Total Knee Replacement in Mumbai by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Total Knee Replacement Based on Diagnosis, Function and Individual Surgical Planning

Total knee replacement is an operation used to treat advanced knee-joint damage when pain, stiffness, deformity or loss of function significantly affects daily life and suitable non-surgical treatment is no longer providing adequate relief.

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya provides total knee replacement assessment and surgery for patients from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra and other parts of India.

The treatment pathway may include:

Confirming whether knee arthritis explains the symptoms
Assessing whether surgery is genuinely required
Determining whether total or partial replacement is appropriate
Comparing robotic-assisted and conventional planning
Assessing suitability for a minimally invasive mini-subvastus approach
Reviewing one-knee or bilateral surgery
Selecting an appropriate implant
Evaluating medical and anaesthesia risk
Setting realistic recovery expectations
Providing a second opinion when the proposed plan remains unclear

The decision should not be based only on age, an X-ray grade or the phrase “bone-on-bone arthritis.”

Clinical assessment should consider symptoms, function, examination findings, imaging, previous treatment, medical health and the patient’s priorities. Referral for joint replacement is generally considered when symptoms substantially affect quality of life and non-surgical treatment is ineffective or unsuitable.

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a procedure in which damaged joint surfaces are prepared and covered with artificial components.

The operation commonly involves:

Preparing the damaged end of the femur
Preparing the upper surface of the tibia
Placing a metal femoral component
Placing a metal tibial component
Inserting a medical-grade polyethylene bearing
Assessing the surface beneath the kneecap
Restoring appropriate alignment and stability
Checking knee movement and ligament balance

The entire knee is not removed.

The damaged bearing surfaces are resurfaced while most of the surrounding muscles, tendons, skin and bone remain in place.

The objectives are generally to:

Reduce arthritis-related pain
Improve walking and daily function
Improve stability
Correct clinically important deformity where appropriate
Improve independence
Provide a durable and functional joint reconstruction

Total knee replacement cannot create an identical copy of a natural knee, and it cannot guarantee complete pain relief, unrestricted bending or a fixed implant lifespan.

When May Total Knee Replacement Be Considered?

Total knee replacement may be considered when knee-joint disease causes substantial symptoms such as:

Pain while walking
Difficulty climbing or descending stairs
Difficulty rising from a chair
Pain during routine household activities
Pain at rest
Pain that disturbs sleep
Progressive loss of movement
Recurrent swelling
Bow-leg deformity
Knock-knee deformity
Instability or giving way
Reduced walking distance
Increasing dependence on a cane or walker
Difficulty working
Loss of independence
Reduced quality of life

Surgery is usually considered after reasonable non-surgical measures have been tried or when those treatments are unsuitable.

The decision should be made through shared discussion of alternatives, expected benefits, risks, implant options, anaesthesia, recovery and the possibility of further surgery in the future.

Conditions That May Lead to Total Knee Replacement

The most common reason for total knee replacement is osteoarthritis.

Other possible reasons include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis
Previous fracture involving the knee joint
Osteonecrosis
Severe deformity
Inflammatory joint disease
Failure of a previous joint-preserving operation
Selected complex cartilage or bone disorders

The diagnosis should be confirmed before surgery is proposed.

Pain around the knee can sometimes arise from:

Hip arthritis
Lower-back disease
Nerve compression
Tendons or bursae
Circulation problems
Inflammatory disease
Stress injury
Infection

An abnormal knee X-ray should not automatically be assumed to explain every symptom.

Does Severe Arthritis Always Need Surgery?

No.

Some patients have advanced changes on an X-ray but remain functionally comfortable. Others have major disability despite less dramatic imaging.

Surgery may reasonably be postponed when:

Pain remains manageable
Daily function is acceptable
Non-surgical treatment has not been adequately tried
Another condition may be contributing to the symptoms
Medical health needs optimisation
The patient is not ready for rehabilitation
Expectations remain unclear
Symptoms and imaging do not correlate

Non-surgical treatment may include:

Education about knee arthritis
Therapeutic exercise
Quadriceps and hip strengthening
Weight management where relevant
Activity modification
Topical medicines
Selected oral medicines
Walking aids
Bracing
Physiotherapy
Selected injections

Numerical scoring systems should not be used alone to decide who should receive joint replacement. Clinical assessment remains central.

