • Important activities have been abandoned

  • Suitable non-surgical treatment is ineffective or unsuitable

  • Imaging confirms arthritis that corresponds with the symptoms

The operation is not automatically required because an X-ray mentions:

  • Grade 3 arthritis

  • Grade 4 arthritis

  • Osteophytes

  • Joint-space narrowing

  • Bone-on-bone changes

Read When Does Knee Arthritis Need Knee Replacement?.

Which Conditions May Require Knee Replacement?

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement.

It may cause:

  • Cartilage loss

  • Joint-space narrowing

  • Osteophytes

  • Bone remodelling

  • Swelling

  • Stiffness

  • Deformity

  • Progressive functional limitation

Learn more about Knee Arthritis Treatment in Mumbai.

Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis can damage:

  • Cartilage

  • Bone

  • Joint lining

  • Ligaments

  • Several knee compartments

Medical treatment from a rheumatologist remains important even when replacement becomes necessary.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Arthritis may develop after:

  • Tibial plateau fracture

  • Distal femur fracture

  • ACL or another ligament injury

  • Meniscal damage

  • Cartilage injury

  • Previous knee surgery

Read Post-Traumatic Knee Arthritis.

Osteonecrosis

Reduced blood supply may damage part of the bone supporting the joint surface.

Treatment depends on:

  • Extent of bone involvement

  • Collapse

  • Pain

  • Patient age

  • Remaining cartilage

Severe Knee Deformity

Advanced arthritis may cause:

  • Bow-leg deformity

  • Knock-knee deformity

  • Fixed flexion deformity

  • Ligament imbalance

  • Instability

Read Bow-Leg and Knock-Knee Arthritis.

When Is Knee Replacement Not Usually Appropriate?

Replacement may not be appropriate when:

  • Symptoms are mild

  • Walking and daily function remain acceptable

  • Arthritis does not explain the pain

  • Pain is primarily coming from the hip or spine

  • The patient has not received appropriate non-surgical care

  • Expectations are unrealistic

  • An active infection is present

  • Surgical risk exceeds the likely benefit

  • The patient does not want surgery

  • Rehabilitation cannot be completed

  • Another procedure is more suitable

Knee replacement should not be performed only to improve the appearance of an X-ray.

Non-Surgical Treatment Before Knee Replacement

Appropriate non-surgical care may include:

  • Therapeutic exercise

  • Physiotherapy

  • Weight management when relevant

  • Activity modification

  • Suitable pain or anti-inflammatory medication

  • Walking aids

  • Bracing in selected patients

  • Selected injection treatment

A patient does not need to try every advertised supplement, injection or alternative treatment before surgery.

Treatment should be:

  • Clinically appropriate

  • Medically safe

  • Evidence-informed

  • Reasonably likely to help

Read:

Can GFC or Another Injection Avoid Knee Replacement?

GFC therapy may be considered in selected patients with symptomatic mild or moderate knee osteoarthritis.

It may help some patients with:

  • Pain

  • Activity tolerance

  • Participation in rehabilitation

  • Temporary functional improvement

GFC cannot reliably:

  • Restore advanced lost joint space

  • Correct major deformity

  • Reverse bone-on-bone arthritis

  • Stabilise every severely arthritic knee

  • Guarantee that replacement will never be required

A severely deformed or unstable knee with major functional limitation may obtain inadequate benefit from repeated injections.

Learn more about GFC Therapy for Knee Arthritis.

Evaluation Before Knee Replacement

A knee-replacement assessment may include:

  • Detailed symptom history

  • Walking and stair assessment

  • Examination of knee movement

  • Ligament-stability testing

  • Assessment of muscle strength

  • Standing-alignment assessment

  • Review of previous treatment

  • Weight-bearing X-rays

  • Medical and anaesthetic evaluation

  • Discussion of expectations

The assessment should confirm:

  1. Arthritis is the principal cause of pain.

  2. The degree of disability justifies surgery.

  3. Non-surgical treatment is ineffective or unsuitable.

  4. Replacement is likely to improve the patient’s main functional problem.

  5. Medical risks can be appropriately managed.

  6. The patient understands the operation and rehabilitation.

X-Rays Before Knee Replacement

Weight-bearing X-rays may show:

  • Joint-space narrowing

  • Bone-on-bone changes

  • Osteophytes

  • Subchondral sclerosis

  • Bone loss

  • Bow-leg deformity

  • Knock-knee deformity

  • Patellofemoral arthritis

  • Previous fracture changes

  • Existing implants

Views may include:

  • Standing front view

  • Lateral view

  • Skyline or patellofemoral view

  • Flexed weight-bearing view

  • Long-leg alignment view

Read Knee Arthritis Diagnosis: Examination, X-Ray and MRI.

