Knee replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure in which the damaged part of the knee joint and the entire knee are replaced with artificial implants. This procedure is done to get relief from chronic joint pain, swelling, and joint deformity.
Approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer from knee pain because of aging and the rising cases of osteoarthritis. Surgical procedures like knee replacement become necessary to treat the severe pain affecting many patients.
Patients generally travel to other countries to get affordable treatment without compromising the quality. India has become a global leader when it comes to high-quality medical facilities at affordable prices. Every year, thousands of people suffering from chronic knee pain travel to India for high-quality treatments.
Due to the availability of advanced techniques, highly experienced orthopedic surgeons, and improved post-operative care, the success rate of knee replacement surgeries in the country has been rising steadily.
Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery
The success rate of knee replacement surgery in India is approximately 90-95%. Out of partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, and revision knee replacement, the most successful procedure is total knee replacement, with a success rate of 90-99%, and the implants can survive 15 to 20 years.
After the surgery, every 9 out of 10 patients experience significant pain relief and regain mobility to resume their daily activities.
Factors Affecting the Success Rate
Various factors that affect the success rate of knee replacement surgeries are:
- Patient Factors: Patient’s characteristics, such as age, weight, bone health, lifestyle, activity level, and medical parameters, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, play a significant role.
- Surgeon’s Experience: The orthopedic surgeon’s expertise and experience who performing the surgery can minimize the complications and yield better long-term results.
- Quality of the Implants: The choice of implant can affect how long a replaced knee lasts. Modern implants provide longer durability and better knee movement.
- Surgical Technique: Highly advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted and computer-navigated surgeries are gaining immense popularity in India, which can reduce errors and optimize implant positioning.
- Post-Surgery Physiotherapy: To help in the alignment of the knee with the implants and regaining muscle strength and range of motion.
Benefits of Physiotherapy After a Knee Replacement Surgery
Physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery plays a major role in recovery, as it has numerous benefits:
- Reduction in the pain and swelling
- Improved quality of life without experiencing any acute discomfort
- Improved range of motion to perform normal activities within six months
- Strengthening of muscles to improve joint function
- Improved knee mobility
- Increased independence
- Proper alignment and learning better walking patterns to lower the risk of injury
As the rehabilitation improves the outcomes, it can surely affect the success of the knee replacement.
Role of Advanced Technologies
Advanced technologies such as robotics and computer navigation bring a revolution to knee replacement surgeries in India. Robotic surgeries have a success rate of up to 90%, making it an attractive option for patients from all over the world. These innovations contribute to:
- Faster recovery times
- Less blood loss
- Precise bone cuts
- Accurate positioning of implants
- Minimized soft tissue trauma
Common Complications
While the success rate of knee replacement surgery is very high, certain complications may still arise, but in a low number of cases. These complications include:
- Infection: Affecting roughly 1-2% of patients
- Persistent Pain: Around 10-20% of patients may experience discomfort post-surgery
- Stiffness: Around 5-10% of patients may experience limited range of motion
- Loosening of Implants: It may occur years later and may need revision surgery
Final Words
Over the last two decades, knee replacement surgery in India has evolved significantly, promising high success rates and long-term benefits. Thanks to advanced medical technologies, the procedure offers 95% reliability at 10 years and has improved the patient’s quality of life, making India a preferred destination for this procedure.
While complications can occur, they are rare, and proper precautions can be taken to avoid any risk to make knee replacement, safe, reliable, and transformative solution for the patients. With ongoing innovations and a patient‑centric approach, the future of knee replacement in India looks brighter than ever, offering hope and healing to millions.
