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    Knee Replacement Surgery in India

    Medically Reviewed by Dr. Paul Labana, MBBS |

    Are you planning to get knee replacement surgery in India? Well, don’t look back! Many patients find it difficult to afford this surgery in their home country. Comparatively, India offers huge savings (up to 60%) — that too, from highly skilled surgeons!

    However, you need to research and shortlist the best surgeons and hospitals beforehand. This is where we can help you! Also, we will discuss the other things you need to know about replacing your knee in India.

    Why India for Knee Surgery – The Seven Reasons!

    If you want to invest in your health, India is the place for it! Why? They have an excellent track record when it comes to medical tourism, and their affordable rates will surprise you![1]Forbes India’s next crown jewel, Medical Tourism “Procedures such as hip and knee replacement, facelift, and gastric bypass are far more affordable in India, including the cost of travel and accommodation, compared to the U.S.” View in Article

    Infographic: Knee Replacement surgery in India

    India stands out in delivering just the right kind of service that ex-pats seek. See the highlights that drive more and more patients to India for a knee replacement surgery:

    1. International Patient’s Choice:

    A lot of people have been choosing India over other medical destinations. A report by CNN[2]CNN Health India wants to make medical tourism a $9 billion industry “India’s medical tourism industry could grow by 200% by 2020, hitting $9 billion, according to Ministry of Tourism figures.” View in Article health suggests that Indian medical tourism is projected to grow at a CAGR of 200% by 2020, hitting US$9 billion by 2020.

    2. The Average Cost of Surgery:

    Total knee replacement surgery in India can cost $3,500-9,000, compared to $15,000-21,000[3]Saga magazine, UK Paying for a new knee “Recent figures indicate an average cost of £11,400, although this may go as high as £15,400.” View in Article in the U.K. and $49000[4]Healthline Understanding Knee Replacement Costs “The average hospital charge for a total knee replacement (T.K.R.) in the United States is $49,500.” View in Article in the U.S. The prices cut to half or even less, offering high savings to the patients!

    3. Quality of Work:

    Many medical practitioners in India have learned or practiced medicine in countries like the U.S. and Australia. It gives them exposure to the U.S. or Australian patient base. Later, it helps the surgeons to understand a medical tourist’s needs even better.

    Apart from carrying out surgeries as per international standards, Researchers here work to provide new and better ways[5]Biomedical Research 2017 Comparison of training methods in improving knee extension lag after first four weeks of total knee replacement. “functional training exercises resulted in a significant reduction in post-operative knee pain” View in Article of healthcare.

    4. Strong Medical Regulations:

    Even though there are countries that may compete with Indian pricing, it could affect the quality of their services.

    The N.H.P. (National Health Policy)[6]N.H.P Key Policy Principles “The health policy commits itself to the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethics to be maintained in the entire system of health care 2 delivery in the country,” View in Article India recognizes some critical dimensions of high-quality healthcare. These include — consistency, positive health outcomes, patient-centeredness, equity, and trustable service delivery. It promotes the safety and trust of patients in the healthcare system.

    5. A Long History of Medical Tourism:

    As a land where therapeutic Ayurveda originated, India has always attracted medical tourists. Moreover, constant efforts in medicine ensure that more medical tourists visit India for other treatments too.

    6. Safety of Medical Procedure:

    Only the professionals registered with the MCI (Medical Council of India)[7]NMC Org CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS “No person other than a doctor having qualification recognised by Medical Council of India and registered with Medical Council of India/State Medical Council (s) is allowed to practice Modern system of Medicine or Surgery.” View in Article are allowed to practice modern medicine or surgery.

    Furthermore, the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) lays down standards of medical equipment use and hospital planning for safe medical practices.

    The NABH[8]NABH FROM CEO’S DESK “NABH intends to be a robust, accessible and competent organization to complement the healthcare system to improve its efficiency and the predictability of healthcare outcomes.” View in Article, (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare), works in promoting quality and safety in healthcare in India.

    7. Medical Tourism & Leisure Travel:

    India undoubtedly holds a vibrant history. Its generations work to offer a glimpse into Indian History by preserving the years-old monuments and artworks.

    The country’s capital, New Delhi, for instance, was recently in the news as it is about to be listed as one of the world’s top 10 most popular destinations to visit.[9]Live Mint Ten most popular cities with global tourists “Currently, the city ranks at the 11th position in the list of world’s top 100 destinations and is forecast to be holding the 8th place in 2019.” View in Article

    Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India ($5,500 – $11,500)

    Indian hospitals are known for their lower prices, but how much will you pay? It’s an important question to answer before packing your bags and traveling to India. Let’s explore not just the cost, but how it compares to other countries also!

