Knee Replacement in Navi Mumbai

Knee Replacement in Navi Mumbai

Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also called Total Knee Arthroplasty, is one of the most successful and life-changing surgeries in modern orthopedic care. For individuals living with severe knee arthritis, chronic pain, stiffness, or mobility loss, a knee replacement often marks a turning point, restoring independence and improving quality of life.

At Fortis Hospital, Vashi, our orthopedic team, with their extensive experience in advanced joint replacement techniques, including robotic knee replacement, minimally invasive surgery, precision alignment systems, and enhanced recovery pathways, instils confidence in our patients. These techniques help patients walk within hours after surgery, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

This guide breaks down the entire process, step by step, so patients and caregivers know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, why the surgery works, and how recovery unfolds.

Why Do Patients Need Total Knee Replacement?

Most patients require TKR when the knee joint is severely damaged, and all conservative treatments have failed. The common causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage between bones wears down, causing bone-on-bone friction, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.  It is one of the most common conditions that would require total knee replacement.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis causes persistent inflammation, joint destruction, deformity, and disabling pain, and the quality of life in these patients can be drastically improved with total knee replacement. 

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus damage can trigger long-term wear and tear, often necessitating knee replacement. 

Severe Knee Deformity

Conditions such as bowlegs (varus) or knock knees (valgus) may progress to severe arthritis, necessitating correction and joint replacement. With age, TKR restores movement in these patients. 

Loss of Mobility

When everyday activities like climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or walking from room to room become difficult due to severe knee pain, often a result of age, wear and tear, surgery becomes necessary.

At Fortis Hospital, Vashi the orthopedic team utilizes advanced imaging, gait analysis, and clinical scoring to determine whether a patient truly requires knee replacement or if alternative treatments can still be effective.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate?

You may be a candidate for TKR if you experience:

• Persistent knee pain despite medications, physiotherapy, or injections
• Swollen or stiff knees that restrict movement
• Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
• Knee deformity
• Dependence on support (cane/walker)
• Sleep disturbance due to knee pain

Age is no longer a strict limit. Many patients in their 40s undergo successful knee replacement if arthritis severely limits their lives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Total Knee Replacement

To know about how Total Knee Replacement is done, read on. 

Step 1: Consultation & Evaluation

During your first visit to Fortis Hospital, Vashi, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment. Your doctor will take detailed notes of your medical history, conduct a thorough physical knee examination, and evaluate the range of motion, including deformity and gait. Diagnostic imaging tests and blood work are often recommended for a better understanding of your condition, ensuring you are well-informed and secure in your decision. 

Diagnostic Tests

• X-rays to assess bone alignment and joint damage
• MRI (if ligament or cartilage damage needs mapping)
• Blood tests to check fitness for surgery
• ECG & cardiac evaluation for surgical clearance

Depending on the outcome of results, the orthopedic surgeon would then explain the need for surgery, expected outcomes, implant options, and the customized plan.

Step 2: Preoperative Preparation

Before surgery, patients undergo a structured preparation phase called “prehabilitation.”

Key Components

• Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings
• Weight management guidance
• Control of diabetes or hypertension
• Review of medications (blood thinners may be paused)
• Breathing exercises to improve recovery
• Counselling about hospital stay, physiotherapy, and discharge planning

At Fortis Hospital, physiotherapists, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and orthopedic surgeons collaborate to ensure patients are fully prepared.

Step 3: Admission & Pre-Surgery Protocol

On the day of admission:

• Vital signs are checked
• The surgical site (knee) is marked
• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours
• Anesthesia evaluation is repeated
• Sedation is provided to reduce anxiety

Types of anesthesia:

• Spinal anesthesia (most common, safer, faster recovery)
• General anesthesia (in selected cases)

Step 4: The Surgical Procedure 

A standard total knee replacement takes 60–90 minutes. Here is how it is done. 

Incision

A precise incision is made over the knee.

Removal of Damaged Surfaces

The worn-out cartilage and bone from the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap) are removed.

Implant Placement

Artificial components (prosthesis) made of high-grade metal alloys and polyethylene are fixed:

• Femoral component
• Tibial component
• Patellar resurfacing (if needed)

Alignment Correction

Using advanced techniques such as robotic navigation or computer-assisted systems, the surgeon ensures precise alignment, which improves long-term results.

Closure

The incision is closed with sutures, and the knee is bandaged.

At Fortis Hospital, advanced sterile protocols, precision tools, and high-quality implants ensure safety and longevity of results.

Step 5: Post-Surgery Recovery in Hospital

First 24 Hours

• Patients begin moving their ankles and toes immediately to prevent clots.
• Pain is controlled with a multimodal prescription.
• A physiotherapist may help the patient sit, stand, and even walk the same day.

