Primary and revision knee replacement by Prof (Dr) Ujjwal K Debnath, a UK-trained orthopaedic surgeon (FRCS Tr & Orth, DM Nottingham), for lasting relief from knee arthritis pain.
Knee arthroplasty, better known as knee replacement surgery, relieves pain from a badly worn knee. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), and caps them with metal components. A smooth medical-grade plastic (polyethylene) insert sits between them so the joint glides freely again. The back of the kneecap may also be resurfaced.
It is one of the most successful operations in orthopaedics. For most people with advanced knee arthritis it brings back pain-free walking, a straighter leg and the confidence to stay active and independent.
Knee replacement is considered when arthritis damage is advanced and pain affects your daily life despite non-surgical treatment.
Surgery is not the first step. Weight control, strengthening exercises, physiotherapy, pain medicines, injections and walking aids are tried first. Prof (Dr) Debnath recommends replacement only when these no longer give you an acceptable quality of life.
The right operation depends on how much of the knee is damaged, your ligaments, your age and your activity level.
All the joint surfaces of the knee are replaced. This is the most common operation for advanced arthritis, and it can also correct a bow-leg or knock-knee deformity.
Suited to: arthritis affecting more than one part of the knee.
How joint replacement helps →A second operation to replace an earlier knee replacement that has worn out, loosened, become infected or unstable, or remains painful. It is more complex than a first replacement and may need special implants, stems or bone grafts to rebuild lost bone.
Suited to: a previous knee replacement that is failing or causing problems.
Get a second opinion on your knee implant →When both knees are badly affected, they can be replaced in the same operation, with one anaesthetic and one rehabilitation period, or in two stages a few weeks apart.
Suited to: fit patients with severe arthritis in both knees, after a careful health check.
Both knees at the same time →What to expect from the first consultation to getting back on your feet.
Your knee is examined and weight-bearing X-rays show how much of the joint is worn. Non-surgical options are discussed first, and surgery only if it is right for you.
Blood tests, ECG and an anaesthetic review make sure you are fit for surgery. Diabetes, blood pressure and other conditions are brought under control beforehand.
Usually done under spinal anaesthesia with a nerve block for pain relief. The worn surfaces are replaced and the implant is aligned and balanced to your ligaments.
Most patients stand and walk with a walker within a day of surgery. The physiotherapist teaches bending exercises and safe stair climbing before you go home.
Daily home exercises rebuild strength and movement. Stitches or clips are removed at about two weeks, and follow-up visits check your progress and X-rays.
Recovery is gradual, and the work you put into your exercises makes a big difference. A typical timeline looks like this:
Standing and walking with a walker, and starting knee-bending exercises.
Home, walking with support and managing stairs.
Wound checked and stitches removed. Many patients move from a walker to a stick.
Most daily activities, short walks outdoors and, for many, driving again.
Most swelling has settled. Walking, travel and light leisure activities are comfortable.
Strength and movement keep improving as the knee fully settles.
Specialist fellowship in trauma and orthopaedics from the UK Intercollegiate Board, with a CCT (UK) completed in 2009.
DM (Orth) from the University of Nottingham, a rare research degree for an Indian orthopaedic surgeon.
Years of orthopaedic training in the United Kingdom, including Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport and University Hospital, Nottingham.
An honest assessment, non-surgical options first, and a clear rehabilitation plan if you choose surgery.
Modern implants are very durable. Large international studies show that about 8 in 10 total knee replacements are still working 25 years after surgery (The Lancet, 2019). Keeping a healthy weight and staying active helps your new knee last. If an implant does wear out, a revision knee replacement can replace it.
Most patients stand and take their first steps with a walker within a day of the operation, with a physiotherapist's help. Walking early speeds recovery and lowers the risk of blood clots.
Usually 3 to 5 days, depending on your general health and how quickly you can walk and manage stairs safely.
There is some pain after any operation, but spinal anaesthesia, nerve blocks and regular pain medicines keep it under control. Most patients find that the constant arthritis pain they had before is gone once the knee has healed.
Yes, for suitable patients. A bilateral knee replacement means one anaesthetic and one recovery period, but it is a bigger operation, so your heart, lungs and overall fitness are checked carefully before it is advised.
There is no fixed age limit. The decision depends on how much the knee affects your life and on your general health, not on age alone. Many patients in their 70s and 80s have successful knee replacements.
Most people can drive again at around 6 weeks, once they can control the car safely, and return to desk work in about 6–8 weeks. Physically demanding jobs take longer.
Deep squatting and sitting cross-legged on the floor put very high stress on a replaced knee and are generally best avoided. Your surgeon will advise you on the range of movement you can expect and the activities that are safe for your implant.
This page gives general information about knee replacement surgery and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Recovery times vary from person to person.
Living with knee pain? Get an expert opinion from Prof (Dr) Ujjwal K Debnath on whether knee replacement, or a non-surgical treatment, is right for you.
Prefer to talk? Call +91 98300 70823