    Price of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) in India
    Procedure Minimum Price Maximum Price
    Unilateral TKR $5,500 $7,300
    Bilateral TKR $9,000 $11,500
    *2021 prices, contact us for personalized quote
    Price in India Vs. Other Medical Destinations
    Country TKR Minimum TKR Maximum
    INDIA $5,500 (U/L) $11,500 (B/L)
    USA $30,000 $70,000
    AUSTRALIA $14,000 $22,500
    THAILAND $9,000 $11,000
    COSTA RICA $10,000 $11,000
    CANADA $11,000 $13,000
    MEXICO $7,000 $15,800
    Note: Wait time in the mentioned countries is almost nil, except in Canada, where one may have to wait months to get an appointment.
    *U/L- Unilateral (one knee); B/L- Bilateral (both knees)

    The cost for knee replacement surgery in India ranges between $5,500-$11,500, which averages to $8,500 at a reputed institute. So, you end up with a low-cost all-inclusive package!

    All-inclusive Package

    ✓ Room charges for the specified period (usually 5 days)

    ✓ Surgeon’s fees

    ✓ Occupational therapy fees

    ✓ Anesthesia fees

    ✓ The cost of a DVT pump

    ✓ The cost of prostheses/implants

    ✓ Standard pharmacy and consumables bill (up to a certain limit)

    ✓ The cost of necessary investigations related to your procedure

    ✓ Comprehensive medical report

    Patients at MTC also get free pick-up and drop facility (airport-hospital-hotel) in AC cars. You can also expect guest house assistance, a local network sim-card, assistance in currency exchange, and assistance in obtaining your medicine after being discharged from the hospital.

    Thus, the small amount helps to cover your pre-surgery tests, hospital bills, and to some extent, post-op healthcare expenses also. The details of services you can expect in each are mentioned below:

    Components of the Treatment Cost
    • Pre-Surgery Tests
    • Hospital Bills
    • Post-Surgery Healthcare

    The patient takes some diagnostic and organ tests before the surgery. Medicos do it to analyze the measure of damage. This analysis helps the doctor to make a personalized treatment plan.

    Some primary medical check-ups you have to undergo are:

    1. An Imaging Test – It helps to analyze the present condition of your knee. Based on the doctor’s advice, it could be either of these options:

    • X-RAY- This simple imaging technique creates a picture of indies of your knee in different shades of black and white. The doctor studies and compares it with the structure of a healthy knee.

    X-ray of knee: pre and post surgery

    X-ray Left: Osteoarthritis of the knee; Right: post-operation total Knee surgery (TKR) view
    • MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging is for a detailed scan of the affected knee. The scan is more detailed than an X-ray, it helps the doctor analyze the situation better.

    MRI of knee

    MRI of knee

    2. Heart Check-up – Cardiologist’s clearance for surgery is a must.  Your heart should be healthy to support the body through and after the surgery. If it is not, the doctor works on heart health before knee surgery.

    3. Dental Check-up – To identify infections, if any, in the oral cavity. It’s to avoid any post-surgery trouble. The untreated bacteria from the mouth may travel into the blood and infect the knee implants.

    4. Medical Check-up – Finally, a patient goes through a regular medical check-up. It scans for any disease which may affect the surgery.

    The cost for tests mentioned is included in the surgery package; if you want to get these done from a separate institution, they may add up to less than $500.

    The surgery may require a person to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Depending on the hospital, you’re visiting your surgery package can vary.

    The quotes mentioned do not include the price of blood products or extra implants. These may vary depending on factors like single occupancy or sharing room, kinds of implants selected, and patient’s individual health requirements.

    You can request us for the details for pricing and inclusions of the following hospitals.

    • Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, India
    • Max Super Specialty Hospitals, India
    • BLK hospital, New Delhi, India
    • Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, India

    Post-surgery recovery varies for every person because of the different health levels. Therefore, to some extent, it is possible to speed up recovery.

    Getting yourself a physio or a personal physical trainer will be the best part of your investment for better knees.

    Physiotherapy sessions in the U.S. can cost up to $150 per session or be covered by your insurance plan.

    After the surgery, Physiotherapy is provided by the Indian hospitals at the patient’s room (hospital/hotel) for a certain period of time (duration depends on the Hospital and your medical package).

    If you choose to relax and stay back in India for a short vacation, you can avail physiotherapy for an amount as low as $70 for a month.

