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
Persistent knee pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, and sleeping comfortably more difficult. When the knee joint is significantly damaged, even simple movements may become challenging. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of this problem, although previous injuries and other joint conditions can also lead to lasting pain and stiffness.
Total knee replacement may be considered when joint damage causes substantial pain or limits daily activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The decision depends on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, imaging results, general health, and treatment preferences.
Consulting a total knee replacement surgeon in Chennai can help patients understand the cause of their symptoms, the available treatment options, and whether surgery may be appropriate. This guide explains the procedure, preparation, potential risks, recovery, and important questions to discuss before making a treatment decision.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components. The procedure aims to reduce pain and improve knee function in patients with significant joint damage.
The knee joint includes the lower end of the thigh bone, the upper end of the shin bone, and the kneecap. In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage can gradually deteriorate, allowing the joint surfaces to become damaged. This may lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
During total knee replacement, the surgeon removes selected damaged joint surfaces and positions artificial components designed to work together to support movement. The procedure does not restore the original natural joint, and recovery varies between individuals.
When May Total Knee Replacement Be Considered?
Knee replacement is generally considered when symptoms have a substantial effect on daily life and other appropriate treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.
An orthopaedic assessment may be useful if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain while walking, standing, or climbing stairs.
- Stiffness that limits bending or straightening the knee.
- Swelling or discomfort that repeatedly returns.
- Difficulty getting up from a chair or walking usual distances.
- Knee pain that interrupts sleep or affects routine activities.
- Changes in knee alignment associated with advanced joint damage.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that surgery is necessary. Their cause and severity should be assessed before a treatment plan is recommended.
Sudden severe pain, a hot and swollen joint with fever, or an inability to bear weight requires prompt medical assessment. After a significant injury, urgent evaluation may be needed to exclude a fracture or another serious problem.
What Causes Knee Joint Damage?
Several conditions can damage the knee and affect mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves changes in the cartilage and other structures of the joint. Symptoms may develop gradually and include pain during movement, stiffness after rest, and reduced walking ability. Advanced disease can significantly affect everyday activities.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can damage joint tissues. In some patients, persistent inflammation leads to substantial knee pain and functional limitations.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Previous fractures or serious knee injuries may damage the joint surface. Arthritis can develop later, even if the original injury occurred years earlier.
Other conditions affecting the knee
Some patients develop significant joint damage because of other medical conditions or structural problems. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and the extent of damage.
Not every painful knee requires replacement. A clinical examination and appropriate investigations help establish whether the symptoms are related to arthritis or another condition.
How is the Need for Knee Replacement Assessed?
A consultation involves more than reviewing an X-ray. The surgeon considers how the symptoms affect the patient’s life, what treatments have already been tried, and whether the expected benefits of surgery justify its risks.
The assessment may include:
- Medical history: The duration of pain, previous injuries, existing health conditions, current medication, and earlier treatments are reviewed.
- Physical examination: The doctor assesses knee movement, tenderness, stability, alignment, walking pattern, and functional limitations.
- Imaging: Weight-bearing X-rays may help assess joint-space narrowing, bone changes, and alignment. Other investigations may be recommended when necessary.
- Review of treatment options: The findings are used to discuss non-surgical care, different surgical procedures, and the likely advantages and limitations of each option.
The decision should take account of the patient’s overall health, expectations, and preferences. Surgery should not be recommended solely because an X-ray shows arthritis if symptoms and functional limitations do not justify it.
Treatment Options Before Knee Replacement
Not every patient with knee arthritis needs surgery. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, treatment may include:
Physiotherapy and exercise
A tailored exercise programme may help maintain knee movement, strengthen surrounding muscles, and support daily function. Exercises should be appropriate for the patient’s symptoms and physical condition.
Activity modification
Adjusting activities that aggravate pain, pacing physical tasks, and choosing suitable low-impact exercise may help manage symptoms.
Medication
Pain-relief medication may be considered after assessing the patient’s medical history, existing medication, and potential side effects. Medication should be used according to appropriate medical advice.
Weight management
For patients who are overweight, appropriate weight management may reduce the load placed on the knee and support overall health.
Other treatments
Depending on the clinical situation, a doctor may discuss additional non-surgical options. Their suitability and expected benefits vary, and not every treatment is appropriate for every patient.
When these measures do not provide adequate relief and joint damage significantly affects daily activities, knee replacement may become a reasonable option to discuss.
How is Total Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
The precise surgical steps depend on the patient’s anatomy, the type of implant selected, and the surgical approach.
1. Preparation before surgery
The medical team assesses the patient’s general health and reviews existing conditions that may affect surgery or recovery. Preoperative investigations, medication adjustments, and anaesthesia planning are arranged as required.
Patients should tell the medical team about all medications, allergies, previous operations, and relevant medical conditions.
2. Anaesthesia and the operation
The procedure is performed using an appropriate anaesthesia plan. The surgeon accesses the knee joint and prepares the damaged joint surfaces for the replacement components.
3. Placement of the replacement components
Artificial components are positioned to restore the intended joint mechanics. The surgeon assesses alignment, movement, and stability during the operation.
4. Initial recovery
After surgery, the clinical team monitors the patient’s condition, manages pain, and guides safe movement when appropriate. The timing of standing and walking depends on the patient’s condition and the treating team’s assessment.
5. Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and prescribed exercises help patients work towards improved movement, strength, balance, and walking ability. The rehabilitation plan is adjusted according to individual progress.
Total Knee Replacement vs. Partial Knee Replacement
The main difference is how much of the knee joint is replaced.
Total knee replacement replaces the damaged joint surfaces across the relevant compartments of the knee. It may be considered when joint damage is widespread or affects more than one compartment.
