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.
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
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Procedure | Minimum Price | Maximum Price |
---|---|---|
Unilateral TKR | $5,500 | $7,300 |
Bilateral TKR | $9,000 | $11,500 |
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. |
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!
✓ 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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
They also have other branches in NCR (Gurgaon aka Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida), Panjab, Chandigarh, Mohali, and Uttrakhand.
Apart from New Delhi, you can expect the treatment by Apollo in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
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.
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.
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 are the medical terms for single 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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 and Nephew customize the knee implants as per patient’s requirement under the tag Visionaire, for more information on the same click here.
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.
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:
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?
Currently working with Max Hospital, New Delhi
Specialization: Full Spectrum Knee & Shoulder Surgery
Why should you choose him?
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.
These implants are nickel-free, thus eliminating the risks for nickel-metal allergy.
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.
Not any if you’ve been sufficiently sedated with anesthesia.
Patients should use good shoes of a proper fir with additional arch support.
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!
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