Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Founder & Owner, MAHI Multispeciality Hospitals, Kilpauk, Chennai.
Last medically reviewed: October 2026
Ongoing knee pain can affect your mobility and make daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods uncomfortable. If arthritis or severe joint damage continues to cause pain despite non-surgical treatments, knee replacement may be considered. Consulting an experienced knee replacement surgeon in Chennai can help you explore suitable treatment options based on your joint condition, symptoms, and mobility needs.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal is an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon in Chennai with over 18 years of experience in orthopaedics. He has specialised training in joint replacement surgery, including fellowship training in India, Germany and Australia. His approach focuses on understanding each patient’s condition and discussing suitable treatment options based on their individual needs.
Meet Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, Knee Replacement Surgeon in Chennai
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal completed his MBBS at Mysore University in 2002 and his MS in Orthopaedics at Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, in 2007. With more than 18+ years of experience in orthopaedic care, he has developed professional expertise in joint replacement procedures and the assessment of knee and other joint conditions. He subsequently pursued fellowship training in joint replacement surgery and arthroscopy at centres in India, Germany and Australia.
His professional experience includes leadership in robotic-assisted joint replacement and senior orthopaedic and joint replacement roles at established hospitals in Chennai. He is associated with Mahi Multispecialty Hospital in Kilpauk, Chennai, where patients can seek orthopaedic evaluation and discuss treatment options for knee and other joint conditions.
His areas of practice include total knee replacement, revision knee replacement, hip replacement and other orthopaedic procedures. Treatment recommendations depend on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, imaging results and overall health.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery may be considered when damage to the knee joint causes persistent pain and limits mobility despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Symptoms that may require an orthopaedic assessment include:
- Knee pain that interferes with walking or standing
- Stiffness that limits knee movement
- Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- Persistent swelling or reduced mobility
- Knee pain that affects sleep or everyday activities
Not everyone with knee pain requires surgery. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, treatment may include exercise, physiotherapy, medication or other appropriate options.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
The choice of knee surgery depends on the extent of joint damage, the patient’s health and the surgeon’s clinical assessment.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. It may be recommended for advanced arthritis or extensive knee joint damage that significantly affects daily activities.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis or joint damage affects only one section of the knee, while the other parts remain sufficiently healthy. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether this procedure is appropriate for the patient’s joint condition and mobility needs.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement combines advanced technology with surgical expertise to assist with preoperative planning and guide specific steps during surgery. Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal has fellowship training and experience in joint replacement procedures, including robotic-assisted techniques.
The decision to use robotic assistance depends on the patient’s knee condition, the technology available, and the surgeon’s clinical judgment. As with any surgical procedure, individual results may vary.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Chennai
Minimally invasive knee replacement involves surgical approaches designed to access the knee joint through a smaller incision in selected patients. Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the extent of joint damage, knee anatomy, overall health and other clinical factors.
A smaller incision does not automatically mean faster recovery or better results. Patients should discuss the potential benefits, limitations and risks of the available approaches with their orthopaedic surgeon before making a decision.
How to Choose a Knee Surgeon in Chennai
Choosing a knee surgeon involves more than comparing treatment claims. Patients should consider the surgeon’s qualifications, relevant experience, training and approach to patient care.
Before deciding on surgery, consider asking about:
- The cause and severity of your knee condition
- Whether non-surgical treatment is still appropriate
- The differences between partial, total and robotic-assisted knee replacement
- Potential surgical risks and expected benefits
- Rehabilitation, physiotherapy and follow-up care
A clear discussion helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
Conditions That May Require Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery may be considered when knee joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities. The decision depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and the response to non-surgical treatments.
Conditions that may require knee replacement include:
- Advanced knee osteoarthritis: The protective cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint movement.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Long-term inflammation can damage the knee joint and affect mobility.
- Severe post-traumatic arthritis: Previous fractures or significant knee injuries may lead to progressive joint damage.
- Persistent knee pain and stiffness: Symptoms that continue despite appropriate medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, or other recommended treatments may require further assessment.
- Knee deformity: Advanced joint damage can cause the knee to become noticeably bowed or misaligned, affecting walking and stability.
A knee replacement specialist in Chennai can assess the joint, review imaging results, and discuss suitable treatment options. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms significantly affect quality of life and other treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.
