Orthopaedic surgeon studying a backlit knee X-ray while planning surgery

Joint · 02

Joint
Replacement

Knee and hip replacement planned around your own anatomy, with rehabilitation that starts on day one.

01Understanding the problem

Joint replacement is less a last resort than a decision about quality of life. When cartilage has worn through, the joint surfaces are resurfaced with implants that restore smooth, aligned movement.

The operation is one part of a longer process. Pre-operative fitness, medical optimisation, anaesthetic technique, implant position and the first six weeks of rehabilitation all influence the result as much as the surgery itself.

Symptoms we look for

Pain at rest or at night, not only on walking
Walking distance falling steadily over months or years
Stiffness that limits dressing, squatting or stairs
Visible bowing or deformity of the leg
Limited benefit from physiotherapy, medication and injections

When to see an orthopaedic specialist

Daily activities are being planned around the joint
Sleep is regularly disturbed by joint pain
X-rays show advanced wear and non-surgical care has been exhausted
A hip fracture has occurred in an older adult
Avascular necrosis has been diagnosed

02Diagnosis

Named beforeit is treated.

Imaging is requested where it will change the decision, and the findings are shown to you on screen.

Standing long-leg and weight-bearing X-rays for alignment planning
Assessment of range, deformity, ligament balance and muscle strength
Templating of implant size and position before theatre
Pre-anaesthetic review, including diabetes and cardiac fitness
Dental and skin screening to reduce infection risk

Orthopaedic surgeon reviewing a backlit X-ray during treatment planning

03Treatment options

Non-surgicalcare first.

Supervised strengthening to prepare the limb before surgery
Weight optimisation and diabetes control
Walking aids and home modification advice
Injection therapy where surgery must be deferred

Surgicaloptions.

Total knee replacement
Partial, single-compartment knee replacement
Total hip replacement
Hemiarthroplasty for selected hip fractures
Assessment of painful or loose previous implants

04Recovery

Most patients stand and take assisted steps within twenty-four hours.

Most patients stand and take assisted steps within twenty-four hours. Walking with a frame or stick progresses over the first two weeks, with wounds reviewed and the home programme checked at each visit.

By around six weeks most people walk indoors without support and manage stairs with a rail. Strength and confidence continue to improve for six to twelve months, and timelines vary between individuals.

Timelines are typical rather than guaranteed. Your own plan is set at consultation.

05Major surgeries

Replacementsurgery we do.

Primary replacement for worn and collapsed joints, and revision surgery when an earlier implant has loosened or failed.

Surgical team performing a total knee replacement in the operating theatre at Vishwas Orthopaedic Hospital

01 — Replacement

Joint replacement (arthroplasty)

Total knee replacement (TKR)
Total hip replacement (THR)
Partial / hemi-arthroplasty, including bipolar hip replacement
Complex and revision knee & hip replacement

Orthopaedic surgeons performing a total hip replacement under theatre lights

02 — Also treated

Arthritis of the hip & knee

Replacement for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip
Replacement for secondary and post-traumatic arthritis
Hemi-arthroplasty for neck of femur fractures in elderly patients
Intra-articular injections, including viscosupplementation, corticosteroid and PRP therapy, where the joint can still be preserved

Every major surgery in detail →

06Questions patients ask

Frequentquestions.

How soon will I walk after joint replacement?

Usually on the first day after surgery, with a walker and supervision. Early controlled movement reduces stiffness and helps circulation.

Is spinal or general anaesthesia used?

Both are safe options. Spinal anaesthesia with sedation is often preferred for lower-limb replacement, and the choice is made with the anaesthetist after your medical review.

Will I be able to sit cross-legged or squat?

Deep squatting and floor-sitting are generally discouraged after knee replacement to protect the implant. Practical alternatives are discussed before surgery, since this matters in Indian homes.

What are the main risks?

Infection, blood clots, stiffness and implant wear are the principal risks. They are uncommon, and are reduced by medical optimisation, sterile technique, prophylaxis and early mobilisation. All of this is discussed openly before you consent.