Orthopaedic Specialities
Joint Replacement Surgery
World-class hip and knee replacement with rapid-recovery protocols
Introduction
Causes of Joint Damage
- Osteoarthritis — cartilage cushion wears down over time (most common cause)
- Rheumatoid arthritis — immune system attacks and damages the joint lining
- Post-traumatic arthritis — old fracture or ligament injury wears the joint faster
- Avascular necrosis — bone loses blood supply and breaks down, mostly in the hip
- Congenital hip dysplasia — hip joint didn't form properly from birth
- Failed previous surgery — an earlier operation didn't fully fix the joint
Who Is More Likely to Get Joint Problems
- Age above 55 — joints naturally wear down over the years
- Family history — arthritis can run in families
- Obesity — extra body weight adds pressure on joints
- Old joint injury — a past ACL or meniscus tear causes uneven wear
- Long-term steroid use — weakens bone and joint tissue over time
- Physical jobs — heavy lifting, squatting or standing strains joints
- Smoking — reduces blood flow and slows joint repair
Signs You May Need Joint Replacement
- Deep joint pain — worsens with activity, comes from inside the joint
- Stiffness — joint feels tight, especially in the morning
- Night pain — strong enough to disturb your sleep
- Reduced motion — trouble bending the knee or turning the hip
- Grinding or clicking — rough sensation when the joint moves
- Swelling or deformity — joint looks bigger or oddly shaped
- Limping — one leg feels or looks shorter than the other
When You Should See an Orthopedic Doctor
See a doctor if your joint pain has lasted more than three months, if painkillers and physiotherapy are no longer helping, if you can’t walk even a kilometre comfortably, if pain wakes you up at night, or if stiffness has changed the way you walk. Seeing a doctor early does not mean you will need surgery right away. Most people are first given simpler treatments — weight loss support, guided physiotherapy, joint injections and changes to daily activity. Surgery is only suggested once these simpler treatments have been properly tried and haven’t worked.
How Doctors Diagnose Joint Problems
- Clinical examination — checks joint movement, alignment and walking pattern
- Weight-bearing X-rays — taken while standing, to see the joint under load
- MRI — detailed scan of cartilage, ligaments and soft tissue
- Blood tests — rules out inflammatory arthritis, checks fitness for surgery
- CT scan with 3D planning — maps the bone for complex or repeat surgeries
- Pre-anaesthetic assessment — heart checks like ECG for older patients
Types of Joint Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is performed when the entire knee joint is severely damaged by arthritis or injury. The worn-out surfaces are replaced with durable artificial implants to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you return to everyday activities.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged part of the knee while preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It is suitable for patients with arthritis affecting only one part of the knee.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement removes the damaged ball-and-socket joint and replaces it with artificial implants. This procedure helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore smooth hip movement.
Computer-Navigated Surgery
Computer-assisted technology provides real-time guidance during surgery, helping the surgeon position the implant with greater accuracy for improved joint alignment.
Robotic Joint Replacement
Robotic-assisted surgery uses advanced 3D planning and robotic technology to help the surgeon perform precise bone preparation and implant placement, supporting better accuracy and recovery.
Revision Joint Replacement
Revision joint replacement is performed to replace a worn, loose, damaged, or infected joint implant. It helps restore joint function and improve comfort when a previous joint replacement no longer performs well.
Treatment Procedure
On the day of surgery you will arrive fasted, complete final paperwork and meet the anaesthetist. Most joint replacements today are performed under spinal anaesthesia combined with a regional nerve block — this controls pain for the first twenty-four hours without the side effects of heavy general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and places the artificial joint implant in the correct position. After checking the fit and movement, the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a sterile dressing.
Benefits of Treatment
- Dramatic and lasting reduction in joint pain — most patients describe it as life-changing
- Restored ability to walk, climb stairs, kneel, sit on the floor and pray comfortably
- Sleep without pain interruption
- Improved alignment and posture, reducing strain on other joints
- Return to recreational activities — walking, cycling, swimming, golf, light hiking
- Implant survival of 90–95% at fifteen years in modern practice
What Happens During the Surgery
During Joint Replacement Surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged hip or knee joint and replaces it with a high-quality artificial joint implant. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia and usually takes 60–90 minutes for knee replacement surgery and 60–75 minutes for hip replacement surgery. After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room before being shifted to your hospital room, and most patients begin walking with support within 24 hours.
Possible Risks and Complications
- Infection: A rare infection may develop around the surgical wound or joint implant after surgery.
- Joint Stiffness: Skipping physiotherapy may lead to stiffness and reduced joint movement.
- Hip Dislocation: The new hip joint can move out of place during the early recovery period.
- Persistent Pain: A small number of patients may continue to experience pain after surgery.
- Blood Clots (DVT): Blood clots may develop in the legs after surgery.
- Implant Loosening or Wear: The artificial joint may loosen or wear out over time.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Nearby nerves or blood vessels may be injured during surgery.
Tips to Protect Your Joints
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight under control reduces stress on your hip and knee joints.
- Exercise Regularly: Strengthen the muscles around your hips, knees, and core to improve joint stability.
- Treat Joint Injuries Early: Prompt treatment of ligament, cartilage, or meniscus injuries can help prevent future arthritis.
- Avoid Excessive Joint Strain: Limit prolonged squatting, kneeling, and heavy lifting if you have early signs of arthritis.
- Manage Arthritis Properly: Follow your doctor's treatment plan to control inflammatory arthritis and reduce joint damage.
- Wear Supportive Footwear: Choose comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid repetitive high-impact activities on hard surfaces when possible.
Why Choose Medaura
Medaura connects you with joint replacement surgeons experienced in robotic and computer-navigated techniques, trained at India’s top orthopaedic institutions and practising at implant-longevity standards that match international benchmarks. Every recommendation is grounded in current guidelines and years of high-volume replacement surgery, not a single surgeon’s habit. We coordinate pre-anaesthetic workups, financial estimates and travel logistics for patients from across India and abroad — so you can focus on walking pain-free, not on navigating a fragmented healthcare system.
High-volume surgeons
15+ years of joint replacement experience
Transparent pricing
Written estimates, no hidden charges.
Rapid recovery
Modern, audited recovery pathways.
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Related Treatments
Specialist care for ankle, heel and forefoot conditions.
Restoring length, alignment and function after trauma, infection or deformity.
Microscopic, endoscopic and motion-preserving spine care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to Your Healthcare Questions
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How do I know if I need joint replacement surgery?
You may need joint replacement surgery if hip or knee pain lasts for several months, limits your daily activities, and does not improve with medications, physiotherapy, injections, or other non-surgical treatments.
How long does it take to recover after joint replacement surgery?
Most patients begin walking within 24 hours after surgery, return to normal daily activities in about 6–12 weeks, and continue improving over the next few months with physiotherapy.
How long does a joint replacement implant last?
Modern knee and hip replacement implants typically last 15–20 years or longer, depending on factors such as age, activity level, weight, and overall joint health.
Can I walk normally after joint replacement surgery?
Yes. Most patients regain comfortable walking, improved mobility, and the ability to perform daily activities after completing their recovery and rehabilitation program.
