Overview of the procedure:

Total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common orthopedic procedure performed to relieve severe knee pain and disability caused by arthritis, injury, or degeneration. During the surgery, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic implants that replicate the knee’s natural movement. This procedure is recommended for patients who experience chronic knee pain, reduced mobility, and have not found relief with non-surgical treatments. International patients often choose total knee replacement for its proven ability to improve quality of life, restore independence, and enable a more active lifestyle.

What are the Benefits and risks?

Benefits

• 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳: Most patients experience dramatic reduction or elimination of chronic knee pain.
• 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Restores knee function, making it easier to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily tasks.
• 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Modern implants are designed to last 15–20 years or more with proper care.
• 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀: Many patients begin walking with assistance within a day after surgery.
• 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆: Most patients are discharged within 3–5 days, with continued recovery at home or in rehabilitation.

Risks

• 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: As with any major surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision or implant site.
• 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀: There is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs or lungs after surgery.
• 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀: Rarely, implants may loosen, wear out, or fail over time, requiring revision surgery.
• 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Some patients may experience limited range of motion in the knee after surgery.
• 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆: Although uncommon, nerves or blood vessels around the knee can be damaged during the procedure.

Estimated Cost?

The cost of total knee replacement typically ranges from $𝟴,𝟬𝟬𝟬 to $𝟮𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗨𝗦𝗗, depending on the country, hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and the type of implant used.

Expected recovery time?

Initial recovery in the hospital usually takes 𝟯–𝟱 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, with most patients able to walk with assistance soon after surgery. Full recovery—including regaining strength, flexibility, and normal activities—typically takes 𝟯–𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀, supported by physical therapy and rehabilitation.