If your knee pain has reached the point where you cannot walk to the market, struggle to climb stairs, and wake up at night from the discomfort — you have probably already been told you need a knee replacement. The question now is not whether to have it. It is where, when, and with whom. This guide from the orthopaedic team at DR Multi Speciality Hospital in Iyyappanthangal — serving patients from Porur, Valasaravakkam, and Kundrathur — gives you the honest answers.

Are You Actually Ready for a Knee Replacement?

Not every arthritic knee needs immediate surgery. The decision should be based on:

Surgery is the right choice when:

• Pain is constant — even at rest and at night
• X-ray shows bone-on-bone (Grade 3 or 4 arthritis)
• You cannot do daily activities independently
• Painkillers are no longer controlling it
• Your quality of life is significantly affected

You can still wait if:

• Pain is mainly during activity and settles with rest
• X-ray shows moderate arthritis (Grade 1 or 2)
• You can manage with physiotherapy and medication
• Injections and physiotherapy are still giving relief
• Symptoms are manageable without major life impact

What Actually Happens During Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement takes 90 to 120 minutes. Understanding what happens removes the fear:

• Anaesthesia: You are given spinal anaesthesia — you are awake but feel nothing from the waist down. Most patients prefer this over general anaesthesia.
• The damaged surfaces are removed: The surgeon trims the worn cartilage and bone from the end of your thigh bone (femur) and the top of your shin bone (tibia).
• The implant is placed: Metal components shaped like the natural joint surfaces are cemented or press-fitted into position. A medical-grade plastic spacer sits between them.
• The kneecap surface is assessed: The undersurface of the kneecap is resurfaced if needed.
• Wound closure: The incision is closed and you are moved to recovery. You will be asked to bend the knee and bear weight the same day or the next morning.

The Recovery Timeline — Honest Expectations

Day 1-2: You will stand and take a few steps with a walker. This is not optional — early movement prevents blood clots and speeds recovery. It will be uncomfortable. That is normal.

Week 1-2: You go home with pain medication, ice therapy, and a physiotherapy plan. You will walk short distances with a walker. Most patients manage stairs by day 10.

Week 3-6: Pain reduces significantly. You switch from walker to walking stick. You can sit and stand from a chair without help. Physiotherapy continues 3 times per week.

Month 3: Most patients are walking without a stick, managing household activities, and riding in cars comfortably. Driving resumes around 6 to 8 weeks.

Month 6-12: Full recovery. Most patients report that they feel like they have a new knee — they can walk distances they have not managed in years.

The question patients always ask: “Is it worth it?” Knee replacement has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective surgery — over 90% of patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility. The main predictor of a good outcome is choosing an experienced surgeon and committing to physiotherapy.

5 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Agreeing to Surgery

• How many total knee replacements have you performed personally — not as part of a team?
• What implant brand and type will you use — and why?
• What is your protocol if I have a post-operative infection or complication?
• Is in-house physiotherapy available, and for how long after surgery?
• What is the realistic chance that my knee is worse after surgery than before?

Our orthopaedic team at DR Multi Speciality Hospital welcomes these questions. If a surgeon dismisses them — that tells you something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a knee replacement last?

A: Modern knee implants are designed to last 15 to 20 years in most patients. Studies show that over 90% of knee replacements are still functioning well at 15 years. Longevity depends on your activity level, body weight, and the quality of the implant used.

Q: Is knee replacement safe for patients above 70?

A: Yes. Age alone is not a contraindication. We assess overall health, heart function, and anaesthetic risk independently. Many of our best outcomes are in patients in their 70s and 80s who have excellent overall health despite severe knee arthritis.

Q: What is the cost of knee replacement near Porur?

A: The cost of knee replacement at DR Multi Speciality Hospital depends on the type of implant, length of hospital stay, and your insurance coverage. We offer detailed cost estimates at the pre-operative consultation and work with most major insurance providers. Contact us directly for an individualised quote.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book an orthopaedic consultation at DR Multi Speciality Hospital. Serving Porur, Valasaravakkam, Kundrathur & Iyyappanthangal. Our orthopaedic team will review your X-rays, assess your knee, and give you an honest recommendation — including whether surgery is actually needed yet.