Knee Replacement Surgery in India
08
Nov 2024

About Knee Replacement Surgery

Do you or your parents struggle with continuous knee pain, making daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for a few minutes challenging? If so, you’re not alone. 

After trying pain relief medications, exercises, or lifestyle changes without success, knee replacement surgery could be the next step. This procedure offers the assurance of relief and comfort, but how do you know if it’s the right choice? What types of knee surgery are available? And what’s the cost in India? 

Get all the answers to your questions and understand knee replacement surgery comprehensively in this guide.

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Indications of the Need for Knee Replacement Surgery

If you are looking for the signs and symptoms of knee replacement surgery, no relief with the non-surgical treatments is your first lead. Some of the reasons and their symptoms are as follows:

Severe Osteoarthritis

When the cushion between the knee bones, called cartilage, gets damaged over time, then the connecting bones rub together, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Chronic Knee Pain and Stiffness

Long-term knee pain and stiffness make it difficult to walk or move, even after trying different treatments. 

Knee Deformities

Bent knees (either inward or outward) can put extra stress on the knee joint, which can cause severe pain and damage. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In some cases, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the knee, causing swelling, pain, and eventually damage to the knee joint.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Complete healing after a severe knee injury is difficult. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, which causes pain and difficulty moving the knee. 

Failed Previous Knee Surgery

Sometimes, a previous knee surgery doesn’t completely fix the problem and causes new issues. In such cases, a full knee replacement might be the next step.

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Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Based on the severity of the knee damage, the individual might go through any of the following knee transplants: 

Total Knee Replacement Surgery: In total knee replacement surgery, all the knee joint parts are replaced with artificial components. The surgery involves removing the damaged surfaces of thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and sometimes the kneecap (patella). Under the surgery, the parts are replaced with metal or plastic implants that help the knee move smoothly again.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: Under partial knee replacement surgery, only one or two damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced. The damaged part may include inside, outside, or front of the knee. This surgery is less invasive and recovery is faster than total knee transplant. 

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Procedures of Knee Replacement Surgery

The surgeon may perform knee replacement surgery using various techniques based on the patient’s specific needs. Here are the main procedures used for knee replacement surgery:

Knee Replacement Surgery 

What’s Done?

Traditional Open Surgery

  • A larger incision is made to access the knee joint
  • Damaged knee parts are removed and replaced with implants

Minimally Invasive Surgery

  • A smaller incisions is made to access the knee joint
  • Surgery is performed with specialised instruments and cameras 

Computer-Assisted Knee Replacement (Robotic Surgery)

  • The computer software and robotic systems guide the surgeon in placing the implants with high precision

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

  • Only the damaged part are operated and the healthy areas are preserved 

Computer-Navigated Knee Replacement

  • Computer navigation systems assist the surgeon in precisely aligning the knee implants

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

  • Robotic systems assist the surgeon with implant placement and bone preparation precision

What is the Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Based on the type and severity of the knee damage, the knee replacement surgery cost may vary from Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakhs. Here’s a simple estimation of the knee transplant cost based on the procedures applied:

Procedure

Average Cost (in Rs.)

Total knee replacement

2.5 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs

Partial knee replacement

1.5 Lakhs to 3 Lakhs

ACL replacement surgery

2 Lakhs to 4 Lakhs

Meniscus tear surgery

1 Lakh to 2 Lakhs

Unilateral knee replacement

2 Lakhs to 4 Lakhs

Hemi knee replacement

1.5 Lakhs to 2.5 Lakhs

Unicompartmental knee replacement

2 Lakh to 3.5 Lakhs

* The figures mentioned above may vary based on the hospital, surgeon, and the implant selected.

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Cover Your Knee Replacement Surgery with a Health Insurance

If you already have or planning to buy health insurance and wondering whether it will cover the knee replacement surgery, the answer is a yes but when it aligns with the terms and conditions. 

Most of the health insurance plans cover the cost of knee replacement surgery, including hospital expenses, diagnostic tests, and medicines. Some plans even cover pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, providing you with comprehensive financial security. 

It is important to understand that most health insurance plans provide coverage for knee replacement surgery after a waiting period of 2 to 4 years. 

In case you have a knee injury or arthritis before buying a health insurance plan (individual or floater), then it is considered a pre-existing disease and comes with a PED waiting period of 2 to 4 years. 

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Factors that Affect Knee Transplant Surgery Cost

The cost of the knee transplant surgery differs for patients based on the complications and surgery procedures selected. Here are some of the factors that affects the cost of knee transplant surgery: 

