Medically reviewed by: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Founder and Owner, MAHI Multispecialty Hospital, Kilpauk, Chennai

Last medically reviewed: October 2026

Knee pain can affect everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair and standing for long periods. It may be associated with osteoarthritis, previous injuries, inflammatory joint conditions or other problems affecting the knee.

When pain continues or begins to limit daily activities, an orthopaedic assessment can help identify the cause and determine which treatments may be appropriate. Knee replacement is one option for selected patients with significant joint damage when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

This guide explains how knee replacement is assessed, the treatment options available, what robotic-assisted surgery involves and what patients should understand about recovery when researching a knee replacement surgeon in Kilpauk.

When Should Knee Pain Be Evaluated?

Knee discomfort does not always mean that surgery is needed. However, a medical assessment may be appropriate when symptoms persist or interfere with normal activities.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain while walking, standing or climbing stairs.
• Stiffness after sitting or resting.
• Swelling or difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
• Reduced walking distance because of discomfort.
• Pain that affects sleep or routine activities.
• Difficulty performing everyday movements.

These symptoms can have different causes. A clinician may examine the knee, review the patient’s medical history and recommend imaging, such as X-rays, when needed.

A sudden, hot and swollen knee accompanied by fever requires prompt medical assessment because infection may be a concern.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to address significant joint damage and related symptoms.

The procedure may be considered when conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis cause persistent pain and reduced function despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

The main approaches include:

Total knee replacement: Damaged joint surfaces across the knee are replaced with artificial components.

Partial knee replacement: Only the affected compartment is replaced when the damage is limited and the remaining joint structures are suitable.

The appropriate procedure depends on the location and extent of joint damage, ligament function, general health and other clinical findings. Not everyone with knee pain needs a replacement.

How is the Need for Surgery Assessed?

An orthopaedic assessment generally includes a discussion about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, previous treatments and everyday activities.

The clinician may evaluate knee movement, alignment, stability and walking. Imaging can help assess the joint and support treatment planning.

Before recommending surgery, the treating team considers:

• The severity of joint damage.
• The effect of pain on daily function.
• The response to previous treatment.
• Other medical conditions that may affect surgery.
• The patient’s rehabilitation needs and expectations.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include physiotherapy, appropriate exercises, activity modification, weight management where relevant, medication or selected other interventions.

Surgery is considered when the clinical assessment supports it and the expected benefits, risks and alternatives have been discussed.

Understanding Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Robotic-assisted knee replacement combines the surgeon’s clinical judgement with computer-based planning and technology that guides selected parts of the procedure.

Depending on the system used, the surgical team may use imaging or measurements to plan implant positioning and assess the patient’s joint anatomy. During surgery, the technology can assist with specific steps, such as bone preparation.

The robot does not independently diagnose the condition or make the decision to operate. The surgeon remains responsible for planning and performing the operation.

Robotic assistance is not essential for every patient. Conventional knee replacement remains an appropriate option in many cases. The choice should depend on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s assessment, the technology available and the expected benefits and limitations.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal: Professional Qualifications and Clinical Background

Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal is an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon. His published professional profile lists the following medical qualifications and additional training:

• MBBS — Mysore University.
• MS in Orthopaedics — Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai.
• Fellowship training in joint replacement surgery — Breach Candy and Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
• Advanced joint arthroplasty fellowship — St. Josef Bruderkrankenhaus Hospital, Germany.
• Fellowship training in joint replacement and arthroscopy — Sportsmed Hospital, Australia.

His website lists professional associations with MAHI Multispecialty Hospital in Kilpauk and MGM Healthcare in Aminjikarai, Chennai. These affiliations and his current professional titles should be verified with the institutions before publication.

His listed areas of clinical practice include knee and hip joint replacement, including robotic-assisted and conventional approaches.

For patients considering a consultation with a Knee Replacement Surgeon in Kilpauk, relevant information includes verified qualifications, medical registration, training related to the proposed procedure and an explanation of the available treatment options.

Patients should be able to discuss their diagnosis, possible alternatives, surgical risks, rehabilitation and expected costs before making a treatment decision. Whether surgery is appropriate must be determined through an individual clinical assessment.

Potential Benefits and Limitations of Knee Replacement

For appropriately selected patients, knee replacement may reduce joint-related pain and improve movement and everyday function. However, outcomes vary between individuals.

Potential benefits may include:

• Reduced pain associated with advanced joint damage.
• Improved ability to walk and stand.
• Better knee movement and everyday function.
• Greater ease with selected routine activities after rehabilitation.

The result depends on factors such as the patient’s health, the condition of the knee, the procedure performed and participation in rehabilitation.

Robotic-assisted surgery may support planning and guide selected surgical steps, but it does not guarantee a particular outcome or eliminate surgical risks. Patients should ask whether robotic assistance is appropriate for their specific condition and whether it offers a meaningful advantage in their case.

 Risks and Recovery After Surgery

Knee replacement is a major operation and carries potential risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, implant-related complications and risks associated with anaesthesia.

The treating team should explain individual risk factors and the measures used to reduce complications.

Recovery varies according to general health, mobility before surgery, the procedure and rehabilitation. Some patients begin standing or walking with assistance soon after surgery when clinically appropriate. Physiotherapy, prescribed exercises, wound care and follow-up appointments form part of the recovery process.

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