    Physiotherapy of Knee

    Top Orthopedic Hospitals in India

    Many multi-specialty hospitals in India offer knee replacement surgery. From these, some stand out when we look at their success rates, past patient experience, accreditations, memberships, and more. Based on these parameters, we have shortlisted the best hospitals for you:

    Max Super Specialty

    • One of India’s leading providers of extensive, seamless, and integrated world-class healthcare services.
    • A network of 14 hospitals, they offer treatment across all 29 specialties.
    • Accreditation by JCI, NABH, and NABL

    They also have other branches in NCR (Gurgaon aka Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida), Panjab, Chandigarh, Mohali, and Uttrakhand.

    Apollo Hospitals

    • Provide state-of-the-art health care
    • A network of 70+ hospitals across 13 countries
    • Apollo hospitals are ISO- 9001, 14001, 2200 HACCP certified
    • Accreditation by JCI, NABH, and NABL

    Apart from New Delhi, you can expect the treatment by Apollo in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.

    BLK Hospital- New Delhi, India

    • A member of Max Super Specialty chain of hospitals
    • Accreditation by JCI, NABH, and NABL
    • Introduce established newer technologies in clinical services without delay.
    • Provide reliable and updated diagnostic services.

    Knee Replacement Surgery Types

    The type of knee surgery you will undergo will be decided by your doctor after thoroughly studying your knee.

    In India, all the types mentioned below are performed by surgeons registered with MCI.

    Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery

    Your knee joint has three compartments — the medial, the lateral, and the patellofemoral compartment.

    Partial knee replacement (PKR) is for patients with complications relating to 1/3 or 2/3 compartments of the knee joint. But, when all three compartments are compromised, a total knee replacement surgery (TKR) is required.

    However, this is not as simple as it sounds, as depending on your pre-operative reports, your doctor will analyze and recommend the best treatment option for you.

    Knee Revision Surgery

    Are you in pain even after the surgery? It could suggest an implant that may be incorrectly fitted, loose or infected.

    In such a case, your doctor will operate once again, termed, revision surgery.

    Revision surgery is more complicated than primary surgery and needs more surgical expertise.

    It may be a total or a partial revision knee replacement depending on the prosthetic(s) replaced

    Staged and Bilateral Knee Surgery

    Staged and bilateral are the medical terms for single or simultaneous knee surgery.

    Knee scar after Bilateral Knee Surgery
    When both the knees are operated on at the same time, it is known as Bilateral or Simultaneous Knee surgery.

    In staged knee surgery- one knee is replaced at one time. When the surgeon operates on both knees at the same time, it is called bilateral knee surgery.

    Knee Replacement Surgery Methods in India

    Conventional Surgery Methods

    Surgeons in India perform primary and revision knee surgeries with minimal complications & high success rates. However, such operations are not performed on children as their bones are still growing.

    Latest Technology and Surgery Methods

    Computer-assisted TKR followed by ERAS has been observed to deliver better results for patients undergoing knee surgery. Orthopedics in India follows these protocols to ensure the best possible result for those seeking any form of knee replacement surgery.

    1. Computer navigated TKR (Improves accuracy)

    When a surgeon can visualize the insides of a knee joint; it becomes much easier for them to align the necessary components precisely.

    Total Knee Surgery (TKR) or Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), when assisted with computer aid, helps the surgeon to operate much more accurately.

    2. ERAS (Hastens recovery)

    Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) aims to in reducing complications following surgery. This protocol is actually initiated prior to any form of surgery.

    It revolves around activities like physiotherapy, education about the surgery itself, the careful choice of anesthesia, and operation methods.

    Adopting these methods from the outset will usually result in a decreased length of stay (LOS) for patients.

    Best Knee Replacement Implant Brand in India

    • Zimmer
    Zimmer

    Zimmer India manufactures a variety of knee implants. You can go through the link to their products Zimmer claims to be the manufacturer of more than 25% of implants used worldwide.

    • Zimmer Biomet
    Zimmer Biomet

    Biomet clubbed with Zimmer to function as one unit. Their vanguard complete knee system offers 90 different fits from which you can choose. You can browse through their other products here.

    • Stryker
    Stryker

    Stryker, the winner of Fortune world’s most admired companies (2019), offers multiple fits. You can have a look at its updated product list here.

    • Smith & Nephew
    Smith & Nephew

    Smith and Nephew customize the knee implants as per patient’s requirement under the tag Visionaire, for more information on the same click here.

    • ConforMis iTotal custom implants
    ConforMis iTotal custom implants

    Conformis says, “If it’s not conformis, it’s not made for you.” They make customized implants based on the pre navigated 3D model of your knee. It ensures that the implant looks the closest to your original knee. Know more about conformis here.