  • Knee Replacement Surgery Type: The cost of knee replacement surgery depends on the type of knee transplant required. For example, the price of partial knee replacement will be less than that of the total knee replacement cost. Furthermore, the cost of open surgery is higher than that of robotic knee replacement surgery. 
  • Patient Health Condition: If the patient is already suffering from a pre-existing illness, such as diabetes or hypertension, they will require more complex surgery. The knee replacement cost in such conditions will be more than the normal one. 
  • Type of Implant: Different knee damage requires different types of knee implant. For example, an individual requiring metal-on-metal implant likely to spend more rather than for metal-on-plastic implant. 
  • Surgery Location: The location where the surgery is going to be conducted affects the knee replacement cost, due to differences in medical infrastructure, qualified surgeons, and other services included. The cost in tier 1 city like Delhi will be more than tier 2 city, like Surat. 
  • Type of Hospital: The cost of knee surgery depends on the type of hospital where the surgery is performed. For example, the knee replacement cost at a government hospital will be less than at a private hospital. 
  • Length of Hospital Stay: The duration of the hospital stay can impact costs. A longer stay due to complications or recovery needs will increase the overall expense.
  • Insurance Coverage: The extent of coverage provided by health insurance can significantly impact out-of-pocket expenses. Some plans may cover only a portion of the surgery cost or have specific limits.
  • Expertise of the Surgeon: A surgeon with experience, high skill, and good reputation will charge more than someone with less expertise. 
  • Pre and Post Operative Care: Costs for pre-surgical consultations, diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs), and post-surgical care, including physical therapy, can add to the total expense. 

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Key Factors to Consider to Decide for Knee Replacement Surgery

Before you decide whether knee replacement is the last choice, connect with a healthcare professional, evaluate the condition, and then make a decision. However, here are the significant concerns to consider about knee replacement surgery: 

  • Health condition: When everyone may consider age, the overall health is a more concerning factor. If an individual is healthy and active, surgery may be recommended at a younger or older age.
  • Severity of symptoms: If knee pain significantly affects daily life and non-surgical treatments no longer work, knee replacement may be a good option, regardless of age.
  • Life expectancy of implants: Knee implants last around 15 to 20 years. Younger patients may need a second surgery (revision) later in life, which is why doctors try to delay surgery for those under 50.

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Possible Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is generally safe and successful, but it comes with potential risks and complications. Let’s understand the risks involved so you can be prepared: 

  • Infection around the knee joint
  • Blood clots in the leg veins after surgery
  • The artificial knee implant can become loose or wear out, when the patient is very active
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully after surgery
  • Injury to surrounding nerves or blood vessels 
  • Allergic reactions to the metal or cement used 
  • Pain even after healing
  • Certain reactions to anesthesia

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Post Surgery Care for Knee Replacement Surgery

Based on the health condition, the healthcare provider will keep the patient in the observation for some hours. In case everything seems fine, the patient may be allowed to get back to their home. However, certain routines and tips are suggested for a smooth recovery and long-term success. Here are some of them: 

  • For severe pain, ice the knee for 20 minutes several times a day
  • Until the incision is fully healed, avoid submerging the leg in water
  • Keep the knee above the heart level to reduce swelling
  • The operated area should be clean and covered until it repair 
  • Exercise suggested by the doctor to mobilise and reduce stiffness
  • Take physical therapy from a professional therapist
  • Wearing compression stockings helps prevent blood clots
  • Take a balanced diet suggested by the doctor to heal faster
  • Follow-up with the surgeon to monitor the surgery healing process
  • Avoid putting too much pressure on the knee

Final Words

Going for a knee replacement surgery is a big decision and can significantly improve daily life for those struggling with knee problems for 15 to 20 years or more. However, it is important to understand the possible complications, post-operative care procedures, and convince yourself that it will take time to restart your daily activities. 

During such times, having health insurance may be a great help. If you are wondering whether your health insurance covers the knee transplant cost or not, we can help figure out. Connect with one of our RenewBuy Partners via RenewBuy Advisor Connect and get professional assistance. 

FAQs on Knee Replacement Surgery

  1. How much does knee replacement surgery cost without insurance?

Answer: The cost of knee replacement surgery varies depending on various factors, including the hospital, location, implant type, surgical procedure, etc. However, the average cost without insurance ranges from Rs. 1.5 Lakh to Rs. 6 Lakhs. The cost of knee replacement surgery may differ in government hospitals. 

  1. Does insurance cover knee replacement surgery?

Answer: Yes, the health insurance policy covers knee replacement surgery cost once the waiting period is over.

  1. Does insurance cover total knee replacement surgery?

Answer: The coverage varies per the specific terms and conditions of the chosen health insurance plan. 

  1. What is knee replacement surgery recovery time?

Answer: Most patients begin to feel better within 3 to 6 weeks. However, it may vary based on the health conditions, implant type, etc. Some minor swelling or stiffness may last up to a year.  

  1. What is the success rate for knee replacement surgery in India?

Answer: The success rate of knee replacement surgery is almost 90%. However, this may vary as per patients, doctors, implants, post-surgery care, etc.

  1. Can my parents undergo knee replacement surgery if they have other medical conditions?

Answer: Yes, your parents can undergo knee replacement surgery having other medical conditions (not severe), such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. However, before proceeding with the surgery, a continuous observation of their medical conditions is required to enhance the success rate and lower the complications. 

  1. What is the best age for knee replacement surgery?

Answer: The best age for knee replacement surgery isn’t fixed, but depends on the individual’s health, the severity of knee damage, and their ability to recover. However, the general age for knee replacement surgery may range between 50 to 80 years.

Categories: Health & Wellness

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