Types of knee replacement surgery
The various types of knee replacement surgery are:
Total Knee Replacement (TKR):
In this procedure, both the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are replaced with artificial components, along with the kneecap (patella) if necessary.
Partial knee replacement:
Also known as unicompartmental arthroplasty, this surgery involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, preserving healthy bone and tissue.
ACL replacement surgery:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a specialised knee surgery aimed at repairing a torn ACL using grafts from the patient's own tissue or donor tissue.
Bilateral knee replacement:
This procedure involves replacing both knees, either during the same surgery (simultaneous bilateral replacement) or in two separate surgeries (staged replacement). It is recommended for patients with severe arthritis in both knees, helping restore mobility and reduce long-term pain in both joints.
Complex or revision knee replacement:
Revision knee replacement is performed when a previous knee implant fails due to wear, infection, loosening, or complications. It is more complex than primary knee replacement and may involve replacing or adjusting existing components and addressing bone loss.
Minimally-invasive knee replacement:
This advanced surgical technique uses smaller incisions and causes less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. It often results in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional knee replacement surgery.
What is the best age for knee replacement surgery?
There’s no fixed age for knee replacement surgery, but most patients undergo the procedure between 50 and 80 years. Even those above 70 often experience excellent outcomes and improved mobility. The decision depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of knee pain and stiffness
- Level of joint damage seen in scans
- Limitation in daily activities and mobility
- Response to non-surgical treatments
When performed at the right time, knee replacement can ease chronic pain, correct joint deformities, and restore your ability to move freely and confidently.
Cost of knee replacement surgery in India
The knee replacement surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh, depending on the type of surgery, hospital, surgeon, and the city where the surgery is performed. Given below is a detailed price list:
Procedure
|
Average cost (in Rs.)
|
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
|
2.5 lakh to 5 lakh
|
Partial knee replacement
|
1.5 lakh to 3 lakh
|
ACL replacement surgery
|
2 lakh to 4 lakh
|
Meniscus tear surgery
|
1 lakh to 2 lakh
|
Unilateral knee replacement
|
2 lakh to 4 lakh
|
Hemi knee replacement
|
1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh
|
Unicompartmental knee replacement
|
2 lakh to 3.5 lakh
|
Note: The costs mentioned are approximate and may vary based on factors such as hospital location, surgeon's experience, and additional services provided.
How much does a knee replacement part cost?
The cost of the implant (prosthetic joint) depends on its material and brand:
- Metal and Polyethylene implants: Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 45,000
- Ceramic implants: Rs. 55,000 – Rs. 1,10,000
- Imported/high-end implants: Rs. 1.5 lakh – Rs. 2.5 lakh
- Prices may vary based on hospital and surgeon selection.
Knee replacement surgery cost in different parts of india
The overall cost of knee replacement surgery varies by region and hospital infrastructure:
City
|
Approximate Cost (per knee)
|
Delhi
|
Rs. 1.5 – Rs. 2.5 lakh
|
Mumbai
|
Rs. 1.8 – Rs. 2.8 lakh
|
Bangalore
|
Rs. 1.6 – Rs. 2.6 lakh
|
Chennai
|
Rs. 1.5 – Rs. 2.3 lakh
|
Kolkata
|
Rs. 1.4 – Rs. 2.2 lakh
|
Hyderabad
|
Rs. 1.6 – Rs. 2.5 lakh
|
Pre-surgical and post-surgical expenses in a knee replacement surgery in India
The total cost of knee replacement includes more than just the surgery. Pre-surgery expenses include doctor consultations, blood tests, X-rays/MRIs, and anaesthesia charges. Post-surgical costs may involve hospital stay, physiotherapy sessions, medications, and follow-up care. These additional charges can amount to Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 60,000, depending on the hospital and recovery plan.
Factors affecting knee replacement surgery costs
The knee replacement surgery cost in India depends on several factors, including:
- Hospital charges: The choice of hospital and its facilities can significantly impact the overall cost of knee replacement surgery.
- Surgeon's fee: Experienced orthopaedic surgeons may charge higher fees for their expertise and skill.
- Type of implant: The cost varies depending on the type and quality of the artificial knee implant used in the surgery.
- Pre-operative tests and consultations: Additional expenses may include diagnostic tests, consultations, and imaging studies before the surgery.
- Post-operative care: Rehabilitation, physiotherapy sessions, and medications contribute to the total cost of knee replacement surgery.
- Existing health condition of the patient: The cost of knee replacement surgery varies based on its complexity, which increases with factors like pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Consequently, patients with these conditions may incur higher expenses for their knee surgery.
- Type of surgical procedure: The method employed during knee replacement surgery influences its cost. For example, an open knee surgery typically costs more than robotic knee replacement.
- Type of city: The location where the knee joint replacement surgery takes place also impacts the overall cost. For instance, undergoing surgery in New Delhi, a tier 1 city with higher medical infrastructure costs, will generally be more expensive than in Vishakhapatnam.
- Type of hospital: The choice of hospital for your knee transplant surgery also plays a significant role in determining costs. Generally, undergoing knee surgery in a private hospital will incur higher expenses compared to a government hospital in the same city.