Read:

Non-Surgical Knee Arthritis Treatment in Mumbai

Knee Arthritis Treatment in Mumbai

What Happens During a Knee Replacement Consultation?

A proper consultation evaluates the patient rather than only reviewing a radiology report.

Symptom Assessment

The consultation may review:

Location of pain
Duration of symptoms
Activity-related pain
Rest or night pain
Walking distance
Stair difficulty
Chair-rise difficulty
Swelling
Instability
Mechanical symptoms
Effect on work and household activities
Previous medicines, physiotherapy or injections
Patient expectations

Clinical Examination

The examination may include:

Walking pattern
Leg alignment
Bow-leg or knock-knee deformity
Swelling
Tenderness
Knee movement
Fixed flexion deformity
Ligament stability
Muscle strength
Patellar movement
Hip examination
Lower-back and nerve screening
Circulation

Imaging

Standing knee X-rays are commonly used to assess:

Joint-space loss
Distribution of arthritis
Bone changes
Deformity
Alignment
Patellofemoral arthritis
Bone loss
Suitability for total or partial replacement

MRI is not routinely required before every total knee replacement.

It may be considered when:

The diagnosis remains uncertain
Symptoms do not match the X-rays
Another condition is suspected
A specific soft-tissue or bone question needs clarification

Total or Partial Knee Replacement?

Not every patient with knee arthritis requires replacement of the entire knee.

Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis is genuinely confined to one compartment and the remaining structures satisfy the clinical criteria.

Total knee replacement is more likely to be appropriate when:

Arthritis affects multiple compartments
Pain is not confined to one compartment
Deformity is substantial
Ligaments are unsuitable for partial replacement
The other compartments are significantly damaged
Inflammatory arthritis is present
The knee has complex structural changes
Partial replacement is unlikely to provide a reliable result

For patients with isolated medial-compartment arthritis who are suitable for either procedure, the potential advantages and limitations of both partial and total replacement should be discussed.

Read:

Partial Knee Replacement in Mumbai

Robotic Total Knee Replacement

Robotic-assisted total knee replacement uses a computerised system to support surgical planning, measurement and execution.

Depending on the robotic platform, the system may use:

A preoperative CT scan
Intraoperative anatomical mapping
A computer-generated model
Real-time limb tracking
Digital measurement of deformity
Implant-position planning
Ligament-balance assessment
Guided or controlled bone preparation
Verification of completed bone cuts

Robotic assistance may help the surgeon:

Measure the patient’s anatomy
Plan implant size
Plan bone preparation
Assess alignment
Evaluate knee balance
Compare possible implant positions
Execute the selected plan with additional control
Verify whether the intended plan was achieved

The robot does not independently:

Diagnose knee arthritis
Decide whether surgery is needed
Choose total or partial replacement
Choose the surgical approach
Decide the safest deformity correction
Select the final implant without the surgeon
Perform the operation autonomously
Guarantee the clinical result

The surgeon remains responsible for every major clinical and operative decision.

Read:

Robotic Knee Replacement in Mumbai

Robotic vs Conventional Knee Replacement

Mini-Subvastus Robotic Total Knee Replacement

In appropriately selected patients, Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya may combine robotic planning with a minimally invasive mini-subvastus surgical approach.

These are separate components of the operation.

Robotic assistance

Robotic technology supports:

Planning
Measurements
Bone preparation
Implant positioning
Alignment assessment
Ligament-balance assessment

Mini-subvastus approach

The mini-subvastus approach describes how the knee joint is accessed.

It is designed to pass beneath the vastus medialis portion of the quadriceps mechanism and avoid routinely:

Splitting the main quadriceps muscle belly
Cutting through the quadriceps tendon

Suitability may depend on:

Body build
Knee size
Knee movement
Severity of deformity
Rigidity of deformity
Previous surgery
Existing scars
Scar tissue
Patellar movement
Bone loss
Implant requirements
Ability to obtain safe exposure

The approach cannot be promised before clinical examination and imaging review.

It may also need to be modified during surgery.

Can the Incision or Exposure Be Extended?

Yes.

The incision or deeper surgical exposure should be extended whenever necessary for:

Safe visualisation
Tissue protection
Accurate bone preparation
Implant insertion
Ligament balancing
Management of unexpected findings
Prevention of avoidable complications

Extending the exposure is not a failure of minimally invasive surgery.