Day 2–3

• Walking with a walker
• Knee-bending exercises
• Stair practice (if necessary)
• Dressing changes and wound evaluation

Patients are typically discharged within 2–4 days, accompanied by clear instructions for home care and follow-up.

Step 6: Home Recovery & Rehabilitation

This phase determines the success of the surgery.

Rehabilitation Timeline

Week 1–2

• Continue pain medications
• Apply ice for swelling
• Walk short distances
• Perform basic flexion & extension exercises

Week 3–6

• Improved knee bending
• Strengthening exercises
• Progress from walker to cane
• Return to regular household activities

Week 7–12

• Walking without support
• Improved muscle control
• Return to light work

3–6 Months

• Most patients resume all normal daily activities
• Joint becomes stronger, more flexible
• Pain reduces significantly

1 Year

Complete recovery, full strength, and stable mobility.

Types of Implants Used

Fixed-Bearing Implants

Fixed-bearing implants are the most widely used prostheses in knee replacement surgery.

How They Work?

• The polyethylene (plastic) insert that acts as the new cartilage is firmly attached to the metal tibial component.
• The femoral component (above) glides over this fixed insert every time the knee bends.

Who Benefits Most

• Older adults
• Patients with low to moderate activity levels
• Individuals with stable ligaments and normal knee alignment

Advantages

• Proven long-term durability
• Lower risk of mechanical wear
• Simpler design with fewer moving parts
• Excellent outcomes for most patients

These implants are standard for the majority because they offer predictable results, are highly durable, and match the functional needs of daily Indian lifestyles.

Mobile-Bearing Implants

Mobile-bearing implants allow a greater degree of rotation and natural movement.

How They Work?

• The polyethylene insert is not fixed; it can rotate slightly within the tibial tray.
• This rotation mimics the small twisting movements of a natural knee.

Who Benefits Most?

• Younger or more active patients
• Individuals who want enhanced flexibility
• Patients performing activities requiring deep bending or pivoting

Advantages

• More natural knee movement
• Reduced stress on implant surfaces
• Potentially longer implant life due to lower wear

Posterior-Stabilized (PS) Implants

These implants are used when specific ligaments in the knee, especially the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) are damaged or insufficient.

How They Work?

The implant has a raised post on the tibial side and a matching cam on the femoral component.

This post-and-cam mechanism replaces the function of the missing PCL, preventing the thighbone from sliding backward on the shinbone.

Who Benefits Most?

• Patients with PCL damage
• Individuals with severe arthritis and deformity
• Patients undergoing revision knee surgery

Advantages

• Provides strong stability even when natural ligaments are weak
• Reduces the risk of knee buckling
• Ensures smooth flexion and extension

Posterior-stabilized designs allow the surgeon to restore proper knee movement even in complex cases.

Robotic and Customised Implants

These are next-generation solutions that combine precision technology with patient-specific design.

Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic assistance is used during surgery to achieve millimeter-level accuracy.

How It Works?

• A CT scan or digital mapping creates a 3D model of the patient’s knee.
• The robotic system guides the surgeon during bone cuts and implant positioning.
• It ensures perfect alignment, balance, and fit.

Benefits

• Higher precision than conventional techniques
• Reduced soft tissue damage
• Faster recovery
• Improved long-term function
• Lower risk of implant loosening or early wear

Customised Implants

These implants are tailored to match the unique anatomy of the patient.

How They Work?

• Detailed imaging is used to create an implant that perfectly fits the natural size, shape, and curvature of the patient’s knee.
• This leads to a more natural-feeling movement.

Who Benefits Most?

• Younger patients
• Those with unusual knee anatomy
• Patients requiring higher functional efficiency

Advantages

• Perfect fit with minimal bone removal
• More natural movement
• Better comfort during bending, sitting, and walking

Fortis Hospital utilizes globally trusted implants tailored to each patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and surgeon's recommendation.

What Are The Benefits of Total Knee Replacement?

• Significant pain relief
• Restoration of mobility
• Ability to resume daily activities
• Improved quality of life
• Correction of deformity
• Long-lasting results (15–20 years or more)

Modern techniques ensure smaller incisions, less bleeding, faster mobility, and fewer complications.

Why Choose Fortis Hospital, Vashi for Total Knee Replacement?

• Highly experienced orthopedic surgeons
• Robotic and computer-assisted knee replacement
• Precision alignment for long-lasting implants
• Strong nursing and rehabilitation support
• Rapid recovery pathways
• Proven outcomes with high patient satisfaction

Total Knee Replacement is not just a surgery; it is a path back to independence, movement, and pain-free living. With advanced techniques and expert care, Fortis Hospital, Vashi ensures that every patient gets a chance at a healthier, more active life.

If knee pain is limiting your daily routine, it may be time to explore what modern knee replacement can do for you.

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Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Address: Mini Sea Shore Road, Sector 10, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400703

Ph. 02268846143