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Arthroplasty, or joint replacement, refers to a surgical procedure in which a damaged part or the entire joint is replaced with artificial components to restore function or relieve persistent joint pain. Knee replacement is a common joint replacement surgery that is done in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, knee deformities, or severe knee injuries. Depending on the severity and post-thorough evaluation of all the medical reports, an orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon will recommend partial or total knee replacement.
At Manipal Hospitals, we have the foremost orthopaedic doctors in Gurgaon who have performed successful knee replacement surgeries and have guided patients in their rehab journey.
The journey till the time of surgery depends totally upon the orthopaedic surgeon, but post-surgery care demands the support of the entire family and guidance from the orthopaedic surgeon.
Synopsis
- Who Needs A Total Knee Replacement or Joint Replacement Surgery
- Types of Knee Replacements (Partial, Total, Robotic-assisted)
- Week-Wise After Knee Replacement Recovery Milestones
- Top 10 Points to Focus on During the Recovery Phase After A Joint Replacement Surgery
- Common Challenges During Recovery
- Conclusion
Who Needs A Total Knee Replacement or Joint Replacement Surgery
Here are the key indications for total knee replacement (TKR):
1. Severe arthritis symptoms
Persistent pain at rest or during daily activities (walking, climbing stairs), often due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or avascular necrosis.
2. Significant Functional Limitations
Difficulty standing, walking, kneeling, or performing routine tasks, with stiffness or inability to straighten/bend the knee adequately (e.g., <90° flexion).
3. Visible Joint Deformity
Bowlegged or knock-knee alignments causing uneven load, instability, or progression of arthritis.
4. Structural Deterioration on Imaging
X-rays or MRIs show bone-on-bone contact, cartilage loss, or major joint deformity under failed conservative treatment.
5. Failed Conservative Treatments
No adequate relief from ≥6 months of physical therapy, medications, injections, bracing, or assistive devices.
6. Impaired Quality of Life
Emotional distress, loss of independence, or inability to engage in desired activities due to knee limitations.
7. Candidates beyond age thresholds
While commonly performed between 60–80 years, younger patients with severe joint damage or deformity and good overall health are also eligible.
Types of Knee Replacements (Partial, Total, Robotic-assisted)
1. Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement
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Overview: Replaces only the affected compartment—typically medial, lateral, or patellofemoral, while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments.
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Benefits: Smaller incision, less soft tissue damage, reduced pain, and faster recovery (often home same day).
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Ideal for: Patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment, intact ligaments, and good range of motion.
2. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
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Overview: Involves replacing all three compartments of the knee with metal and polyethene prostheses.
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Indications: Best suited for widespread or end-stage arthritis affecting multiple compartments.
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Typical course: Larger incision, longer hospital stay and recovery, but offers comprehensive pain relief and functional improvement.
3. Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
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Overview: Can be used in either partial or total procedures. Involves CT-based 3D planning and a robotic arm or handheld device to ensure highly accurate bone cuts and implant placement.
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Advantages: Enhanced precision with submillimeter alignment, less soft tissue damage, reduced pain, minimal blood loss, and shorter recovery time.
Through this blog, let's find out the key points that need to be focused on during the recovery phase.
Week-Wise After Knee Replacement Recovery Milestones
Week 1–2:
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Hospital stay and wound care
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Pain and swelling management
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Begin gentle physiotherapy and walking with support
Week 3–6:
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Improved mobility and flexibility
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Perform basic daily activities independently
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Start strengthening and balance exercises
Week 7–12:
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Continue advanced physiotherapy
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Resume non-strenuous work and light activities
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Increased walking distance and stamina
3–6 Months:
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Near full range of motion
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Minimal pain and swelling
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Regain independence in daily life and travel
1 Year and Beyond:
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Full recovery and joint function
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Return to most normal activities
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Enjoy long-term pain relief and improved quality of life
Top 10 Points to Focus on During the Recovery Phase After A Joint Replacement Surgery
1. Regular Exercise
Physical activity immediately after the surgery might be painful, but one must start that gradually and under supervision. Recommended exercises, along with performing day-to-day activities, are the only way to recover faster. Do not go for strenuous exercises as they can cause damage and pain.
2. Using a Walker
Using a walker is recommended for a couple of weeks after the surgery as it keeps the pressure off the knees and enables you to walk comfortably. This way, you can avoid swelling and pain in and around the knees.