    Best Orthopedic Doctors in India

    India hosts between 12 to 15 thousand registered orthopedic surgeons. So, it can quite a task selecting the one who’s right for you.

    Artemis Hospital-Gurgaon, Fortis Healthcare, and Max Super Specialty Hospitals are some institutes which have the best of the professionals. The teams have been working to result in satisfied patients one after another.

    Some of the best knee replacement surgeon in India are:

    Dr. S.K.S. Marya, MBBS, MS (Orth), DNB (Orth), M.Ch. (Orth), FRCS, DSc.

    Currently working with Max hospital, New Delhi

    Specialization: Joint Replacement Surgery for the joints of upper and lower limbs (Primary and Revision) and Trauma Management based on AO Principles.

    Why should you choose him?

    • 30+ years of experience
    • Performed more than 15,000 joint replacements of Knees, Hips, Shoulders, Toes and Finger joints
    • He has pioneered bilateral joint replacement of knee and hip joints
    • Initiated the Uni-compartmental (Half Knee) replacement and has done exclusive work on fractures in joint replacement.

    Dr. J. Maheshwari, MBBS and MS Ortho (AIIMS)

    Currently working with Max Hospital, New Delhi

    Specialization:  Full Spectrum Knee & Shoulder Surgery

    Why should you choose him?

    • 35+ years of experience in.
    • 5000+ arthroplasties with computer navigation performed.
    • Academic oriented practice keeps him up-to-date with cutting-edge technology.
    • Invented & published a number of new operations in Knee & Shoulder surgery.

    Frequently Asked Questions Before Surgery 

    • Q- Is blood transfusion during knee replacement surgery required?
    Q- Is blood transfusion during knee replacement surgery required?

    Yes, you may require, blood transfusion. It is because the joint replacement surgery is invasive, so some amount of blood is lost and needs replacing. However, this is not true for all patients.

    • Q- Where does the blood required for transfusion during the surgery come from?
    Q- Where does the blood required for transfusion during the surgery come from?
    • The blood for transfusion may come from blood banks, located mostly in the hospitals themselves.
    • Blood available in these banks is tested for any disease (minor or major) before transfusing it to the recipient.
    • If you know a volunteer of your specific blood type, you can receive his/her blood as well.
    • If you’re still skeptical about receiving blood from an external source or don’t want to follow these for any other reason, you can self-donate.
    • Blood from your own body will be received before the surgery (6weeks to 5days), stored and recycled in the hospital. Doctors transfuse the same blood into your body during the surgery.
    • Q- What is the waiting time for an appointment in India?
    Q- What is the waiting time for an appointment in India?
    • Some medical teams have their consultants overseas, and you can immediately contact an experienced local consultant.
    • Our case manager can get you in touch with doctors within 24 hours of receiving the query.
    • After discussing the case, you can get an appointment within the first week as well. If the doctor is available, we can confirm the same as immediate as on the next day itself.
    • It’s possible to get the appointment and the surgery done in the same visit.
    • Q- How do I decide on the right model for my knee implant?
    Q- How do I decide on the right model for my knee implant?
    • Cobalt-Chromium alloys: A robust, biocompatible material, when combined with titanium, is the most widely used material for knee implants. People with nickel allergies should not have this implant as some metal ions may release into the body due to joint movement.
    • Titanium alloys- These implants rank the same as cobalt-chromium ones. Manufacturers avoid using pure titanium as it isn’t tough enough to provide the strength required.
    • Polyethene: Ultra Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene (UHXLPE) or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Implants reduce the wearing off to a minimum and make the implants last longer.
    • Oxinium oxidized Zirconium: Introduced in 2001 with twice the toughness of metal alloys, it provides half the friction. This allows them to perform better and last longer.

    These implants are nickel-free, thus eliminating the risks for nickel-metal allergy.

    • Q- Where are the knee implants manufactured?
    Q- Where are the knee implants manufactured?
    • Mass production: General implants can be imported or manufactured at a company’s factory base. Like Zimmer India manufactures the implants to be sold in the India market.
    • Mass customization: Mass customization takes place after the individual files of 3D models are pre-navigated and sent to the brand-specific factory for 3D Printing. It is usually done in the native country.
    • Q- How does exercising before the knee replacement surgery help?
    Q- How does exercising before the knee replacement surgery help?
    • The knee is a living tissue. So, your brain health affects your knee health, and we all know the effect of exercise on our moods. Thanks to the release of happy hormones post-exercise.
    • Exercising helps you to control the weight, which will decrease the amount of work your knees have to do.
    • Exercising promotes overall health making a recovery faster after the surgery.