Advanced Techniques Used for Knee Replacement
Advances in knee replacement surgery offer different approaches to planning and performing the procedure. The most appropriate technique depends on the extent of joint damage, bone alignment, anatomy, and the surgeon’s clinical assessment.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses technology to support surgical planning and guide specific steps during the procedure. It can help the surgeon assess alignment and implant positioning according to the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon remains responsible for performing the operation and making clinical decisions.
Patient-Specific Surgical Planning
Preoperative examination and imaging help the surgeon evaluate bone structure, joint alignment, and the extent of cartilage damage. Careful planning supports informed decisions about the procedure and rehabilitation.
The choice of technique should be based on the patient’s needs and the available clinical evidence rather than technology alone. Patients should discuss potential benefits, limitations, risks, and recovery expectations with their orthopaedic surgeon.
Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in Chennai
The cost of knee replacement surgery in Chennai varies depending on the type of procedure, hospital facilities, implant selection, medical requirements, and length of hospital stay. Robotic-assisted surgery may have different costs from conventional knee replacement because of differences in technology and surgical planning.
Factors that may influence the total cost include:
- Type of surgery: Total and partial knee replacement involve different surgical requirements.
- Implant selection: Implant type and material can affect the overall expense.
- Hospital and room charges: Facilities, room category, and length of stay influence the bill.
- Medical evaluation: Preoperative investigations and specialist consultations may add to the cost.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, follow-up visits, and prescribed medicines should be considered when planning the budget.
- Individual health needs: Additional treatment or monitoring may affect the final expense.
Before proceeding, request a detailed estimate from the hospital that explains what is included and what may be charged separately. A consultation with a knee replacement surgeon in Chennai can help determine the appropriate procedure and provide a cost estimate based on your clinical needs.
Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery varies according to the type of surgery, general health, muscle strength and rehabilitation progress. Recovery may involve managing discomfort, caring for the surgical wound, using walking aids when needed, following recommended exercises, and attending physiotherapy to support mobility and regain knee function.
Following medical advice and attending scheduled follow-up appointments can help support recovery. Your surgeon and physiotherapy team can guide you on gradually returning to daily activities.
Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery can provide significant pain relief and improve mobility for many patients with advanced arthritis or severe knee joint damage. The outcome depends on factors such as the patient’s health, severity of joint damage, surgical planning, and commitment to postoperative rehabilitation. Modern knee implants are designed for long-term use and may last 15–20 years or longer in many patients, although implant lifespan varies from person to person.
Why Choose Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal as Your Knee Replacement Surgeon in Chennai
Choosing the right surgeon is an important step towards better mobility and long-term knee health. Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal focuses on evaluating each patient’s condition and helping them understand suitable treatment options, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal offers:
- 18+ years of experience in orthopaedics: Experience in assessing and managing a range of orthopaedic conditions, including joint-related problems.
- Strong academic qualifications: Completed MBBS in 2002 and MS in Orthopaedics in 2007.
- Advanced professional training: Fellowship training in joint replacement surgery and arthroscopy in India and overseas, including Germany and Australia.
- Joint replacement treatment options: Patients can discuss conventional and robotic-assisted knee replacement, depending on their condition and clinical suitability.
- Patient-focused treatment planning: Recommendations are based on symptoms, examination findings, imaging results, overall health, and individual mobility goals.
- Guidance throughout recovery: Clear information about postoperative care, physiotherapy, follow-up appointments, and returning to daily activities.
- Orthopaedic care in Chennai: Associated with MAHI Multispecialty Hospitals in Kilpauk, Chennai, for patients seeking evaluation and treatment for knee problems.
- Support for improved mobility: Treatment planning focuses on relieving pain, improving function, and helping patients work towards their everyday activity goals.
Choosing the right knee replacement surgeon in Chennai involves understanding your treatment options, expected benefits, and possible risks. A consultation with Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal can help you make an informed decision about your knee health and recovery.
Book Your Consultation Today
Knee pain can gradually affect everyday life, making walking, climbing stairs, and other routine activities more difficult. When the pain is linked to advanced joint damage and does not improve with non-surgical treatments, knee replacement may be considered. The decision depends on the extent of joint damage, overall health, mobility, and medical assessment. A consulting an knee replacement surgeon can help patients understand the procedure, its potential benefits, and the recovery process.
Read more: Knee Ligament Surgery.
