Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Apollo

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that aims to relieve pain and restore knee function in patients with knee conditions. The operation involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants made of metal alloy and medical grade plastic.

As it is a major procedure, patients are carefully evaluated and other options are considered before recommending the surgery. However, a successful knee replacement can result in a significant improvement in the range of movement and the quality of life. 

Apollo hospital knee replacement centre is a premier facility that takes pride in its high success rates and use of the latest surgical technology. The hospital is credited for performing a large number of knee replacement surgeries (of different kinds) and many for the first time in India.

Apollo Knee Replacement

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Knee replacement in Apollo

Apollo Hospitals is a Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited medical facility that offers tertiary care multi-speciality centre. The hospital is a highly sought after facility by international patients from different parts of the world. As a pioneer of Total Knee Replacement in India, it has a dedicated department or unit for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care. 

They offer various kinds of medical and surgical procedures for treatment of bone and joint replacement conditions. This includes hip resurfacing and knee replacement surgeries, with primary, complex & revision replacements. The team of the best orthopaedic surgeon at Apollo not only perform large numbers of such procedures, but also with excellent outcomes. 

The hospital is equipped with the latest technologies for Arthroscopic and Reconstructive surgeries. They bring together a combination of innovative diagnostic and imaging techniques such as CT imaging/mapping, 3D printing technology/ (virtual) modelling software, and the revolutionary technique of True Personalized Knee. 

Another advanced surgical technology offered by Apollo hospitals is Robotic-Guided technique, which is routinely performed for the suitable patients. The minimally invasive approach has transformed the field of surgery. It offers early rehabilitation and allows the patients to expeditiously return to their normal routine and activities. 

For holistic care, a complete Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation unit provides services for pain management and strengthening the knee after the surgery. The highly sophisticated equipment and protocols are used to ensure safe and quick recovery.

Another major advantage of having Total Knee Replacement surgery at Apollo Hospital is the affordable cost healthcare packages. The minimally invasive procedures and newer technologies offered by the hospital also help in cost-cutting, as it reduces the expenses related to longer hospital stay and lengthy recovery, as in the case of conventional surgery. 

However, the Apollo knee replacement cost may vary on certain factors, including the type of surgery, implant material or quality and the techniques used. It is also influenced by personal factors such as the patient’s age, medical condition and overall health status.

To know more or get precise quotes for Apollo hospital knee replacement cost, share your medical reports or query with us on care@lyfboat.com. Our team assists the patient throughout the process, starting from visa application and travel planning to appointment and treatment at the hospital. We strive to ensure that patients receive high quality, safe and reliable care at their preferred choice of facility.

Knee replacement surgery 

Knee replacement surgery, sometimes also referred to as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a procedure in which a damaged knee is replaced by prosthetic parts made of metal and plastic. The deteriorated knee is resurfaced and the implant is used to cap the ends of the bones that comprise the knee joint, along with space and parts for the kneecap. This operation might be an effective treatment option for a person who has severe pain or disability due to arthritis or a serious injury.

Joints are the body parts that are junction or meeting point for two or more bones. The function of most joints is to enable mobility, allowing a smooth movement. The knee is the largest joint in our body. The knees are engaged in performing most of the normal every day activities. The two leg bones, namely femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), meet in the knee joint and are held together by various muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The joint has a covering of a layer of cartilage that functions as shock absorber and protects the knee.

The main parts of a knee joint, therefore, are lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The articular cartilage that covers these three bones protects the joint and allows a smooth movement.

Knee replacements are now widely considered safe and effective, owing to the advancements in the field of technology and improvement of implant quality. The goal of a knee replacement operation is to relieve knee pain and symptoms that cannot be manages by other treatment options.

Need for the knee replacement surgery

There are a number of medical conditions that may cause severe knee pain and deterioration. Arthritis is one such condition and it is associated with the inflammation of the joints. It leads to a gradual wear and degeneration of the tissue around the ends of bones that make the knee joint, which result in deterioration of the joint space. This may cause friction between the bones at the exposed surfaces, and the regular bone movement will lead to severe pain. Knee replacement surgery can be the best solution to treat this knee condition and improve the quality of life by eliminating the related symptoms.

Some major types of arthritis that may affect the knee are:

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for needing a knee replacement. It commonly occurs in person above the age of 50 and with a family history of arthritis. In this diseases, the tissue cushioning the bones in the knee joint starts to wears away. It causes the bones to rub against one another, resulting in knee pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This disease is caused by thickening and inflammation of the inner membrane of joints. The excessive production of the lubricating fluid in the joints causes this chronic inflammation which can damage the tissue that covers the ends of the bones. It may lead to loss of the tissue, pain and problem while moving.