Safety, accuracy and tissue protection are more important than maintaining a predetermined incision length.

The mini-subvastus approach should not be described as:

Painless surgery
Bloodless surgery
Zero muscle damage
No tissue trauma
Guaranteed faster walking
Guaranteed faster recovery

Recovery remains individual.

Conventional Total Knee Replacement

Conventional total knee replacement uses surgeon-controlled alignment guides and instruments without a robotic system.

It remains an appropriate option for many patients.

A well-planned conventional operation can provide a reliable reconstruction when:

The diagnosis is correct
The operation is appropriately selected
Bone preparation is accurate
Implant position is appropriate
Ligament balance is satisfactory
Medical optimisation is adequate
Rehabilitation is followed

The choice between robotic and conventional surgery may consider:

Patient anatomy
Deformity
Implant compatibility
Hospital availability
Additional cost
Surgeon experience
Patient preference
Whether technology adds meaningful value to the plan

Robotic surgery should not be selected solely because it is newer or more expensive.

What Are the Components of a Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement commonly includes:

Femoral component

A metal component covers the prepared end of the femur.

Tibial component

A metal component is placed on the prepared upper surface of the tibia.

Polyethylene insert

A medical-grade plastic bearing is positioned between the femoral and tibial components.

Patellar component

The undersurface of the kneecap may be resurfaced according to the clinical and implant plan.

The components are designed to work together as one system.

Implant compatibility should be checked carefully during surgery.

How Is the Implant Selected?

Implant selection may depend on:

Patient anatomy
Bone quality
Ligament condition
Deformity
Stability requirements
Implant design
Fixation requirements
Clinical track record
Robotic-system compatibility
Surgeon familiarity
Hospital availability
Cost and insurance coverage

The newest or most expensive implant is not automatically the most suitable implant.

Patients should understand:

Which implant category is proposed
Why it is suitable
Whether additional constraint is required
Whether the implant is compatible with the robotic platform
Whether all components are included in the estimate
Whether implant documentation will be provided

Cemented and Other Fixation Options

Knee components may be fixed using:

Bone cement
Cementless fixation in selected situations
A hybrid strategy in selected implant systems

The fixation method may depend on:

Implant design
Bone quality
Patient age
Surgeon assessment
System availability
Clinical evidence
Operative findings

No fixation method is best for every patient.

The selection should be individualised rather than based only on marketing terminology.

Alignment During Total Knee Replacement

Alignment refers to how the components and reconstructed leg are positioned.

The surgical plan may consider:

Pre-arthritis anatomy
Existing bow-leg or knock-knee deformity
Correctability of deformity
Ligament condition
Bone loss
Knee movement
Implant design
Patellar tracking
Overall stability

The aim is not necessarily to make every patient’s leg identical.

Correction should be sufficient to create a stable and functional knee without creating unnecessary soft-tissue tension or instability.

Robotic measurements can provide additional information, but the surgeon must determine which alignment strategy is appropriate.

Ligament Balancing

Ligament balance affects how stable the knee feels during standing, walking and bending.

The surgeon may assess:

Medial and lateral stability
Extension balance
Flexion balance
Correctability of deformity
Ligament tension through movement
Patellar tracking

Excessive or inadequate ligament tension can contribute to:

Instability
Stiffness
Limited movement
Pain
Abnormal joint mechanics

Robotic systems may provide quantitative information, but the surgeon interprets and acts on those measurements.

What Happens During Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

The exact steps vary, but the procedure generally includes:

Anaesthesia and patient positioning
Preparation and sterile cleaning of the leg
Surgical exposure of the knee
Inspection of the joint
Removal of damaged surface bone and cartilage
Femoral and tibial bone preparation
Trial implant placement
Assessment of alignment
Assessment of ligament balance
Assessment of movement and patellar tracking
Final implant insertion
Bleeding control
Wound closure
Recovery-room monitoring
Early rehabilitation when medically safe

The surgical plan may be modified if the anatomy, bone quality, ligament condition or operative findings differ from what was expected.