Is MRI Required Before Knee Replacement?

MRI is not routinely necessary when:

  • Symptoms are typical of advanced arthritis

  • Weight-bearing X-rays clearly show the disease

  • The examination corresponds with the imaging

  • MRI would not alter treatment

MRI may be considered when:

  • Symptoms are unusual

  • X-rays do not explain the pain

  • Another condition is suspected

  • A joint-preservation procedure is being considered

  • A specific soft-tissue question may change management

An MRI report alone should not determine whether replacement is needed.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

The principal surgical options include:

  • Total knee replacement

  • Partial knee replacement

  • Patellofemoral replacement in selected cases

  • Robotic-assisted knee replacement

  • Conventional knee replacement

  • Bilateral knee replacement

  • Revision knee replacement

The correct procedure depends on:

  • Which compartments are damaged

  • Ligament condition

  • Knee alignment

  • Bone quality

  • Previous surgery

  • Patient age

  • Activity expectations

  • Deformity

  • Surgeon assessment

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is used when arthritis affects several parts of the knee or when the knee is unsuitable for compartment-specific replacement.

The operation usually resurfaces:

  • Lower end of the femur

  • Upper end of the tibia

  • Kneecap surface in selected patients

It may be appropriate when there is:

  • Multicompartment arthritis

  • Severe pain

  • Significant deformity

  • Major stiffness

  • Ligament imbalance

  • Inflammatory arthritis

  • Advanced post-traumatic arthritis

Learn more about Total Knee Replacement in Mumbai.

Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment.

It may be considered when:

  • Arthritis is confined to one suitable compartment

  • Symptoms correspond with that compartment

  • Ligaments are appropriate

  • Remaining compartments are sufficiently preserved

  • Deformity is within an acceptable and correctable range

  • Knee movement is satisfactory

Partial replacement is not selected only because the incision may be smaller.

Patient selection is essential.

Learn more about Partial Knee Replacement in Mumbai.

Patellofemoral Replacement

Patellofemoral replacement resurfaces the joint between the kneecap and femur.

It may be considered in selected patients with:

  • Isolated advanced patellofemoral arthritis

  • Preserved inner and outer knee compartments

  • Symptoms corresponding with the patellofemoral joint

  • Appropriate alignment and stability

It is not suitable when arthritis is widespread.

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Robotic technology may assist the surgeon with:

  • Preoperative planning

  • Assessment of anatomy and alignment

  • Bone preparation

  • Implant positioning

  • Evaluation of joint balance

The surgeon remains responsible for:

  • Diagnosing the condition

  • Recommending surgery

  • Selecting the implant

  • Determining alignment

  • Performing the operation

  • Managing complications

  • Planning rehabilitation

The robotic system does not independently perform the surgery.

Learn more about Robotic Knee Replacement in Mumbai.

Conventional Knee Replacement

Conventional knee replacement uses established surgical instruments and alignment guides to prepare the bone and position the implants.

Successful conventional replacement depends on:

  • Appropriate patient selection

  • Accurate surgical technique

  • Implant positioning

  • Ligament balance

  • Infection prevention

  • Rehabilitation

Technology should support surgical judgement rather than replace it.

Robotic assistance is not automatically necessary for every knee replacement.

Robotic Versus Conventional Knee Replacement

The choice may depend on:

  • Individual anatomy

  • Deformity

  • Previous surgery

  • Available system

  • Surgeon experience

  • Hospital infrastructure

  • Cost

  • Surgical plan

Robotic systems may provide additional planning and intraoperative information.

However, long-term success still depends on:

  • Correct indication

  • Surgical execution

  • Implant selection

  • Alignment strategy

  • Ligament balance

  • Medical health

  • Rehabilitation

Neither technique can guarantee a completely pain-free or normal-feeling knee.