Traumatic Arthritis: It is caused by a serious knee injury, such as a knee fracture or severe tears in the connective tissue of the knee. This results in damage to the tissue that covers the ends of the bones, leading to knee pain and limited functions.

Symptoms

  • Severe knee pain that makes performing the everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up
  • Persistent pain in the knee, even while resting
  • Inflammation and swelling around the knee
  • Stiffness in the joint or disability (restricted movement of the knee)
  • Medication and other non-invasive methods fail to improve the condition

Generally, the doctor will recommend medical treatments and physical therapy to help relieve the pain and symptoms. When these do not satisfactorily improve the knee condition, knee replacement surgery is suggested as treatment. 

The medical and non-invasive treatment options for degenerative knee disease include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, pain medications (NSAIDs), assistive devices for walking such as a cane/walking aid, physical therapy, and viscosupplementation injections (to enhance lubrication into the joint to make movement less painful). Other methods depending on the underlying medical condition might also be recommended, such as weight loss for obese persons or limiting physical activities.

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Types of knee replacement surgery

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This procedure involves the complete replacement of the knee joint with an artificial implant, made of metal alloys and plastic components. It might be ideal for patients with severe joint dysfunction or disease. In this, the damaged parts of the joint, the ends of thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are removed. The knee is resurfaced and shaped to fit the appropriate size of prosthetic. The replacement made of metal is fixed on the end of tibia and femur using a flat metal plate. The fixing can be done using bone ‘cement’, or are by a ‘cement-less’ method. A plastic spacer is also placed between the metal parts, which acts as cartilage, making joint movement smooth. The replacement joint may last around 15-20 years.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): A partial knee replacement (PKR) is a less extensive surgery that is usually recommended when only one side of the knee is damaged. It involves a smaller incision, and less surgical trauma to the bone and tissues. The advantages to this operation is that PKR results in a shorter hospital stay, less risk of post-operative complications and faster recovery. It helps patients achieve a natural movement of the knee and enable them to be more active than with a total knee replacement.

Revision knee replacement surgery: This is a secondary operation, performed to replace the implants placed during the primary surgery. It is needed when the primary replacement wears off or is dislocated. 

Minimal invasion surgery: This is a keyhole approach based operation that involves smaller incision, than in standard knee replacement surgery, to access the damaged knee parts. The knee replacement surgeon uses special instruments to reach the tissue and perform the operation. It is expected to result in a quicker recovery. The joint replacement surgery can also be performed with robotic arm. An advanced procedure, robot-assisted knee replacement offers more precision and eliminate hand errors. 

The latest technology such as computer-navigation system might also be used during the surgery. This technology helps by providing images through the infrared cameras on a screen on the operating theater. This offers more accuracy during this procedure and enables the surgeon to make minor incisions for accessing the joint. 

Other advanced techniques at Apollo knee replacement include: 

Total knee replacement using patient specific zigs 

This is a new cutting edge technology in the field of joint replacement surgery. It involves the use of customized cutting blocks that are made before the surgery using images from CT scan of the patient’s knee and leg. These blocks are then used during the surgery to provide more accuracy for the placement of knee prosthesis. It also helps patient by resulting in reduced operative time, better surgical outcome, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay as well as faster recovery.

This is “Made in India-Made for India” technology that has been designed and developed by a leading US based company with research and development centre in India. The innovative customized zig meets the quality standard for Knee Replacement procedure.

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement (Resurface) Surgery (MIKRS) using OrthoGlide Medial Knee system.

OrthoGlide is a wedge-shaped device made of metallic which is used to replace the worn cartilage of the knee. This novel implant offers a less invasive option in comparison to the total knee replacement. It is inserted into the knee using a smaller incision, and has many advantages such as the pressure relief, restoration of proper joint alignment, more stability and redistributes the weight more evenly. 

This technique is a less expensive alternative with a less complicated way of regaining normal functions. It is a novel method for active and young patients having knee arthritis, who are concerned about the operation surgery and a lengthy post-operative rehabilitation.

Pre-operative phase 

The doctors generally advise patients to stay as active as they can before the surgery, as it will help maintain the strength of the muscles around the knee. The patient can participate in some gentle exercises such as walking and swimming during the weeks and months before the surgery. This will not only help prepare for the surgery but also aid in the recovery. A physiotherapist might also give some helpful tips about exercises. 