Anaesthesia and Pain Management

Anaesthesia options may include:

Regional anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Local infiltration analgesia
Selected nerve blocks
A combination of techniques

The anaesthesia plan is selected by the anaesthetist after considering:

Medical health
Previous anaesthesia experience
Medicines
Blood-thinning treatment
One-knee or bilateral surgery
Patient preference
Expected surgical requirements

Pain-management planning may include:

Local infiltration
Oral medicines
Intravenous medicines
Selected nerve blocks
Ice and swelling control
Early movement
Adjustment according to response

Pain cannot be eliminated completely for every patient, but it can be actively managed.

Preparation Before Total Knee Replacement

Preparation may include:

Medical history review
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram
Chest or cardiac assessment where indicated
Anaesthesia consultation
Physician or cardiology review
Standing knee X-rays
Medicine review
Blood-thinner planning
Diabetes optimisation
Blood-pressure management
Anaemia assessment
Skin and infection screening
Dental review where clinically indicated
Nutrition assessment
Smoking cessation
Preoperative exercises
Home planning
Rehabilitation planning

Patients having hip or knee replacement should receive advice about preoperative exercises, weight management, diet, smoking cessation and maximising functional independence.

Medical Conditions That Require Optimisation

Important health factors may include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Anaemia
Obesity
Smoking
Lung disease
Previous blood clots
Active infection
Poor nutrition
Skin wounds
Blood-thinning medication
Previous joint infection

These conditions do not automatically exclude a patient from consideration.

However, individual risks should be evaluated and explained, and modifiable problems should be addressed before elective surgery where possible.

Preoperative Exercises

Preoperative rehabilitation may focus on:

Quadriceps activation
Hip strengthening
Ankle exercises
Knee movement
Walking-aid practice
Chair-rise practice
Breathing exercises where indicated
Home-safety preparation

The aim is not to reverse advanced arthritis.

It is to improve strength, confidence and readiness for postoperative rehabilitation.

Should Weight Loss Be Required Before Surgery?

Weight management may help:

Reduce stress on the joints
Improve mobility
Improve diabetes control
Reduce anaesthesia complexity
Support rehabilitation

However, body mass index alone should not be used as an automatic barrier to referral for joint replacement.

The decision should consider:

Overall health
Distribution of body weight
Muscle strength
Medical conditions
Nutritional status
Surgical complexity
Expected benefit
Individual risk

NICE specifically advises against excluding patients from referral solely because of overweight or obesity.

Can Both Knees Be Replaced Together?

Patients with advanced arthritis in both knees may be considered for:

Simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement
Staged procedures during one admission
Separate operations several weeks or months apart
Surgery on the more symptomatic knee first

The decision may depend on:

Severity of symptoms in each knee
Age and physiological fitness
Heart and lung health
Kidney function
Anaemia risk
Blood-clot risk
Rehabilitation support
Home assistance
Anaesthesia assessment
Patient preference

Simultaneous surgery may reduce duplication of some admission and rehabilitation processes, but it creates a greater immediate physiological and functional demand.

It is not suitable for everyone.

Read:

Bilateral Knee Replacement in Mumbai

Benefits That May Be Expected

The potential benefits of total knee replacement may include:

Reduction in arthritis-related pain
Improved walking capacity
Easier chair-rise
Improved stair function
Improved stability
Correction of clinically important deformity
Greater independence
Improved ability to perform daily activities
Improved sleep where night pain was significant

The degree of improvement varies.

The result is influenced by:

Correct diagnosis
Preoperative function
Deformity
Knee movement
Muscle strength
Medical health
Surgical complexity
Implant position
Ligament balance
Rehabilitation
Complications
Patient expectations

What Total Knee Replacement Cannot Guarantee

Total knee replacement cannot guarantee:

A completely natural-feeling knee
Complete absence of pain
Unlimited bending
Comfortable deep squatting
Comfortable cross-legged sitting
Return to every sport
No clicking or awareness of the implant
A completely scar-free knee
Identical recovery between two patients
A fixed implant lifespan
No future surgery
No complications

Realistic expectations are important when deciding whether surgery is appropriate.