Bilateral Knee Replacement

When both knees have advanced symptomatic arthritis, treatment options may include:

  • Replacing only the more symptomatic knee

  • Staged bilateral replacement

  • Simultaneous bilateral replacement in carefully selected patients

  • Replacing one knee while continuing non-surgical treatment for the other

Simultaneous replacement places greater immediate physiological and rehabilitation demands on the patient.

Suitability depends on:

  • Heart and lung health

  • Kidney function

  • Anaemia

  • Diabetes control

  • Frailty

  • Muscle strength

  • Home support

  • Severity of both knees

Read Knee Arthritis in Both Knees.

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement is performed when a previous implant requires partial or complete replacement.

Possible reasons include:

  • Infection

  • Implant loosening

  • Wear

  • Instability

  • Stiffness

  • Fracture around the implant

  • Implant malposition

  • Bone loss

  • Persistent pain from a defined cause

Revision surgery may require:

  • Specialised implants

  • Longer stems

  • Metal augments

  • Bone grafts

  • Greater ligament constraint

  • More detailed infection testing

Revision surgery is different from primary knee replacement and may involve a longer recovery.

Learn more about Revision Knee Replacement in Mumbai.

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparation may include:

  • Medical evaluation

  • Blood tests

  • Urine tests when indicated

  • ECG

  • Chest or cardiac assessment when required

  • Diabetes optimisation

  • Anaemia treatment

  • Medication review

  • Skin assessment

  • Infection screening

  • Physiotherapy or prehabilitation

  • Home preparation

  • Planning family support

The preparation plan depends on:

  • Age

  • Medical conditions

  • Previous operations

  • Surgical complexity

  • Anaesthetic assessment

Medication Review Before Surgery

Patients should disclose:

  • Blood-thinning medicines

  • Diabetes medicines

  • Blood-pressure medicines

  • Steroids

  • Immunosuppressive medicines

  • Supplements

  • Herbal medicines

  • Over-the-counter pain medicines

Medicines should not be stopped or continued without instructions from the treating team.

Diabetes and Knee Replacement

Patients with diabetes may undergo knee replacement, but appropriate glucose control is important.

Poor control may increase risks related to:

  • Infection

  • Wound healing

  • Medical complications

  • Recovery

The surgeon, physician and anaesthesia team may recommend optimisation before surgery.

Heart Surgery or Cardiac Disease

A history of cardiac surgery or heart disease does not automatically prevent knee replacement.

Assessment may include:

  • Current cardiac symptoms

  • Heart function

  • Antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment

  • Cardiologist evaluation

  • Anaesthetic risk

  • Ability to participate in rehabilitation

Surgical planning should be individualised.

Anaesthesia for Knee Replacement

Possible anaesthesia techniques include:

  • Spinal anaesthesia

  • General anaesthesia

  • Regional nerve blocks

  • A combination of techniques

The anaesthesia team considers:

  • Medical history

  • Heart and lung health

  • Medication

  • Previous anaesthesia experience

  • Surgical plan

  • Patient preference where appropriate

Regional nerve blocks may also form part of postoperative pain management.

How Knee Replacement Surgery Is Performed

The precise technique varies, but the principal steps may include:

1. Surgical Exposure

An incision is made over the front of the knee, and the joint is carefully exposed.

2. Removal of Damaged Surfaces

Damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone are removed from the femur and tibia.

3. Bone Preparation

The bone is prepared according to the implant design and surgical plan.

4. Trial Components

Trial components may be inserted to assess:

  • Alignment

  • Stability

  • Knee movement

  • Ligament balance

  • Implant size

5. Final Implant Placement

The definitive metal components are fixed to the bone.

6. Plastic Bearing

A medical-grade plastic insert is placed between the metal components.

7. Kneecap Assessment

The kneecap is evaluated and may be resurfaced in selected cases.

8. Closure

The joint and skin are closed, and a sterile dressing is applied.

How Long Does Knee Replacement Surgery Take?

A straightforward primary knee replacement commonly takes approximately one to two hours.

The duration may be longer when there is:

  • Severe deformity

  • Previous surgery

  • Retained hardware

  • Bone loss

  • Major stiffness

  • Complex ligament imbalance

  • Revision surgery

Time in the operating theatre also includes anaesthesia preparation and recovery processes.

