Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India

03 Mar, 2022

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India: Pre-surgical, Post-surgical, and During the Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is among the most performed and most effective orthopedic procedures. Also called arthroplasty, this surgery is prescribed only when the patient experiences too much pain and difficulty walking, sitting down, climbing or descending the stairs, or even at rest, and painkillers, steroids, and other medications do not help.

Arthroplasty involves several pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical expenses, for which you need to be prepared. Here is a detailed estimation of the prices required during different stages of the surgery and at different locations.

Table Of Content:

  1. What is Knee Replacement Surgery? Who Needs It?
  2. Why do you need knee replacement surgery?
  3. Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
  4. What is the best age for knee replacement surgery?
  5. How much does a knee operation cost?
  6. How much does a knee replacement part cost?
  7. Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Different Parts of India
  8. Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Expenses in a Knee Replacement Surgery in India
  9. Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India Vs. Other Countries
  10. Knee Replacement Surgery Step by Step
  11. Are knee replacements successful in India?
  12. Risks Involved in Surgery
  13. Post Surgery Care
  14. Why Dr. Vikram Mhaskar for Knee Replacement Surgery?
  15. Takeaway

What is Knee Replacement Surgery? Who Needs It?

Our knee joint is made up of the base of the thigh bone (femur), top of the shin bone (tibia), the kneecap (patella), and several small bones, cartilages, and tissues. Any damage to this arrangement can cause intense pain and mobility issues.

A knee replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon who replaces either the whole or the affected part of the knee joint with an artificial implant. This implant is custom-made in the laboratory to fit the patient perfectly.

However, arthroplasty is major surgery. So the doctors usually first try to cure the problem with medications and other treatments. When that fails, a knee replacement surgery is performed in the following conditions-

  • Pain in the knee joint and reduced mobility,
  • Osteoarthritis,
  • Rheumatoid arthritis,
  • Worn out or damaged bones at the joint,
  • Traumatic knee injury,
  • Hemophilia,
  • Gout,
  • Bone deformity, or abnormal growth of the bone at the joint.

Why do you need knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is usually required when the knee joint is worn or injured, limiting mobility and causing pain even when resting.
Medical conditions that might result in knee injury include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Haemophilia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Knee injuries
  • Unusual bone growth disorders
  • Deformity of the knee with pain and cartilage loss

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries

A knee replacement surgery is of two types:

1. Total Knee Replacement Surgery

In this method, the whole knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. These implants are highly functional and resemble the original knee joint in structure and function. It involves cutting out the damaged tissues and cartilages near the joint. Then, the implants are positioned in the joint cavity either by cementing press-fitting. Medical-grade plastic leverage is placed at the tips of the femur and the tibia near the joint. This plastic ensures the smooth movement of the artificial knee joint.

This surgery is usually performed when both the knee joints are damaged, or one joint is severely damaged, which usually happens in osteoarthritis and similar conditions.

If both knees are affected, the doctor would perform a bilateral total knee replacement surgery and replace both the knees with artificial ones. However, when the problem is in only one knee, only that knee would be operated upon. The process is called unilateral total knee replacement surgery.

2. Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

This surgery is opted for when only a section of one knee is affected, which is causing pain and other issues. In this method, the orthopedic surgeon removes the affected compartment of the joint and replaces it with an artificial implant. This process solves the issue while keeping the knee joint as natural as possible.

The doctor decides the approach to the surgery depending on factors like-

  • Age,
  • Weight,
  • The activity level of the body,
  • The overall health of the person.

What is the best age for knee replacement surgery?

  • Ages between 50 and 80 years are when patients come in for a knee replacement.
  • Patients having knee replacement above the age of 70 also have a good prognosis and improved quality of life.
  • There is no one particular age that fits all patients.
  • The right time to have the surgery will depend upon the factors such as the age of the patient, joint pain, and knee function based on physical examination and investigations.
  • Knee surgery helps you to get back to your normal activities.
  • Relieves the stiffness in the knee that restricts free movement.
  • Corrects deformities of the knee joint and eases pain.

How much does a knee operation cost?

The total cost of knee surgery depends upon various factors such as:

  • Hospital admission
  • Surgeon’s fee
  • The age of the patient undergoing surgery
  • The type of knee surgery
  • Whether one or both knees are involved
  • The current medical condition of the patient
  • Comorbidities in the patient- such as hypertension, diabetes, etc
  • Cost of equipment and disposables used in the surgery

The Average knee replacement surgery cost in india is around Rs 5,00,000 for both knees inclusive.

How much does a knee replacement part cost?

  • The parts of a knee prosthesis include a femoral component, a polyethylene patellar spacer, and a tibial component.
  • The cost of the femoral component - is Rs 23,000 to Rs 45,600
  • Patellar spacer - Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000
  • Tibial component - Rs 12500 to Rs 25,600
  • The Knee replacement surgery cost in India includes the cost of knee prostheses and other surgical costs.