Risks of Total Knee Replacement

Potential risks include:

Infection
Blood clots
Bleeding
Anaesthesia-related complications
Wound-healing problems
Stiffness
Persistent pain
Swelling
Instability
Nerve injury
Blood-vessel injury
Fracture
Patellar problems
Implant loosening
Implant wear
Reduced movement
Medical complications
Need for further surgery

Individual risk varies according to:

Age
Medical conditions
Smoking
Weight
Previous surgery
Deformity
Bone quality
Skin condition
Infection risk
Rehabilitation capacity

Infection Prevention

Infection-prevention measures may include:

Preoperative skin assessment
Treatment of active infections
Appropriate antibiotics
Sterile operating-theatre protocols
Careful wound closure
Blood-sugar control
Wound monitoring
Patient education about warning signs

Patients should report:

Wound discharge
Increasing redness
Increasing warmth
Fever
Rapidly increasing swelling
Sudden deterioration after initial improvement

Early assessment is important when infection is suspected.

Blood-Clot Prevention

Measures may include:

Early mobilisation
Ankle exercises
Blood-thinning medication
Compression devices
Hydration
Individual risk assessment

Seek urgent medical attention for:

Sudden chest pain
Breathlessness
Coughing blood
Severe calf swelling
Unexplained collapse

Hospital Stay

The length of hospital stay varies according to:

One knee or both knees
Medical health
Pain control
Blood pressure
Anaemia
Wound condition
Ability to stand
Ability to walk safely
Ability to use stairs where required
Home support
Complications

Discharge should be based on clinical readiness rather than a promised number of days.

Before discharge, the patient should understand:

Medicine instructions
Blood-clot prevention
Wound care
Walking-aid use
Permitted weight bearing
Home exercises
Warning symptoms
Follow-up arrangements

Recovery After Total Knee Replacement

Recovery is individual.

Rehabilitation may begin on the day of surgery where possible or within the first 24 hours, according to medical safety and local protocols. Early rehabilitation commonly includes mobilisation, activity guidance and a home-exercise programme.

Recovery may be affected by:

Preoperative strength
Preoperative movement
Severity of deformity
Surgical complexity
Medical health
Pain response
Swelling
Anaemia
Wound healing
Balance
Confidence
Rehabilitation quality
Home support
Complications

Early Recovery

Early goals may include:

Pain and swelling control
Ankle and circulation exercises
Quadriceps activation
Safe standing
Walking with an aid
Transfer practice
Knee bending and straightening
Stair training where required
Independent use of the toilet and chair

Intermediate Recovery

Later goals may include:

Increasing walking distance
Reducing dependence on walking aids
Improving knee movement
Improving strength
Improving balance
Returning to household activities
Returning to selected work
Improving confidence outdoors

Longer-Term Recovery

Improvement may continue over several months.

Swelling, stiffness and awareness of the knee may reduce gradually rather than disappear immediately.

Recovery should be based on functional milestones rather than comparisons with another patient.

Read:

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

Life After Knee Replacement

How Much Knee Bending Can Be Expected?

Postoperative movement depends partly on:

Movement before surgery
Scar-tissue tendency
Pain and swelling
Implant design
Surgical balance
Rehabilitation
Body build
Previous operations
Complications

A fixed degree of bending cannot be guaranteed.

The functional aim is to obtain movement adequate for safe walking, sitting, transfers and daily activities.

Deep squatting and cross-legged sitting should not be promised.

When Can a Patient Walk?

Many patients begin assisted mobilisation early when medically safe.

Initial walking may require:

A walker
Crutches
A walking stick
Assistance from a physiotherapist or nurse

Progress depends on:

Strength
Balance
Pain
Blood pressure
Confidence
One-knee or bilateral surgery
Medical stability
Home environment

Walking without an aid should begin only when gait and balance are sufficiently safe.

When Can a Patient Return to Work?

Return to work varies according to:

Type of occupation
Travel requirements
Sitting duration
Standing demands
Stair requirements
Driving
Pain and swelling
Medical recovery
Rehabilitation progress

Desk-based work may be resumed earlier than work involving:

Prolonged standing
Heavy lifting
Climbing
Repeated travel
Uneven surfaces
Manual labour

The decision should be individualised.

Driving After Total Knee Replacement

Return to driving depends on:

Which knee was operated on
Type of vehicle
Pain control
Reaction time
Strength
Ability to enter and exit the vehicle
Walking-aid use
Surgeon and insurance guidance

The patient should not drive while using medicines that impair alertness or while unable to perform an emergency stop safely.

Sports and Exercise After Surgery

Lower-impact activities may be preferable, such as:

Walking
Stationary cycling
Swimming after wound healing
Selected gym exercises
Low-impact recreational activity

High-impact and collision activities may increase stress on the implant or risk of injury.