Knee-Replacement Implants

Implants usually include:

  • A metal femoral component

  • A metal tibial component

  • A medical-grade polyethylene bearing

  • A patellar component when used

Implant selection depends on:

  • Knee anatomy

  • Bone quality

  • Ligament condition

  • Deformity

  • Patient size

  • Surgical plan

  • Surgeon familiarity with the system

No single implant is universally best for every patient.

Cemented and Cementless Fixation

Cemented Fixation

Bone cement is used to secure the components.

It has a long clinical history and may be suitable for many patients.

Cementless Fixation

The implant surface is designed to allow bone growth into or onto the component.

Suitability may depend on:

  • Bone quality

  • Patient age

  • Implant design

  • Surgeon preference

  • Surgical findings

Neither fixation method should be selected from marketing claims alone.

Does the Kneecap Always Need Resurfacing?

No.

The decision may depend on:

  • Patellofemoral cartilage condition

  • Kneecap anatomy

  • Implant design

  • Surgical philosophy

  • Patient-specific factors

Some surgeons routinely resurface the patella, while others use selective resurfacing.

The expected benefits and limitations should be discussed where relevant.

Hospital Stay

Hospital stay varies according to:

  • Medical condition

  • Type of surgery

  • Pain control

  • Walking ability

  • Physiotherapy progress

  • Home support

  • Hospital protocol

Some patients may be discharged relatively early, while others require a longer stay.

Safe discharge usually requires:

  • Stable medical condition

  • Acceptable pain control

  • Ability to walk safely with assistance

  • Ability to manage essential transfers

  • A suitable home plan

Pain Management After Surgery

Pain after knee replacement is expected, particularly during the early recovery period.

Management may include:

  • Regional nerve blocks

  • Local anaesthetic techniques

  • Paracetamol where suitable

  • Anti-inflammatory medicine where medically appropriate

  • Short-term opioid medicine where required

  • Cold application

  • Elevation

  • Movement

  • Swelling control

The objective is not necessarily complete absence of pain.

It is to provide enough relief for:

  • Walking

  • Knee movement

  • Sleep

  • Physiotherapy

  • Recovery

When Can Patients Walk?

Early mobilisation is commonly encouraged on the day of surgery or the following day, depending on:

  • Anaesthesia recovery

  • Muscle control

  • Blood pressure

  • Pain

  • Medical stability

  • Surgical instructions

Walking may initially require:

  • Walker

  • Crutches

  • Walking stick

  • Physiotherapist assistance

The walking aid is reduced when balance, strength and control are adequate.

Early walking does not mean that the knee has fully recovered.

Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement

Physiotherapy may focus on:

  • Knee straightening

  • Knee bending

  • Quadriceps activation

  • Walking pattern

  • Transfers

  • Stair training

  • Balance

  • Swelling management

  • Progressive strengthening

  • Return to daily activities

The programme should be individualised.

Excessively aggressive exercise may increase:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Muscle guarding

  • Difficulty sleeping

Insufficient movement may contribute to:

  • Weakness

  • Stiffness

  • Poor walking

  • Delayed recovery

The appropriate balance is progressive, consistent rehabilitation.

Recovery Timeline After Knee Replacement

Recovery varies significantly.

First Few Days

The priorities may include:

  • Pain control

  • Wound monitoring

  • Blood-clot prevention

  • Knee movement

  • Walking with support

  • Safe transfers

  • Breathing exercises

  • Discharge planning

First Two Weeks

Patients may work on:

  • Reducing swelling

  • Wound care

  • Walking safely

  • Knee straightening

  • Progressive bending

  • Basic strengthening

  • Independence in daily activities

Bruising, swelling, warmth and tiredness can remain present.

Three to Six Weeks

Many patients gradually improve:

  • Walking

  • Balance

  • Chair rise

  • Stair use

  • Sleep

  • Confidence

Some patients may return to sedentary work during this period, depending on recovery and medical advice.

Six to Twelve Weeks

Patients may develop:

  • Greater walking endurance

  • Better muscle strength

  • Improved knee control

  • Less dependence on walking aids

  • Greater participation in routine activities

Three to Twelve Months

Further improvement may occur in:

  • Strength

  • Endurance

  • Swelling

  • Confidence

  • Functional movement

  • Awareness of the artificial joint

Recovery is not complete merely because the wound has healed.