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Different Parts of India

The cost of arthroplasty is different for different procedures. Below is an average calculation of the knee replacement surgery cost in India:

City Cost in INR
Delhi 1,10,000- 4,15,000
Mumbai 65,000- 4,25,000
Bangalore 1,48,000-4,10,000
Pune 63,000- 3,89,000
Hyderabad 1,50,000- 3,85,000
Gurgaon 1,64,500- 4,24,000
Chennai 1,15,000- 4,05,000

The cost of a knee replacement depends on several factors. Some of them include-

  • The procedure: A total knee replacement costs more than a partial replacement, and a bilateral surgery is more expensive than a unilateral replacement.
  • The doctor: The experience, expertise, and specialty of the doctor performing the surgery affects the cost of the procedure.
  • The hospital: The facilities provided by the hospital greatly affect the overall expense.
  • The location: The price for the healthcare facilities provided varies between different cities and states.

Below is a list of the approximated price range for knee replacement surgery in different regions of India. However, remember that these mentioned prices are only estimated to give you an idea. The exact price could vary between different doctors and hospitals.

Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Expenses in a Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Before the surgery, the doctors would perform a series of tests. These tests help the doctor to-

  • Examine the extent of damage in your knee joint.
  • Determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgery.
  • Determine which type of knee replacement you would need.
  • Evaluate whether your body can withstand the major surgery.

During the period around surgery, the cost of the artificial knee implant, hospital stay, and other miscellaneous items like braces, etc., are added up to the cost of the surgical procedure.

After the surgery, you would need to visit the doctor as asked. Also, the surgical site takes a few months to heal completely, and you will need to continue taking medicines during this period. Physiotherapy is also an important part of the healing process as it helps to restore normal mobility and flexibility to the operated joint.

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India Vs. Other Countries

The knee replacement surgery cost in India usually ranges between 1,62,000 to 5,11,000 INR. However, the exact price would vary depending on the location, the hospital, the surgeon, and the type of surgery you want.

In foreign countries, the cost of knee replacement surgery is comparatively high. It usually ranges between 26L to 37L INR in the USA, 14L to 19L in the UK, and 7L to 10L in Singapore.

This difference is due to the higher number of private hospitals and hence, the higher competition in India. It leads to the hospitals providing quality services at a lower price. The doctors in India also charge less than those from other countries but provide quality treatment. Also, the side expenses like food, stay, etc., are more affordable here, affecting the overall expense.

Knee Replacement Surgery Step by Step

Knee replacement surgery is normally performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.
The worn ends of the bones of your knee joint are removed and replaced with custom-fit metal and plastic components (a prosthesis).
A whole or partial knee replacement is a possibility. This will be determined by your surgeon based on the extent of your knee damage. The most prevalent are total knee replacements

Are knee replacements successful in India?

  • Knee replacements are a very safe and effective procedure and have good results.
  • The success rate of knee replacement surgery is almost 100%.
  • Every patient undergoing knee replacement recovers within a few weeks and can get back to their routine.
  • Those who have undergone knee replacements have a good prognosis even 20 years after the surgery.
  • Both knees can be replaced at the same time, and the patient can be pain-free and stay well mobilized for the rest of their lives.

Knee replacement surgery cost in India is very competitive, and you will get the best price when you choose the right surgeon and the hospital.

Risks Involved in Surgery

Although anesthetics are extremely safe, they can involve the risk of modest, typically transitory side effects like

  • Nausea and disorientation.
  • A wound infection that is usually treated with antibiotics
  • Bleeding into the knee joint that was not expected
  • Small clots in the leg veins can be avoided by wearing special support stockings and activity as advised·
  • Formation of extra bone and scar tissue
  • Knee discomfort that does not go away

When the post-operative guidelines are followed, all of these risks are minimized.

Post Surgery Care

A dressing is applied to your knee to preserve the wound, and a tube is placed to drain blood from the surgical site and prevent it from accumulating inside the wound. A physiotherapist will assist you in standing within 12 to 24 hours and for exercise. Six weeks after surgery, you will be able to resume your routine.

Why Dr. Vikram Mhaskar for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Dr. Vikram Mhaskar is the best for knee replacement in India, and here's why:

  • He is an orthopaedic surgeon with an Mch in Orthopaedics from the University of Dundee, Uk - which is a world-renowned institution of medicine.
  • Dr. Vikram Mhaskar has completed his super specialization in knee replacement from the UK and has trained with mentors worldwide.
  • He has a passion for sports and staying active, and his association with the ICC cricket cup in Australia is a testimony to the same.
  • Having received training from de Albert Trillat at the Hospital De La Croix Roux - a FIFA centre of excellence, Dr. Vikram Mhaskar has gained knowledge and technical expertise from the best of the best in knee replacement.
  • Dr. Vikram Mhaskar has special expertise in robotic and computer navigated knee replacements.
  • Our highly experienced doctors and care providers make sure that we provide the best care throughout your journey with us.
  • We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns that you may have before going ahead.
  • Dr. Vikram Mhaskar will have a detailed discussion and perform all necessary pre-surgical evaluations to ensure that the time is right for your knee replacement.
  • The state-of-the-art technology combined with the personalized care of our entire team will play an important role in improving your quality of life.

Takeaway

The knee replacement surgery cost in India is very affordable compared to other countries. Also, it comes without compromising the healthcare facilities and professional expertise. For the best treatment and care, visit Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research. Our knee and shoulder specialist, Dr. Vikram Mhaskar, is a fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in carrying out both simple and complex procedures. His experience and the long list of surgeries performed are a strong base for patients' trust and his warm and considerate nature puts the patients at ease.

For more information please visit Dr Vikram Mhaskar at Sitaram Bhartia Institute Of Science & Research or at the Knee & Shoulder Clinic - C8/8176 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070