Partial knee replacement replaces the damaged compartment while preserving suitable parts of the remaining joint. It may be an option for selected patients whose arthritis is limited to a specific area and whose other joint structures meet the necessary criteria.
Neither procedure is automatically better for everyone. The choice depends on the location and extent of damage, ligament function, knee alignment, overall health, and the surgeon’s assessment.
Patients should ask why one procedure is recommended over the other and what the relevant benefits, limitations, and risks are.
Conventional vs. Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Conventional and robotic-assisted approaches can both be used for knee replacement. Robotic assistance introduces technology that may support surgical planning and guide selected steps of the procedure.
Conventional knee replacement
The surgeon uses established surgical instruments and techniques to prepare the joint and position the replacement components. This remains an appropriate option for many patients.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
Depending on the system, robotic assistance may help with preoperative planning, assessment of alignment, and guidance during bone preparation or implant positioning. Some systems use preoperative imaging, while others gather information during surgery.
The surgeon remains responsible for clinical decisions and performs the operation. Robotic assistance does not eliminate surgical risks or guarantee better pain relief, faster recovery, or longer implant life.
The appropriate technique depends on the patient’s condition, the available system, and the surgeon’s clinical judgement. Patients should discuss the expected benefits, limitations, additional costs, and alternatives before deciding.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Total Knee Replacement
For appropriately selected patients, knee replacement may reduce arthritis-related pain and improve the ability to carry out everyday activities. However, the degree of improvement varies, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular level of mobility or complete absence of pain.
Potential risks include:
- Infection.
- Blood clots.
- Bleeding or wound-healing problems.
- Stiffness or reduced range of movement.
- Persistent pain or discomfort.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury.
- Implant loosening, wear, or other implant-related complications.
- The possibility of further surgery in the future.
The likelihood and significance of these risks vary according to the patient’s health and the procedure. A surgeon and anaesthesia team should explain the relevant risks and measures used to reduce them before surgery.
Meet Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal is an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon in Chennai. His published professional profile lists an MBBS completed in 2002 and an MS in Orthopaedics completed in 2007 at Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai.
His profile also describes fellowship training in joint replacement surgery at Breach Candy and Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, along with further training in Germany and Australia in joint arthroplasty and arthroscopy.
His professional background includes orthopaedic and joint replacement practice, including a previous clinical leadership role in robotic joint replacement at Medway Hospitals and a senior joint replacement role at MGM Healthcare. His website also identifies him as the founder and owner of MAHI Multispeciality Hospitals in Kilpauk, Chennai.
His listed areas of practice include total knee replacement, revision knee replacement, hip replacement, and robotic-assisted joint replacement. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, imaging, medical history, and overall treatment needs.
Patients considering knee replacement can discuss the cause of their symptoms, the suitability of surgery, alternative treatments, the proposed procedure, and rehabilitation requirements during a consultation.
How to Prepare for a Knee Replacement Consultation
Preparing a few details before an appointment can make it easier to discuss treatment choices.
Consider bringing:
- Previous X-rays, MRI reports, and other relevant investigations.
- A list of current medications and known allergies.
- Details of previous knee injuries and operations.
- Information about treatments already tried and their effects.
- A description of activities that have become difficult because of knee pain.
Questions worth discussing include whether surgery is necessary now, what non-surgical alternatives remain, which procedure is proposed, what complications may occur, and how rehabilitation will be arranged.
Patients should understand the reasoning behind the recommendation and have an opportunity to consider the available options before consenting to surgery.
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
Recovery is a process rather than a single event. Progress depends on the patient’s health, the severity of the original condition, the operation, pain control, and participation in rehabilitation.
Early recovery
The care team helps patients manage discomfort, move safely, and begin supported walking when clinically appropriate. Exercises may start under supervision to help maintain knee movement and support circulation.
The following weeks
Physiotherapy commonly focuses on knee movement, muscle strength, balance, and walking. Walking aids may be needed for a period, and the level of support is adjusted according to progress.
Longer-term rehabilitation
Strength, confidence, and everyday function can continue to improve over several months. Some patients progress faster than others, and stiffness or discomfort may take time to settle.
Patients should follow the treating team’s instructions about medication, wound care, activity, exercises, and follow-up visits. Increasing redness, wound discharge, fever, new calf swelling, or worsening pain should be reported promptly. Chest pain or sudden breathing difficulty requires emergency medical assessment.
What Determines the Cost of Total Knee Replacement in Chennai?
The total cost varies according to the procedure, hospital facilities, implant selection, medical requirements, and length of stay. An estimate should be based on the patient’s clinical needs and the hospital’s charges.
Factors that may affect the cost include:
- Whether one knee or both knees require surgery.
- The type of implant and materials selected.
- Whether robotic assistance is used.
- Hospital room, operating theatre, and anaesthesia charges.
- Preoperative tests and medical consultations.
- Medication, rehabilitation, and follow-up requirements.
- Additional care required for existing medical conditions or complications.
Before proceeding, request an itemised estimate and clarify what is included, what may be charged separately, and how insurance or cashless approval will be handled.
Cost should be considered alongside clinical suitability, safety, rehabilitation, and the continuity of care.
Conclusion
Total knee replacement may be an option for patients whose knee joint damage causes persistent pain and limits everyday activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The decision requires an individual assessment and a clear discussion of the expected benefits, potential risks, alternatives, and rehabilitation requirements.
If you are looking for a total knee replacement surgeon in Chennai, focus on understanding your diagnosis and the reasons for the recommended treatment. Discuss the proposed procedure, implant options, recovery expectations, and follow-up plan with the treating doctor before making a decision.
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