Activity recommendations should consider:

Previous experience
Balance
Strength
Implant condition
Medical health
Risk of falling
Surgeon advice

How Long Does a Total Knee Replacement Last?

Implant longevity varies.

It may be influenced by:

Implant design
Fixation
Implant position
Ligament balance
Bone quality
Body weight
Activity
Infection
Trauma
Biological response
Age at surgery
Future medical conditions

No implant should be advertised with a guaranteed lifespan.

Younger and more active patients may have a greater lifetime possibility of requiring revision because they are likely to use the implant for longer.

Why Might a Knee Replacement Require Revision?

Possible reasons include:

Infection
Implant loosening
Polyethylene wear
Instability
Stiffness
Fracture
Implant malposition
Ligament failure
Bone loss
Persistent pain from a defined implant problem

Pain after knee replacement does not automatically require revision surgery.

The cause should be identified first.

Read:

Revision Knee Replacement in Mumbai

Cost of Total Knee Replacement in Mumbai

The cost may depend on:

Hospital
Room category
Implant
Robotic or conventional workflow
One knee or both knees
Medical complexity
Anaesthesia requirements
Investigations
Medicines and consumables
Length of admission
Physiotherapy
Insurance coverage
Unexpected additional treatment

Patients should request a written estimate and confirm:

Which implant is included
Whether robotic charges are included
Which room category is covered
Number of hospital days included
Whether medicines and consumables are included
Whether physiotherapy is included
Which charges may arise separately
What insurance is expected to cover

Read:

Knee Replacement Cost in Mumbai

Second Opinion Before Total Knee Replacement

A second opinion may be helpful when:

Surgery has been advised but uncertainty remains
The recommendation was based mainly on an X-ray
Symptoms and imaging do not match
Total and partial replacement have both been suggested
Robotic technology has been presented as compulsory
Both knees have been advised for surgery
Mini-subvastus suitability remains unclear
Implant choice has not been explained
Risks or recovery expectations remain unclear
Different hospitals have provided substantially different plans
Medical conditions may affect safety
The patient wants independent confirmation before proceeding

A second opinion may:

Confirm the original plan
Refine the procedure
Suggest further investigation
Identify a partial-replacement option
Recommend continued non-surgical care
Clarify robotic and conventional options
Review the implant and recovery plan

Read:

Knee Replacement Second Opinion in Mumbai

Why Patients Consult Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Patients consult Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya for:

Knee arthritis assessment
Determining whether replacement is required
Total versus partial knee-replacement selection
Robotic versus conventional planning
Minimally invasive mini-subvastus robotic knee replacement
Individualised alignment planning
Ligament-balance assessment
Bilateral knee-replacement planning
Implant counselling
Medical-risk review
Second opinions
Realistic recovery guidance

His approach is judgement-driven rather than technology-driven.

Robotic assistance, implant choice and surgical approach are selected according to the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, deformity, health and treatment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is an operation in which damaged knee-joint surfaces are prepared and resurfaced with metal and medical-grade polyethylene components.

Is the whole knee removed during total knee replacement?

No. The damaged surface bone and cartilage are prepared, while most surrounding bone and soft tissues remain in place.

How do I know whether total knee replacement is required?

It may be considered when knee arthritis causes substantial pain, stiffness, deformity or functional limitation and appropriate non-surgical treatment is ineffective or unsuitable.

Can surgery be decided from an X-ray alone?

No. The X-rays should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, function, treatment history, medical health and expectations.

Does bone-on-bone arthritis always require replacement?

No. Surgery depends on how symptoms affect the patient, not only on the appearance of the X-ray.

Is total knee replacement the same as partial knee replacement?

No. Total replacement resurfaces multiple parts of the knee. Partial replacement treats only one suitable arthritic compartment.

Is robotic total knee replacement better?

Robotic assistance may support planning, measurement and execution, but it cannot guarantee a better clinical result for every patient.

Does the robot perform the surgery?

No. The surgeon performs and controls the operation.

Is mini-subvastus knee replacement the same as robotic surgery?

No. Mini-subvastus describes the surgical approach. Robotics supports planning and execution. They may be combined in suitable patients.

Is the quadriceps cut during the mini-subvastus approach?