Some other things that will be recommended before the surgery are:

  • A medical check-up and physical examination along with blood test, urine test, ECG, X-ray and other tests are done to asses the patient’s health. The risks of complications from anaesthetic and surgery are also determined.
  • The patient will be notified about the medication that they need to stop taking, or alternatives might be prescribed, if required. This may include certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis that suppress the immune system as they may affect healing and anticoagulant medications.
  • Determined if the patient is sensitive or allergic to any medications, or other things involved in the surgery, such as latex, tape, and anaesthesia to be used.
  • The doctor must be informed about all the medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter as well as herbal supplements that the patient is taking.
  • The doctor must be informed about any underlying bleeding disorders or if patient is taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications such as aspirin or those that affect blood clotting. They might have to be restricted before the surgery. 
  • If the patient is pregnant or suspect pregnancy, they should notify the doctor during consultation.
  • No eating or smoking for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight.
  • Patients are generally asked to quit smoking for some time before and after the surgery, as it may increase the risk of certain complications and delay the recovery.

During the knee replacement surgical procedure

A knee replacement procedure involves four basic steps, which are:

  • Preparing the bone: The damaged surfaces at the ends of the two bones – femur and tibia, and a small amount of underlying bone are removed.
  • Placing the metal implants: The implants made of metal alloy components are used to removed cartilage and bone. This is to recreate the surface of the joint. The metal parts can be fixed into the bone by cement or press-fit method.
  • Resurfacing the kneecap (patella): The patella or kneecap is cut and resurfaced, and a plastic button is positioned on it. The patella is resurfaced depending on the requirement as per the case.
  • Inserting a spacer. A spacer made of medical-grade plastic is placed between the metal components of the replacement. This is to create a smooth gliding surface for the bones, which allows a proper and painless movement.

The surgery is performed with general anaesthesia and lasts for about 1 to 2 hours. It is followed by a hospital stay of some days, depending on the type of surgery and technique used.

Post-operative care after the knee replacement surgery 

After the surgery, patient is moved to a recovery room where they are closely monitored by the medical team. Once the effects of anaesthesia wear off, the patient is shifted to a normal room. The after-effects of anaesthesia such as sore throat, vomiting, and drowsiness might be experienced by some patients.

The next day after the surgery, patient is asked to stand, and they may even walk around the room with support. The newer minimally invasive techniques involves less surgical trauma and the patient is able to get back to his/her feet quickly. The hospital stay may last for 2-3 days or more following the surgery. The sutures are generally removed before the discharge, a follow-up appointment is scheduled. The physiotherapist will design a rehabilitation routine that should be started soon to help regain strength, balance, and function in the knee. 

The pain after the surgery is usually managed with painkillers, which might be given through an injectable medication or an epidural injection. However, it subsides over time and there is no long-term dependency on pain medications. 

The patient is advised to start moving around as soon as they can to avoid the risk of blood clots. This can occur due to staying in the bed for too long which causes the blood to pool in the legs. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through some gentle exercise for the legs such as flexing the ankle and rotating the foot.

Sometimes, a special support (compression) stockings might also be recommended after the surgery to help maintain a good blood circulation. Certain passive motion exercises can also help restore the movement of the knee and leg. Swelling and stiffness may last for a few months post-operatively. Rest, keeping your leg raised and ice packs may help decrease the swelling and helps improve the blood circulation.

Exercises during rehabilitation is a very essential part of the recovery. It is important to continue with them on an outpatient basis or at home, after the discharge from the hospital.

Most patient can resume their normal activities within a few days after the surgery, depending on the surgical technique. However, certain activities that can put stress on the knee are to be avoided. Some temporary restrictions include not standing for long periods of time as it may cause swelling in the ankle and avoiding stretching up or bending down for the initial six weeks.

The patient can stop using the crutches or walking frame and can engage in normal activities within six weeks post surgery. The discomfort and swelling may may take almost three months to settle down, or even up to a year for leg swelling to completely disappear. 

It is important to remember that recovery process may vary for different individuals, depending on the earlier condition of the knee, overall health and other factors. After complete recovery, it is advisable to avoid extreme movements or high impact sports which has a risk of falling. Also, to avoid sitting on the floor and cross-legged is recommended.

Risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery

Every surgical procedure has certain risks and complications, and so does knee replacement. Some potential complications of this may include the following:

  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Loosening or wearing out of the implant 
  • Fracture or dislocation of the joint
  • Persistent pain or stiffness
  • Nerves or blood vessel injury in the area where surgery was performed. This could result in weakness or numbness and continued joint pain after the surgery.

The replacement may get dislodged or become loose or stop work the way it was intended over time. The joint can be replaced again in the secondary surgery, known as revision surgery. There might be other risks too, depending on the specific medical condition. 

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