3. Stick to the Recommended Diet
Your orthopaedic surgeon and your dietician will advise you to have more fruits and vegetables so that your body has enough nutrients to heal faster. You are also advised to refrain from consuming alcohol during this period, as it's better to keep toxins-free when you're recovering from a major surgery like a knee replacement.
4. Take Rest
Taking proper rest and limiting movement in the initial days only to very important tasks can help. Your knee needs proper rest, and the body needs time to accommodate this new change; hence, you must resume the daily chores gradually.
5. Take Care of the Wound
It is important to keep the incision site infection-free while changing the dressing, as it may delay healing if it gets infected. Swelling, itching, inflammation, and redness can be signs of infection, which need to be treated immediately.
6. Weight Management
Knees bear the body weight, and post-surgery, it is essential to keep the weight under control to avoid strain on the knees. Limited activity and resting may cause weight gain, but it's equally important to keep a check on it.
7. Do Not Skip the Follow-Up Consultations
It is important to stay connected to your surgeon even after the surgery. Do not skip the follow-up consultations as they are an opportunity to analyse the progress and check for any budding complications and treat them timely.
8. Modify Your Space
Post-surgery, it is important to rest as much as you can for a faster recovery; hence, you should keep all the things that you need, such as your medicines, ice pack, phone, water bottle, walker, etc, very close. The objective is to avoid unnecessary movement and complications that may arise from that.
9. Medicines and Blood Thinners
Your surgeon might prescribe certain painkillers to provide relief from pain and blood thinners to avoid blood clots. You must consume them as prescribed. Do not skip the medicines or take a higher dosage. If you ever feel that they are not effective, then consult our orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon first.
10. Avoid Activities that May Strain the Knee
You must avoid strenuous activities and exercises such as lifting weights, skipping, running, jumping, jogging, dancing and more at all costs. These high-impact activities can cause damage, delay healing, cause swelling around the knee and many more complications.
Common Challenges During Recovery
Swelling and Stiffness
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Postoperative response: Surgery trauma leads to swelling and scar tissue, restricting knee flexibility.
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Management: Regular icing, elevation, compression garments, and consistent physical therapy are essential to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.
Sleep Disturbances
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Causes: Pain, swelling, nighttime stiffness, and lying in awkward positions can interrupt sleep.
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Solutions: Using pain relief, muscle relaxants, supportive pillows, and reclined or elevated sleeping positions improves sleep quality.
Risk of Blood Clots and Infections
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Blood clots (DVT/PE): Immobility increases clot risk—standard prevention includes blood thinners, compression stockings, and early mobilisation.
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Infection: Rare (less than 1–2%), but may require antibiotics or surgery; watch for redness, warmth, fever, or discharge near the incision.
Emotional Health and Recovery Fatigue
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Physical and mental exhaustion: Healing drains energy, and fatigue is common for months post-surgery.
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Psychological impact: Pain, slow progress, and decreased independence can cause anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
A holistic recovery approach combining consistent physiotherapy, diligent medical monitoring, and emotional support helps ensure a smoother, more successful journey back to full health.
Visit the best orthopaedic hospital in Gurgaon if you require knee replacement surgery.
Conlusion
The recovery journey of every patient after knee replacement is different; for some, it's slow and challenging, while for some, it's fast and smooth. Various factors, such as your age, lifestyle, and other comorbidities, can impact your journey; hence, you must always stay connected to your surgeon for the right advice.
Check out our other blogs on lifestyle-related topics and diseases in detail with accurate medical information written by doctors.
FAQ's
Pain is typically at its worst during the first 2–3 weeks post-surgery, comparable or slightly less than your pre-surgery "worst days"—and gradually subsides with ice, elevation, and pain management plans. Most patients find it manageable with prescribed medications and experience significantly reduced pain by weeks 3–6.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement enables surgeons to use preoperative CT scans and robotic arms (e.g., Mako, ROSA, CORI) to precisely remove bone and align implants. The surgeon controls the procedure; the robot enhances accuracy, improves balance, potentially reduces tissue trauma, and may accelerate recovery.
The core surgical procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours, occasionally extending to 3 hours depending on case complexity. Including anesthesia preparation and immediate postoperative monitoring, expect a total time of several hours before returning to your recovery room.
The average visible blood loss during surgery is about 220 mL, with an additional 443 mL drained afterwards. Overall blood loss (including hidden losses) averages 1,300–1,500 mL—about 30% of total blood volume. Some patients may require transfusions.
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