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Do you know someone with a chronic problem with walking, climbing stairs, and even getting up from a chair? Most of us do. This severe pain is often a result of severely damaged knee joints. Some common causes are osteoarthritis, age-related issues, rheumatoid arthritis, knee deformities, or severe knee injuries. One solution to this age-old problem (pun intended) for patients is to opt for total knee replacement surgery. It is a medical procedure in which the damaged bone and cartilage are replaced from your problem area or pain points, such as the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap, with metal alloys or medical-grade plastic components. Book an appointment with Manipal Hospital if seeking a total knee replacement in Ghaziabad. We are one of the most reliable and best orthopaedic hospitals in Ghaziabad.
Synopsis
When does a doctor recommend Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
An orthopaedic surgeon in Ghaziabad assesses your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength, along with X-rays, to determine whether a total knee replacement arthroplasty is required and if it is the best treatment for you. The other factors a doctor considers are age, weight, health, lifestyle, and overall fitness level.
How to prepare for Total Knee Replacement Recovery?
Depending upon a patient's condition, a doctor might discharge the patient on the same day of surgery or after a few days of observation. The total knee arthroplasty recovery starts immediately with a guided progress chart under the supervision of experienced professionals for knee replacement. The first three months usually focus on reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and activating the muscles for strength in the knee.
Pre‑Surgery Evaluation.
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Medical history & physical exam: Your surgeon reviews past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and conducts a knee and overall health exam.
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Diagnostic tests: Includes blood work (CBC, clotting, metabolic panel), EKG, urinalysis, chest X-ray, and imaging of the knee (X-ray ± CT/MRI).
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Preparation steps: May involve “pre‑hab” exercises, stopping blood thinners, managing dental/tooth issues, and arranging assistive devices and home setup.
How the Surgery Is Performed.
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Anesthesia: You'll receive a spinal block or general anesthesia, sometimes with a nerve block for pain relief.
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Incision and exposure: A 6–8″ incision is made over the front of the knee; the kneecap is moved aside to access the joint.
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Bone preparation: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella.
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Implant placement: Metal and plastic components are cemented or press-fit into bone surfaces, and ligament balance is confirmed.
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Closure and drainage: Incision is closed with staples or sutures, a drain may be placed, and a sterile dressing applied.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery: A Step-by-Step Timeline.
Here is the phase-by-phase recovery timeline after total knee replacement surgery, highlighting physical therapy milestones and the use of mobility aids:
Day 1 to Week 1: Immediate Post‑Op Phase.
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Hospital stay (1–3 days): Expect pain and swelling managed with medications, ice, and elevation.
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Physical therapy begins: Gentle exercises (e.g., ankle pumps, quad sets, straight leg raises, assisted knee bends) start to boost circulation and prevent stiffness.
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Mobility aids: Use walker or crutches initially under guidance; learn safe bed-to-chair transitions and bathroom movements.
Week 2 to Week 6: Early Recovery.
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Transition in aids: Move from walker to cane by week 2–3, based on strength and balance.
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Physical therapy milestones: Daily sessions (often 2–3 times/week) at home or outpatient; aim for full knee extension and gradual flexion progressing toward 90°+.
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Walking routine: Begin walking 20–30 min twice daily, supplemented by exercises like stair climbing, stationary biking, and leg strengthening.
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Swelling control: Continue ice packs and elevation to minimise swelling and discomfort.
Week 7 to Month 3: Regaining Strength.
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Advanced mobility: Fully wean off assistive devices as strength and stability allow.
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Enhanced physical therapy: Increase exercise intensity with resistance training, balance work, and cardiovascular activities like walking and cycling.
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Functional goals: Achieve a 100°–105° range of motion, stair climbing independently, and improved leg strength by 12 weeks.
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Pain & swelling management: Less frequent, more tolerable; use ice and mild pain relievers as needed.
3 to 6 Months: Near Full Recovery.
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Functional normalisation: Most daily activities recovered; slow return to low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and light yoga.
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Ongoing maintenance: Continue home exercise programs to maintain strength and range; some may add light weights or balance boards.
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Exercise consistency: Regular sessions (3–4 times/week), including cardiovascular and resistance training, sustain joint function.
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Activity resumption: Most patients can safely walk, garden, golf, and climb stairs; high-impact actions remain discouraged.
By understanding this step-by-step recovery timeline, patients can actively engage in their rehabilitation journey, achieve smoother recoveries, and enjoy the long-term benefits of total knee replacement surgery. One should not blindly follow this timeline, as your recovery journey is unique, and you may achieve these milestones quickly or with a little delay. Consult with our orthopaedic doctors in Ghaziabad for any updates on your recuperation journey.
