If your constant knee pain is affecting your daily life and non-surgical treatments are unable to offer permanent relief, you may want to consider undergoing knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure for treating a damaged knee due to arthritis or other causes. Growing number of patients with osteoporosis alongside the development of non-invasive surgical procedures are the key reason behind the increased demand for knee replacement surgeries.
In India, a high level of sophistication of healthcare services is available at an affordable cost. Total pain relief results, reduced recovery time and implants price drops are main reasons why India is considered as one of the most popular countries for knee replacement surgery.
With no communication barrier, better connectivity, availability of superior specialists and trained medical staff; large numbers of overseas patients prefer India for knee replacement surgery.
Table of Contents
Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:
- Who should go for Knee Replacement Surgery?
- Why Choose India for Knee Replacement Surgery?
- How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery in India?
- What is the Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India?
- Factors affecting the cost of Knee replacement Surgery?
1. Who should go for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Aging process or arthritis leads to degeneration of knee joint bone and results in bone rubbing on each other. With age, progression of condition results in constant pain in joints, stiffness and knock knee deformity.
Severe and unrelieved pain in joints is difficult to manage and affect your daily activities. For moderate pain, one can rest for a day and Physiotherapists may also recommend a few exercises to relieve the pain. If you are elderly, constant pain limits your mobility.
There are other alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery. Some forms of low-impact exercise are useful to improve flexibility or your knees and manage the pain. These light exercises include daily walking, swimming, cycling etc. Along with this, you need to work on your weight management plan by following a healthy diet and avoiding processed, high sugar food items. Regular exercise and weight management offer relief from pain and delay the need to have surgery.
These alternative options are beneficial for some, however, for long lasting knee inflammation and swelling are not easy to manage with these treatments. With age elevated pain, stiffness, and loss of function starts to affect your daily life and activities. Pan medication and rest relieve the pain temporarily but a more permanent option i.e. surgery is inevitable.
Knee replacement is a standard procedure for the knee that hasn’t responded to more conservative measures. The surgery outcomes are better if it is done before significant deformity in knees is developed resulting into knock knees or bow legs.
2. Why Choose India for Knee Replacement Surgery?
India is the preferred destination for overseas patients who are looking for world class services at affordable prices. The country is known to offer following benefits:
- Availability of the best hospital providing excellent quality of clinical care, renowned surgeons and latest technology
- Highly skilled surgeons having a vast experience and high success rate for knee replacement surgery
- The team of experts and supportive staff offering the best pre-and post operative care and ensuring that your experience is as comfortable as possible.
- Applying for visa to India for medical treatment is easy and quick
- Additional provision and intensive services provided post-surgical care ensuring fast recovery
Before surgery, your surgeon will do a thorough assessment of your knee w.r.t. mobility, stability and strength to ensure the operative procedure is smooth and risk free. This includes physical examination, CT scans, X-ray and others.
You will be given a set of instructions such as avoiding certain medications, smoking that could hinder your healing process. Your surgeon will explain the instructions carefully to eliminate any complications during surgery.
In India, experienced surgeons use advanced instrumentation that enables them to perform these operations to smaller incisions with less soft tissue dissection. The results are less invasive surgery, less blood loss, reduced hospital stay and faster recovery. Moreover, the accuracy of placement is excellent with highly successful outcomes.
You will be given pain medications to help manage the pain. Patients are advised to take full rest during the healing period, follow a healthy diet plan, and light exercise. This will result in easy recovery, longevity and success. Well-trained and dedicated medical staff constantly supports you, making your entire journey simpler and efficient.
3. How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery in India?
During your first visit, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, current knee related problems, previous reports and other required documents such as a letter from your doctor/hospital, passport details, Visa details etc.
Next, your doctor will ask you to run a few tests. These tests include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and x-rays before planning the surgery.
You should be in a healthy state (healthy weight range etc.) before your surgery. Start following a healthy diet and light exercise.
Some health conditions can increase the risks of knee surgery, thus you will be asked to quit smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 3 weeks before surgery. This minimizes complications and improves the outcome.
Your doctor will let you know which medication you should stop. This could include any blood thinning medicine, aspirin, insulin, any anti-inflammatory drug, Arthritis medication. Don’t forget to mention if you are taking any herbal or homeopathic medicines.
Discuss with your doctor about your expectations from the surgery. Knowing all the relevant information is part of preparing yourself mentally for the surgery.
4. What is the Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India?
The demand for knee replacement surgery is rising due to the growing number of patients with osteoporosis and other old-age problems such as arthritis, , and diabetes. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and physical disability. The technological advancements such as minimally invasive surgeries and successful outcomes of improved mobility with pain relief experience are the reasons why knee replacement is booming.
India is the popular destination for knee replacement surgery due to the availability of advanced technologies and trained professionals.
The cost may vary depending upon the surgery (bilateral, unilateral), type of implants, choice of surgeon, etc. In 2019, Indian Government slashed the prices of knee implants by between 59% – 69% and the price cap on implants is expected to benefit millions of patients.
5. Factors affecting the cost of Knee replacement Surgery?
If you choose to go through the private hospital in India, there are several factors which may affect the amount you required to pay for your knee replacement. These can include:
- Your choice of surgeon
- Experience and reputation of surgeon
- Your choice of room and additional services
- Number of days you spend in the hospital
- Additional charges for arrangement for transportation
- Your health status including your age.
- Type of implant (price vary according to material choice-metal on plastic, ceramic on plastic, metal on metal).
- Type of health insurance: Please ensure your insurance covers the required treatment charges.
Certain surgeon’s fees may vary significantly from the average therefore it is important to ask your doctor about their fees before commencing treatment. Also, if any complications occur during surgery, you may need additional care. This will add to the total cost. Other tasks and costs include the charges of anesthesiologist, physical therapists, and others.
Take Away
Knee replacements are the most common surgery for osteoarthritis. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you on the surgical options if your knee is giving you severe pain, stiffness and hindered mobility.
With the knee replacement surgery, you will be able to walk independently, and be pain free. By following appropriate activity modification, knee replacements can last for many years.
If you decide to have knee replacement surgery in India, you are likely to experience superior healthcare services, experienced surgeons, hustle-free procedure for Visa and improved quality of life with increased mobility and pain relief experience.
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