When Can Patients Drive?

Driving depends on:

  • Which knee was operated on

  • Muscle control

  • Reaction time

  • Ability to enter and exit the vehicle

  • Pain

  • Medication

  • Surgeon advice

Patients should not drive while taking medicines that impair alertness or reaction time.

A fixed universal date is inappropriate.

Returning to Work

Return to work depends on:

  • Job demands

  • Travel

  • Standing requirements

  • Walking requirements

  • Lifting

  • Recovery progress

  • Medical health

A desk-based job may permit an earlier return than physically demanding work.

Heavy work may require:

  • Longer rehabilitation

  • Workplace modification

  • Gradual return

  • Permanent activity adjustments in selected cases

Stairs After Knee Replacement

Patients are usually taught stair techniques during rehabilitation.

Early stair use may require:

  • Handrail

  • Walking aid

  • One step at a time

  • Supervision

Stair ability improves with:

  • Quadriceps strength

  • Knee movement

  • Balance

  • Pain reduction

  • Confidence

Expected Benefits

Appropriately selected patients may experience improvement in:

  • Arthritic pain

  • Walking

  • Alignment

  • Stability

  • Stair function

  • Sleep

  • Daily activities

  • Independence

  • Quality of life

The operation is primarily intended to reduce arthritic pain and improve function.

What Knee Replacement Cannot Guarantee

Knee replacement cannot guarantee:

  • A completely normal-feeling knee

  • Complete absence of pain

  • Unlimited bending

  • Comfortable deep squatting

  • Comfortable kneeling

  • Return to every high-impact sport

  • Unlimited implant life

  • Absence of complications

  • Identical recovery for every patient

Some patients continue to notice:

  • Clicking

  • Numbness around the scar

  • Mild stiffness

  • Swelling after activity

  • Awareness that the knee is artificial

Expectations should be discussed before surgery.

Range of Movement After Surgery

Postoperative knee movement is influenced by:

  • Movement before surgery

  • Severity of stiffness

  • Deformity

  • Pain control

  • Swelling

  • Scar formation

  • Rehabilitation

  • Previous operations

  • Patient participation

Knee replacement is not performed to guarantee a particular bending angle.

The functional goal is generally enough movement for:

  • Walking

  • Sitting

  • Chair rise

  • Stair use

  • Entering a car

  • Daily activities

Risks and Possible Complications

Potential risks include:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Bleeding

  • Anaesthetic complications

  • Heart or lung complications

  • Stiffness

  • Persistent pain

  • Instability

  • Fracture

  • Nerve or blood-vessel injury

  • Wound-healing problems

  • Implant loosening

  • Bearing wear

  • Need for further surgery

Individual risk may be affected by:

  • Diabetes

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Heart disease

  • Kidney disease

  • Anaemia

  • Frailty

  • Previous knee surgery

  • Infection history

  • Poor nutrition

  • Rehabilitation limitations

Reducing Surgical Risk

Risk-reduction measures may include:

  • Medical optimisation

  • Diabetes control

  • Smoking cessation

  • Treatment of anaemia

  • Skin and infection assessment

  • Medication review

  • Blood-clot prevention

  • Appropriate antibiotics

  • Early mobilisation

  • Wound care

  • Fall prevention

  • Structured rehabilitation

No protocol can eliminate every complication.

Warning Signs After Surgery

Contact the treating team promptly for:

  • Increasing wound redness

  • Wound drainage

  • Persistent fever

  • Increasing pain after initial improvement

  • Rapidly increasing swelling

  • Calf pain or tenderness

  • New calf, ankle or foot swelling

  • Sudden breathlessness

  • Chest pain

  • New weakness or numbness

  • A fall with inability to bear weight

Sudden breathlessness or chest pain requires urgent medical attention.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

Modern knee implants commonly function for many years.

Longevity depends on:

  • Implant design

  • Fixation

  • Surgical technique

  • Alignment

  • Activity level

  • Body weight

  • Bone quality

  • Infection

  • Trauma

  • Patient age

Many replacements may function for 15–20 years or longer, but no implant can be guaranteed to last for a particular period or for the patient’s lifetime.

A younger patient has a greater lifetime possibility of future revision because the implant will be exposed to more years of use.

