Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Australia

“A knee replacement in Australia can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000, with an average cost of roughly $25,000.

India offers a reasonable cost of the same surgery being at par with international medical standards and catering to international patients with all provisions necessary for having a comfortable and safe stay.

  • Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Arthroplasty (Both Knees) – 4,000 – 7,000 USD.
  • Revision Knee Arthroplasty (Single Knee) – 7,000 USD.
  • Total Knee Replacement (Both Knees) – 6,000 USD.
Cost-of-knee-replacement-abroad
  • Knee replacement, also known as Arthroplasty, is a difficult procedure used to replace damaged or incapacitated knee joints with metal and plastic replacement elements known as “prostheses.”
  • The standard knee replacement involves inserting plastic between the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), as well as the patella (knee cap).
  • Knee surgery, also known as total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty, is advised by a doctor when the bones of the knee joint have degenerated due to a condition such as arthritis or have been destroyed owing to knee trauma.
  • The procedure is frequently indicated for elderly patients who have arthritis-related discomfort and loss of function and have had prior conservative treatments fail.
  • Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, trauma, and others can cause knee injuries and disability. When other treatments fail to relieve knee pain, there is ongoing joint stiffness that makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, the knee joints are swollen and prevent you from sitting or standing properly, and there is chronic knee deformity and depression, this surgery is typically recommended.
  • Knee replacements are among the most prevalent types of arthroplasties.

Types of Knee Replacement

Different Knee Replacement Procedures Surgeries:

Total knee replacement
The damaged knee components are replaced with an artificial joint during total knee replacement surgery. It aids in pain relief as well as function and mobility restoration.

Partial knee replacement
When the knee joint is damaged in just one part, partial knee replacement surgery is appropriate. Uni-compartmental surgery is a common term used to describe it.

Revision of knee replacement
When the original knee implants become painful and ineffective, revision knee replacement surgery replaces some or all of them.

Bilateral replacement of the knee
Any damaged knee joint components are removed during bilateral knee replacement surgery and replaced with artificial implants. It might be carried out in separate procedures or concurrently.

Symptoms of Knee Replacement

Age and gender when deciding on a knee replacement, criteria are not taken into account. In most cases, the degree of severity and disability are the only factors that justify surgical replacement.

It is typically recommended for the elderly, but adults and teenagers may require knee replacement if the knee joint has experienced considerable wear and strain.

This procedure is usually recommended when a person has:

  • Knee pain and stiffness are severe.
  • Constant pain
  • Knee swelling and inflammation that persists
  • Knee malformation that is chronic
  • Medical treatments fail

The most prevalent condition that necessitates knee replacement surgery is arthritis. The majority of people who choose a knee replacement have osteoarthritis, however, some people with rheumatoid arthritis may also require one.

Although surgery is uncommon, an orthopaedic physician may recommend knee replacement if there is a bone fracture in the knee that causes post-traumatic arthritis following a:

  • A car collision occurred.
  • Fall.
  • Sports-related injury.

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Diagnosis in the Case of Knee Replacement

  • This includes a thorough physical exam of the patient.
  • An ECG to assess the condition of your heart.
  • A dental examination to lower the possibility of infection following surgery.
  • Imaging studies, such as an X-ray of the knee.
  • Additionally, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.
  • Several blood tests are also performed prior to the treatment. For cases such as haemophilia, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, pregnancy-related difficulties, and so on, the patient’s medical history will be taken into account.
  • Doctors must also be notified of any current medications that the patient is taking, as well as any drug allergies.
  • A rheumatologist will also advise them to quit smoking two to three months before having knee surgery.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in Australia

It is not always easy to understand the costs associated with having surgery. Each patient has a different surgical experience, and each patient pays a different amount.

Hospital costs, anaesthetist fees, prosthesis and implant costs, pathology, and imaging are all included in the cost of orthopaedic care.

Knee replacement surgery can be conducted in two ways: in a private hospital where some or all of the costs are paid by health insurance with hospital cover, or through the public system, which is covered by Medicare. Another choice is to pay for the procedure in full, out of pocket, at a private hospital without health insurance.

Public health system knee replacement:

  • In the event that one lacks private health insurance, a knee replacement may be extremely inexpensive. In the event one agrees to have knee replacement surgery in a public hospital as a patient, one may have minimal or no out-of-pocket costs.
  • The disadvantage is that one can end up at the end of a protracted surgical waiting list. According to the most recent data available from the Australian Health and Welfare Institute, 12.8% of public patients had to wait longer than a year for orthopedic surgery in 2021/22. If one has reduced mobility and is dealing with chronic pain, that may take a long time.
  • Furthermore, patients won’t have a choice in which medical specialists to see.

