FAQ
We know patients and families often have many questions before and after knee replacement surgery. To make things simple, we’ve gathered the most common doubts about preparation, surgery procedure, recovery, lifestyle, and long-term results—all answered in easy-to-understand language. Whether you’re planning surgery or supporting a loved one, this guide will help you feel confident, informed, and stress-free on the journey to pain-free movement.
Table of Contents
General FAQs
👉 It is a surgical procedure where the damaged parts of the knee joint (cartilage and bone) are replaced with an artificial implant (metal + plastic) to reduce pain and improve movement.
👉 People with severe knee arthritis or injury who have constant pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty in walking, and when medicines/physiotherapy are no longer effective.
Osteoarthritis (age-related wear and tear)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Old injuries or fractures
Obesity (extra weight puts pressure on knees)
👉 No. In knee replacement, the entire joint surface is changed, while in resurfacing only the damaged surface is covered with artificial material.
General FAQs
Pain & Medicine
👉 Some pain and stiffness are normal for the first few weeks, but medicines and physiotherapy help a lot.
Yes, for the first few days stronger painkillers are given. Later, milder medicines are usually enough. Pain is generally manageable and improves steadily.
Yes, nerve block or local anesthetic injections are often given during or after surgery. These help reduce pain for the first few hours or days. Injections reduce the need for strong medicines.
Swelling is common for 2–3 weeks after surgery. Mild swelling may last for a few months depending on activity. Ice packs and leg elevation help in faster recovery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients can start standing and walking with support within 24 hours of surgery. Walking ability improves daily with physiotherapy. By a few weeks, patients can walk more comfortably.
Generally, ICU is not needed for routine patients. Only those with heart, lung, or serious medical issues may require ICU observation. Most patients stay in a normal ward.
Initial recovery takes 6–8 weeks when walking and basic movements become easier. Full recovery, including muscle strength, takes 3–6 months. Long-term improvements continue up to a year.
Yes, most patients can start climbing stairs with support after 4–6 weeks. Physiotherapy teaches safe techniques for climbing. Over time, patients can manage stairs normally.
Types of Surgery
Total knee replacement means replacing the whole knee joint with metal and plastic implants. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from both sides of the joint. It gives pain relief and allows smoother walking.
In this surgery, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced and the healthy side is preserved. It is less invasive compared to total knee replacement. Recovery is faster and the knee feels more natural.
This surgery uses a robotic arm to help the surgeon perform precise bone cuts and implant placement. The robot never works alone; the surgeon controls it fully. It improves accuracy and may lead to longer-lasting results.
Here, only the worn-out surface of the knee is covered with a customized 3D implant. Unlike full replacement, less bone is removed. It is suitable for selected patients with limited damage.
Risks & Complications
Like any surgery, risks include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, stiffness, or nerve injury. Most complications are rare and can be managed. Proper care reduces risk.
Yes, infection is possible but very uncommon (1–2% cases). Antibiotics, sterile techniques, and proper wound care minimize this risk. Severe infections may require revision surgery.
Implants can loosen after many years of use. This causes pain and instability in the knee. Revision surgery is then performed to replace the implant.
Yes, clots can form in the legs due to less movement. Doctors prescribe blood-thinning medicines, exercises, and stockings to prevent this. Early walking also lowers the risk.
Symptoms & Indications
👉 If you have constant knee pain, difficulty in walking/sitting, swelling, or deformity, and non-surgical treatments don’t help.
Morning stiffness
Pain while walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for long
Swelling
Knee deformity (bow legs or knock knees)
When it interferes with daily activities like walking, sleeping, or climbing stairs despite medicines and therapy.
Blood tests
X-rays or MRI of knee
ECG, chest X-ray (for heart and lungs)
Other routine medical tests
Lifestyle After Surgery
Generally not recommended, as it puts stress on the new joint. Occasional short sitting may be possible, but regular use should be avoided.
Deep squatting is usually not advised. It can damage the implant or cause discomfort.
Low-impact sports like walking, swimming, cycling, and golf are safe. Avoid high-impact sports like running or football.
Yes, with guidance. Stick to light weights, cycling, treadmill walking, and strengthening exercises.
Longevity & Results
Modern implants last 15–20 years or more, depending on lifestyle and activity.
Yes, if the implant wears out, a revision surgery can be done.
Yes, though it’s more complex than the first surgery. With modern techniques, success rates are high.
Yes, but very slowly. Newer materials are more durable and long-lasting.
robotic knee replacement
The average cost in India is around ₹2.5–6 lakhs per knee, usually ₹3–4 lakhs, depending on hospital, implant, and surgeon.
In Indore, traditional knee replacement costs ₹1.1–3.3 lakhs per knee. Robotic surgery is 15–20% higher.
Yes, it offers more precision, quicker recovery, and less pain. But it’s costlier, and outcomes still depend on surgeon expertise.
Cost of a medical robot used in robotic surgeries is in the tune of crores of Indian Rupees. Robotic surgeries require disposable medical-grade equipment and items, adding to the cost.