Activities After Knee Replacement

Commonly encouraged activities may include:

  • Walking

  • Cycling

  • Swimming

  • Golf

  • Controlled gym exercise

  • Low-impact fitness

  • Light hiking

  • Routine travel

High-impact activities such as repeated running and jumping may increase implant loading and are generally approached cautiously.

Activity recommendations should be individualised.

Kneeling and Sitting on the Floor

Kneeling may be uncomfortable because of:

  • Scar sensitivity

  • Numbness

  • Pressure over the kneecap

  • Stiffness

  • Awareness of the implant

Kneeling is not necessarily structurally harmful after appropriate recovery, but comfort varies.

Cross-legged sitting or floor sitting depends on:

  • Knee movement

  • Hip flexibility

  • Body proportions

  • Pain

  • Surgical advice

These positions should not be guaranteed before surgery.

Knee-Replacement Cost in Mumbai

The cost may vary according to:

  • Hospital

  • Room category

  • Implant type

  • Partial or total replacement

  • Robotic or conventional technique

  • One knee or both knees

  • Primary or revision surgery

  • Surgical complexity

  • Medical conditions

  • Length of stay

  • Investigations

  • Rehabilitation

  • Insurance coverage

A meaningful estimate requires clinical assessment and a defined treatment plan.

The least expensive or most heavily marketed implant is not automatically the most appropriate choice.

Selecting an Implant

Implant selection may consider:

  • Bone size and anatomy

  • Ligament stability

  • Bone quality

  • Deformity

  • Previous surgery

  • Patient activity

  • Need for additional constraint

  • Surgeon experience

  • Long-term clinical evidence

Patients should be cautious about promises based only on:

  • Implant brand

  • Country of manufacture

  • Gender-specific marketing

  • A particular bearing design

  • A claim of lifetime durability

The complete surgical plan is more important than one marketing feature.

Second Opinion Before Knee Replacement

A second opinion may be useful when:

  • Surgery was recommended from an MRI alone

  • Symptoms do not match the X-ray

  • Partial and total replacement recommendations differ

  • Both knees have been advised surgery

  • The patient has previous plates or screws

  • Major deformity is present

  • Robotic surgery has been marketed as mandatory

  • The patient is young

  • Medical conditions increase risk

  • Expected benefits and risks remain unclear

A second opinion may confirm the original recommendation or identify another reasonable approach.

Why Patients Consult Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya for Knee Replacement

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya follows an evidence-based, judgement-driven and patient-specific approach.

His assessment emphasises:

  • Confirming that arthritis is the main pain source

  • Measuring walking and daily functional limitation

  • Evaluating knee movement and stability

  • Assessing deformity and affected compartments

  • Reviewing appropriate non-surgical treatment

  • Avoiding premature surgery

  • Avoiding excessive delay when disability is substantial

  • Selecting partial or total replacement according to the actual knee

  • Using robotic or conventional techniques according to the surgical plan

  • Explaining realistic recovery and outcomes

  • Planning medical optimisation and rehabilitation

Read more about Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya’s qualifications and joint-replacement practice.

Knee Replacement Consultation in Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya consults at Ghatkopar East and Ghatkopar West.

Diabplus Clinic, Ghatkopar East

601, 6th Floor, Skyline Status, Mahatma Gandhi Road, opposite Pooja Hotel, Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077.

Learn more about consulting Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar East.

Savla Clinic, Ghatkopar West

2/3, Dharmodaya Building, next to Raj Medical, near NULife Hospital, Jivdaya Lane, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086.

Learn more about consulting Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar West.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery

What is knee replacement surgery?

It is a resurfacing operation in which damaged knee-joint surfaces are prepared and covered with metal components and a plastic bearing.

Is the whole knee removed?

No. The damaged surfaces are resurfaced. The entire knee, leg or surrounding muscles are not removed.

When is knee replacement needed?

It may be considered when arthritis causes substantial pain, stiffness, deformity or functional loss despite appropriate non-surgical care.

Does bone-on-bone arthritis always need surgery?

No. Surgery depends on symptoms, function, deformity, treatment response and patient preference.

Which arthritis grade requires replacement?

No single numerical grade automatically requires surgery. Clinical assessment and functional limitation are essential.

Is total knee replacement the only option?

No. Selected patients may be suitable for partial or patellofemoral replacement.