Private health insurance knee replacement:

The knee replacement surgery could be able to be expedited if there is private health insurance.

  • It can even be possible for anyone to select a particular expert.
  • On the other hand, one might have to pay out-of-pocket as a private patient. The likelihood of paying varies depending on:
  • The type of knee replacement surgery
  • The excess covered by the health insurance policy, the hospital to which one is admitted, and the physician of one’s choice.

Additionally, one could have to pay more for an anaesthetist.

Knee replacement in a private hospital, self-funded and without health insurance:

Health insurance BUPA reports that knee replacement surgery usually costs about $27,000.

Reasons of Australian patients fly to countries such as India for knee replacement surgery

One popular medical intervention is knee replacement surgery, which can lead to increased mobility and a higher quality of life. It is important to think about the medical and financial implications of this novel procedure:

  • Nations like India boast some of the greatest healthcare facilities and services in all of Asia, which contributes to the popularity of medical travel there.
  • The top knee replacement surgery institutions in India use cutting-edge technologies to perform all kinds of cancer-related surgeries.
  • In addition, the cost of knee replacement surgery in India is far lower than in other countries or states. A foreign patient can anticipate paying 50–60% less in India for a total knee replacement procedure.
  • The best knee replacement surgery in India includes thorough pre-operative evaluations, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and post-operative rehabilitation regimens.
  • Patients can expect compassionate care, specific attention, and tailored care at these medical institutions. Leading international organizations including the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) have accredited the hospitals.
  • Knee replacement surgery has an almost perfect success rate in India. There are very few reported examples of post-operative complications, but none of them have lasted. All of the patients were back to their regular routines in 12 to 6 months, even if the healing process took longer.
  • Fifty-five percent of placed prosthetic knees are still in good working order twenty years after surgery. The elderly patients undergoing this procedure, who usually fell between the ages of 50 and 80, have recovered well and resumed leading healthy lives.

Procedure of Knee Replacement

  • The average duration of knee replacement surgery is two to three hours.
  • An anti-infection solution is used to cleanse the skin surrounding the surgery site.
  • For the surgical operation, an incision of roughly 6 to 8 inches is created in the knee area.
  • After that, the knee joint’s damaged surfaces like the cartilage and bone will be removed by the surgeon, and the prosthesis will take its place.
  • Both plastic and metal can be utilized to make the knee prosthesis. The orthopaedic surgeon will replace the knee with prosthetic components that closely resemble the original knee.
  • The prosthetic joint is composed of plastic and metal instead of bone and cartilage. It is designed to resemble a real knee joint in terms of size, shape, and functionality.
  • The prosthesis is mostly made up of three parts: the patellar, femoral, and tibial.
  • Place the knee prosthesis in place.
  • Place a plastic spacer in place of the injured or removed cartilage to replicate its smooth cushioning.
  • Stitches or surgical staples will be used to close the incision, and a drain will be inserted to drain any remaining fluid.
  • After the procedure, the incision is covered with a sterile bandage or dressing.
  • If necessary, reshape your patella, or kneecap, to suit the new prosthetic knee joint.

After Knee Replacement Surgery

  • The patient is sent to a recovery room following surgery. For several hours after the procedure, the surgical team will monitor patients to make sure the anaesthesia wears off without any problems. The pain threshold and vital signs will also be observed.
  • A patient’s rehabilitation and recuperation strategy is essential to the overall outcome of their knee replacement procedure. The patient may benefit from a recovery and rehabilitation plan if:
  • Leave the hospital as soon as possible
  • Quickly regain knee range of motion and strength.
  • Return to self-reliance sooner
  • Prevent any potential issues
  • Patients who have knee replacements can usually go home from the hospital two or three days after surgery, and they can generally start taking care of themselves and returning to most activities six weeks later. After three months, most patients are 90% recovered; however, it may take up to six months for 100% recovery.
  • Not all knee replacement patients recover according to the standard schedule. For instance:
  • Exercises designed to strengthen the knees can sometimes speed up recovery for patients undergoing knee surgery.
  • It may take longer for patients to recuperate if they are older, smoke, or have other health issues.
  • It is not always possible to predict when a patient will deviate from the “typical” recovery timeline, but as long as the patient, physician, and physical therapist keep working together to achieve a full recovery, these variances are generally acceptable.