The approach is designed to pass beneath the vastus medialis and avoid routinely splitting the main quadriceps muscle belly or cutting through the quadriceps tendon.

Is the mini-subvastus approach suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on anatomy, body build, knee movement, deformity, previous surgery, scar tissue, bone loss and safe exposure.

Can the incision be extended during surgery?

Yes. The incision or deeper exposure should be extended whenever required for safe and accurate surgery.

Is total knee replacement painless?

No. Pain-management techniques can help, but total knee replacement is major surgery and postoperative discomfort varies.

Is knee replacement bloodless?

No. Modern techniques may reduce blood loss, but no total knee replacement should be described as bloodless.

How soon can I walk?

Many patients begin assisted mobilisation early when medically safe. Progress depends on health, pain, strength, balance and surgical complexity.

How long will I remain in hospital?

Hospital stay depends on medical recovery, mobility, wound condition, pain control, one-knee or bilateral surgery and home support.

How much bending will I obtain?

Movement varies and depends partly on preoperative movement, swelling, pain, scar tissue, body build and rehabilitation. A fixed degree cannot be guaranteed.

Can I sit cross-legged after surgery?

Some patients may be able to, but it cannot be guaranteed and should not be forced.

Can I squat after total knee replacement?

Deep squatting may be difficult or inadvisable for some patients. Functional expectations should be discussed before surgery.

Can both knees be replaced together?

Simultaneous bilateral surgery may be considered in selected medically suitable patients but is not appropriate for everyone.

How long does the implant last?

Implant longevity varies according to fixation, position, activity, body weight, bone quality, infection, trauma and biological factors.

Which knee implant is best?

There is no single implant that is best for every patient. Selection depends on procedure type, anatomy, ligaments, bone quality, clinical track record and surgeon judgement.

Can injections avoid total knee replacement?

Injections may provide symptom relief for selected patients but cannot reliably rebuild advanced lost cartilage or correct a substantial fixed deformity.

Can total knee replacement fail?

Yes. Possible causes include infection, loosening, instability, wear, stiffness, fracture and other implant-related problems.

Should I get a second opinion?

A second opinion is reasonable when diagnosis, timing, total versus partial replacement, robotics, bilateral surgery, implant choice, risk or recovery remains unclear.

Book a Total Knee Replacement Consultation in Mumbai

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya provides total knee-replacement consultations for patients from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra and other parts of India.

The consultation focuses on:

Confirming the diagnosis
Assessing symptom severity
Determining whether surgery is required
Comparing total and partial replacement
Explaining robotic and conventional options
Assessing mini-subvastus suitability
Reviewing one-knee and bilateral surgery
Discussing alignment and ligament balance
Reviewing implant options
Evaluating medical risk
Setting realistic recovery expectations
Clarifying cost and insurance considerations

Book an appointment:

Book an Orthopedic Consultation in Ghatkopar

About Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai.

His principal clinical focus includes:

Knee pain and knee arthritis assessment
Evidence-based non-surgical knee care
Total knee replacement
Partial knee replacement
Robotic knee replacement
Minimally invasive mini-subvastus robotic knee replacement
Bilateral knee replacement
Revision knee replacement
Hip replacement
Second opinions before joint replacement

His qualifications include:

MBBS: LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital
D’Ortho: KMC, Hubli
DNB Orthopedics: National Board of Examinations, New Delhi
MNAMS Orthopedics: National Academy of Medical Sciences
FIJR: Robotic and Navigation

His approach is diagnosis-first and judgement-driven.

The objective is to determine whether knee replacement is genuinely required and select the surgical plan that best fits the patient’s condition.

Medical Review

Written and medically reviewed by: Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya
Last medically reviewed: 21 July 2026

Clinical References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo: Total Knee Replacement
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo: Arthritis of the Knee
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo: Partial Knee Replacement
NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in Over 16s — Diagnosis and Management
NICE NG157: Joint Replacement — Primary Hip, Knee and Shoulder
NICE QS206: Choice Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement
NICE guidance on shared decision-making and rehabilitation after joint replacement

Medical Disclaimer

This page provides general patient education and does not replace examination, diagnosis, imaging review, anaesthesia assessment or an individual treatment plan.

Suitability for total, partial, robotic, bilateral or mini-subvastus knee replacement can be determined only after appropriate clinical assessment.