What is partial knee replacement?

It resurfaces only the damaged knee compartment while preserving the unaffected parts.

What is robotic knee replacement?

It is knee replacement in which robotic technology assists the surgeon with planning, bone preparation, positioning and balance assessment.

Does the robot perform the surgery independently?

No. The surgeon controls and performs the operation.

Is robotic surgery better for every patient?

No. Suitability depends on the knee, surgical plan, available technology and surgeon experience.

Is MRI required?

Usually not for typical advanced osteoarthritis when weight-bearing X-rays adequately explain the symptoms.

How long does surgery take?

A straightforward primary replacement commonly takes approximately one to two hours, although complex or revision procedures may take longer.

What type of anaesthesia is used?

Spinal, general and regional anaesthesia techniques may be used according to medical assessment and anaesthetic planning.

When can I walk?

Mobilisation commonly begins on the day of surgery or the following day when medically safe.

How long is the hospital stay?

It varies with medical health, pain control, physiotherapy progress, procedure complexity and home support.

How long does recovery take?

Routine activities may improve over several weeks, while strength, endurance and confidence may continue improving for several months.

Is physiotherapy necessary?

Structured exercise and rehabilitation are important for movement, strength, walking and functional recovery.

When can I drive?

Driving depends on the operated side, reaction time, muscle control, medication and surgeon advice.

When can I return to work?

Return depends on job demands. Desk work is generally possible earlier than physically demanding work.

Will the knee feel completely natural?

Not always. Some patients remain aware of clicking, mild stiffness, numbness or the artificial joint.

Can I kneel after replacement?

Many patients can kneel after recovery, although it may remain uncomfortable.

Can I sit cross-legged?

This depends on knee movement, hip flexibility, comfort and surgical advice and cannot be guaranteed.

How long does the implant last?

Many implants function for 15–20 years or longer, but individual longevity varies and cannot be guaranteed.

What are the main risks?

Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, instability, medical complications, wear and loosening.

Can both knees be replaced together?

Simultaneous bilateral replacement may be considered in carefully selected, medically suitable patients.

Can an overweight patient undergo surgery?

Yes. Body weight may influence risk and technical complexity but should be considered through individual assessment.

Can a diabetic or cardiac patient undergo surgery?

Many can, after appropriate medical evaluation and optimisation.

When is revision knee replacement required?

Revision may be required for infection, loosening, wear, instability, fracture, stiffness or another defined implant problem.

Should I obtain a second opinion?

A second opinion may be useful when the diagnosis, procedure type, technology, timing, risks or expectations remain unclear.

About the Author

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya
Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Qualifications

  • MBBS

  • D’Ortho

  • DNB Orthopedics

  • MNAMS Orthopedics

  • Fellowship in Robotic & Computer-Navigated Joint Replacement

Clinical focus

  • Knee-replacement assessment and timing

  • Total knee replacement

  • Partial knee replacement

  • Robotic-assisted knee replacement

  • Conventional knee replacement

  • Bilateral knee replacement assessment

  • Revision knee replacement

  • Complex arthritic knee deformity

Written and medically reviewed by: Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya
Last medically reviewed: June 2026

Clinical References

Book a Knee-Replacement Consultation With Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Consultation may be useful if:

  • Knee pain substantially limits walking

  • Stairs or chair rise are difficult

  • Pain disturbs sleep

  • The knee is becoming deformed

  • Physiotherapy and suitable medication are no longer providing enough relief

  • An injection no longer provides meaningful benefit

  • An X-ray reports severe or bone-on-bone arthritis

  • Partial, total or robotic replacement has been advised

  • Both knees have been advised replacement

  • You require a second opinion

  • You are uncertain whether surgery is necessary now

Book an orthopedic consultation with Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Call or WhatsApp

+91 84249 03913
+91 96113 30063

Medical Disclaimer

This page is intended for patient education and general information. It is not a substitute for individual medical consultation, examination, diagnosis, anaesthetic assessment or surgical-risk evaluation. Knee-replacement suitability, procedure type, recovery and outcome vary according to arthritis severity, deformity, medical health, previous operations, rehabilitation potential and patient goals. Seek urgent medical attention for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, rapidly increasing calf swelling, wound drainage, persistent fever, severe redness, a cold or pale foot or inability to bear weight after injury.

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