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Weight assessment following a Knee Replacement Surgery

  • Weight-bearing recommendations are given to knee replacement patients to adhere to both in the hospital and at home. The precise amount of initial pressure support that the new knee can withstand will depend on things like:
  • The kind of surgery performed (e.g., one-sided versus total knee replacement).
  • How a prosthesis is attached to natural bone and what type of prosthesis it is.
  • The state of the patient’s own bone.
  • Patients will be asked to gradually increase their weight on the replacement knee over time.

Discharge Following the Knee Replacement Surgery

Most knee replacement patients will be released as soon as their pain is managed and they are capable of:

  • Use a walker or crutches to help you get in and out of bed and travel short distances (usually 150 to 300 feet).
  • Step up and down stairs and into and out of bed.
    90-degree knee flexion.
  • Take care to prevent trauma to the newly formed knee.
  • The hospital’s policy and the patient may have an impact on the discharge requirements. For instance, a patient may only be allowed to bend their knee to an 80-degree angle in certain facilities.

Certain patients fulfil the requirements for discharge in a short period of one or two days. Individuals who get simultaneous knee replacements, have specific underlying medical issues, experience uncontrolled pain or exhibit generalized weakness may require an extended hospital stay.

Risks

When undergoing the Whipple procedure, up to one-third of patients experience problems, which include:

  • Diabetes. This could be transitory or long-term. (This condition can develop if too many insulin-producing cells are removed from the pancreas).
  • There are fistula issues.
  • Bowel leakage.
  • Leakage from the organs involved.
  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Difficulty digesting some foods.
  • Weight loss.
  • Bowel changes.
  • Constipation.

Risks of knee Replacement Surgery

  • Similar to every significant surgical procedure, there are potential risks. Because the benefits of surgery exceed any potential risks, the decision to proceed with the procedure is taken.
  • It’s critical that you are aware of these dangers prior to the procedure.
  • There are two types of complications: general medical issues and local issues unique to the knee.
  • Medical issues related to the anaesthesia and overall health are included. This is by no means an exhaustive list; almost any medical problem can arise. Complications consist of:
  • Reactions allergenic to drugs.
  • Transfusions for blood loss are necessary due to their low risk of disease transmission.
  • Chest pain, strokes, kidney stones, pneumonia, urinary tract infections complications including infection or nerve damage resulting from nerve plugs Severe medical issues might result in long-term hospital stays and persistent health issues.

Local Complications

  • Infection
  • Blood Clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis)
  • Stiffness in the Knee
  • Wear
  • Wound Irritation or Breakdown
  • Cosmetic Appearance
  • Leg length inequality
  • Dislocation
  • Patella problems
  • Ligament injuries
  • Damage to Nerves and Blood Vessels

Advantages of a Knee Replacement Surgery

  • Knee replacements commonly reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients.
  • The majority of knee replacements should last 15 to 20 years at the very least. Following the recuperation, one may partake in a variety of low-impact sports like biking, golfing, swimming, or strolling.
  • Not only does knee replacement surgery relieve pain and improve mobility.
  • It is essential for healthy health to remain active. Exercise on a regular basis may be easier for everyone after a knee replacement.
  • Osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and many other illnesses can all be managed or prevented with this.
  • Additionally, strong knees provide greater stability and support, reducing the risk of falling.

Taking care of oneself at home

As directed by the doctor or surgeon, some general recommendations are as follows:

  • Be patient as the pain and stiffness take time to subside. It can take up to three months to feel completely better.
  • Maintain a dry and clean wound site.
  • Steer clear of cigarettes as they raise the risk of lung infections.
  • For at least two months, refrain from participating in any sports.
  • Observe the advice given to you by medical personnel regarding safe walking, stair climbing, and chair entering and exiting.
  • Steer clear of jumping, jerking the knee, and bending down.
  • Use assistive devices such as footstools, higher toilet seats, crutches, walking sticks, and handrails at the bathtub and toilet to help one around the house.
  • Make sure there are no indications of an infection on the knee. Redness, swelling, warmth, and seepage are a few examples of these.
  • If something seems out of the ordinary, such as popping or clicking noises originating from the knee joint or an abrupt loss of joint control or mobility, consult the doctor or surgeon.

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Dr. Surbhi Suden is one of the founders of Lyfboat and a doctor with a renowned name in the Medical tourism industry. She has been working with international patients since 2008 and is a deeply committed professional with a long term vision of transforming the current healthcare scenarios.
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