    FAQs About the Day of Surgery

    • Q- What will occur during the knee replacement surgery?
    Q- What will occur during the knee replacement surgery?
    • Anesthesiologist guides you through the options of anesthesia and administers the one for which you give your consent.
    • After this, healthcare moves you to the operation ward, and the surgery is performed on you while you’re asleep.
    • An incision from 4 to 10 inches will is made over the damaged area of your knee. A less invasive surgery will require a smaller incision, though it is not mandatory that a surgery with smaller incision must be less invasive as well.
    • From here on, the surgeon uses his expertise to remove the damaged parts of the knee and carefully replace them with the prosthetics.
    • After entirely fitting the implants, the surgeon will cross check the fit of the implants by bringing them in motion (bending & rotating).
    • Once the surgeon is satisfied with the placement of the implants, he stitches/staples the incision to close it.
    • Q- How long will the knee replacement surgery last?
    Q- How long will the knee replacement surgery last?
    • The real-time TKR takes about 2 hours. Still, the preparation of the surgery can add some more hours to it.
    • Revision knee surgery, on the other hand, being more complex, requires additional time. It usually takes 2-3 hours.
    • Q- Is anesthesia during TKR necessary?
    Q- Is anesthesia during TKR necessary?
    • Knee surgery is one of the major surgeries, and anesthesia is recommended to avoid any pain stress to the body.
    • You may choose between localized or general (full body) anesthesia after consulting your anesthesiologist.
    • Q- Can I select the anesthesia?
    Q- Can I select the anesthesia?

    Anesthesia is selected after considering your age and medical health. Still, if you have a preference, you can discuss the same with your anesthesia doctor and decide.

    • Q- Would I incur any pain during TKR?
    Q- Would I incur any pain during TKR?

    Not any if you’ve been sufficiently sedated with anesthesia.

    • Q- How much blood would I lose during the joint replacement surgery?
    Q- How much blood would I lose during the joint replacement surgery?
    • The surgery involves blood loss, but amounts may vary on your medical health and the extent of invasion of the surgery.
    • It is advised not to consume any anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs (blood thinners) before the surgery as they can increase the amount of blood loss.

    Frequently Asked Questions After the Surgery

    • Q- What are the precautions to take for the flight after surgery?
    Q- What are the precautions to take for the flight after surgery?
    • Movement is crucial after the surgery to avoid blood DVT- Deep vein thrombosis (formation of one or more blood clots in the lower limb).
    • Chances of DVT increase if a person sits still for a longer duration, such as in a long flight.
    • While in a flight, legs fold at a right angle. It may lead to a kink formation in the veins under the knee. This further promotes DVT.
    • To avoid DVT one must avoid dehydration.
    • Ensuring optimum movement, as simple as moving up and down the aisle after regular intervals, can help.
    • One may take anticoagulants (blood thinners) after consulting the doctor.
    • Q- How is life after knee replacement?
    Q- How is life after knee replacement?
    • It takes 3-6 months for complete recovery in a healthy body. It may also take up to 12 months.
    • No matter what other brands may tell you, no implant can function 100% as your natural knee.
    • The knee pain is minimized, not completely eradicated in most cases.
    • Simple movements like walking may restore to normal, but implants don’t allow you to run a marathon.
    • Q- Which shoes should I wear to avoid discomfort after surgery?
    Q- Which shoes should I wear to avoid discomfort after surgery?

    Patients should use good shoes of a proper fir with additional arch support.

    • Q- What exercises should be avoided after the surgery?
    Q- What exercises should be avoided after the surgery?
    • As already mentioned, implants can help you walk, but if you try to push it, you may damage the new knee as well. Heavy movement or weight-bearing exercises like running and skiing must be avoided.
    • The patient should enjoy sports like football and soccer only as a spectator.
    • Q- Can I contact the doctor after surgery?
    Q- Can I contact the doctor after surgery?
    • After the surgery you may contact your doctor directly for any query.
    • You may request our case managers for this service.

    Conclusion

    Getting knee replacement surgery in India can help you get a pain-free knee at an affordable price! You must, however, choose a reputable medical team to go ahead with the surgery. We at MTC help you find the best doctors and hospitals trusted worldwide.

    Have questions about getting TKR in India that this article doesn’t answer? Contact us and we can help!

    © 2020 Med Tourism Co, LLC

    *Please review our full disclaimers, Terms & Conditions and, Health Privacy & Confidentiality Statement. Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or any medical professional.

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