The key elements for a progress chart are:
Assisted Walking.
It is challenging to walk immediately after total knee replacement arthroplasty. A physiotherapist assists you with the right walking support equipment, such as a walker or crutches, to help immediately avoid the load on the knees.
Guided Exercises.
Guided exercises are a critical component in total knee replacement recovery. The exercises are designed specifically for every patient under the supervision of an experienced physiotherapist in consultation with the surgeon for total knee replacement to ensure healing support.
Ice or Heat Therapy.
The doctor might recommend ice or heat therapy, depending on conditions like pain and swelling, to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Nutrition.
Food plays a vital role in nourishing and healing our bodies. Our nutritionists recommend customised diet plans that help with faster recovery and healing.
Rest.
Post-procedure rest is equally crucial for patient recovery. The doctor advises every patient to exercise at a specified interval per their recovery requirement for total knee replacement healing. The doctor might also include specific routines for rest and movements for an optimal recovery journey.
Progress Monitoring.
Regular interactions with the doctor for total knee replacement at Manipal Hospitals help close the feedback loop. The monitoring includes weight management, nutrition, physiotherapy, and pain progress.
Visit Manipal Hospital for consultation with our highly experienced and reputed orthopaedic experts in Ghaziabad. You can also refer to our blogs, which are a reliable source for accurate medical information on types of total knee replacement, benefits of total knee replacement, knee replacement beyond 75, and more.
Conclusion
Finding the best doctor for total knee replacement surgery is the first step toward your journey to pain relief. The orthopaedics department at Manipal Hospitals has highly experienced total knee replacement surgeons in Ghaziabad. Our facility is equipped with ultra-modern facilities and technology and the best doctor for total knee replacement arthroplasty. Manipal Hospitals, with its state-of-the-art technology and facilities, is the leading choice of patients from India and worldwide. Book an appointment now.
FAQ's
Mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising are normal for 6–12 weeks, with most patients seeing major improvements within 10–12 weeks, but full recovery may take up to 12 months.
Generally, there are no permanent restrictions, aside from avoiding high-impact activities (e.g., running, skiing, contact sports) that can stress or prematurely wear the implant.
Yes, it's considered a major orthopaedic surgery, typically lasting 1–2 hours, involving bone and cartilage replacement, a hospital stay, and a long rehabilitation commitment lasting several months.
Most knee replacements are performed between 60 and 80 years, with the average around 65. While younger patients under 50 may qualify, implants last 15–20 years, increasing the potential need for revisions.
High-impact activities like running are generally discouraged, as they increase wear on the implant. Patients are encouraged to engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, and golfing.
Those with mild cartilage thinning, well-managed arthritis, or high surgical risk (due to health conditions or inability to commit to rehab) may be advised against surgery.
The medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments can have a separate replacement. However, total knee replacement surgery is recommended if other areas show any signs of imperfection. In elderly patients, doctors usually recommend a total knee replacement arthroplasty for ease of movement and pain reduction.
The ACL is a crucial ligament that delivers stability for rotating knees. It runs diagonally across the front of the knee. Most total knee replacement surgeries require ACL removal. In contrast, advanced surgery preserves the ACL for patients who need to continue an active sport or fitness lifestyle.
A total knee replacement surgery is a necessary procedure that may impact the rest of your life. While some clinics might advertise with a low cost, which generally does not include hidden costs of total knee replacement recovery, exercises, and the best-customised healing plans. We recommend opting for holistic care packages for knee replacement to ensure a fulfilling journey toward health and freedom from pain.
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Follow the guided recovery plans recommended by your doctor
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Focus on nutrition and exercise
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Create a living space that reduces the requirement of stairs or other straining activities for the joints
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Install support bars in your showers, washrooms, and other places of risk
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Use a chair with an extension or a stool to keep your feet elevated
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Remove slippery items from your living space that can cause accidents
Most patients have seen a lifespan of 10 to 20 years for their total knee replacement surgery implants.
Finding the best doctor for total knee replacement surgery is the first step toward your journey to pain relief. The orthopaedics department at Manipal Hospitals has highly experienced total knee replacement surgeons in Ghaziabad. Our facility is equipped with ultra-modern facilities and technology, and the best doctors for total knee replacement arthroplasty. Manipal Hospitals, with its state-of-the-art technology and facilities, is the leading choice of patients from India and worldwide.
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