What should you expect from knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial implant. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, requires a hospital stay of two to four days, and most patients resume walking with support within 24 hours. Full recovery to daily activities generally takes six to twelve weeks.
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, located at 1160/61, University Road, Shivajinagar, offers knee replacement surgery as part of its dedicated Joint Replacement programme — supported by NABH Pre-Accreditation and five decades of surgical experience in Western Maharashtra.
Note: Knee replacement is one of the most studied orthopaedic procedures globally. Understanding each stage — before, during, and after surgery — helps patients set realistic expectations and achieve better outcomes.
How is knee replacement surgery performed, step by step?
The surgical process follows a structured sequence. Understanding each step reduces pre-operative anxiety and helps patients prepare appropriately.
- Pre-operative assessment: Blood tests, X-rays, and a medical fitness evaluation are completed one to two weeks before surgery.
- Anaesthesia: Either spinal (regional) or general anaesthesia is administered. The surgical team discusses the appropriate option with each patient.
- Incision and exposure: A 15–20 cm incision is made over the front of the knee to access the joint.
- Bone preparation: Damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone are removed from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap).
- Implant placement: Metal and high-grade polyethylene components are fixed in place, recreating a smooth, functioning joint surface.
- Closure and dressing: The incision is closed, a drain may be placed temporarily, and a sterile dressing is applied.
- Recovery room: The patient is monitored for one to two hours before transfer to the ward.
The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours. Patients are encouraged to sit up and begin gentle movement the same day or the morning after surgery.
What is the recovery timeline after knee replacement surgery?
Recovery from knee replacement surgery progresses in distinct phases. The timeline below reflects typical milestones — individual progress depends on age, overall health, and adherence to physiotherapy.
| Phase | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Stay | Days 1–4 | Walking with a frame begins; physiotherapy starts; pain managed with medication. |
| Early Home Recovery | Weeks 1–3 | Swelling and discomfort are normal; walking aids required; daily physiotherapy exercises essential. |
| Functional Recovery | Weeks 4–12 | Most patients walk unaided; driving typically resumes at 6–8 weeks; desk work possible from week 4–6. |
| Full Recovery | Months 3–12 | Strength and range of motion continue to improve; most daily activities resume comfortably. |
The most painful period is typically the first two to three days after surgery, when post-operative inflammation peaks. Pain is managed with a structured medication protocol and usually reduces significantly by the end of the first week.
Warning: Contact your surgical team immediately if you experience sudden increase in pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in the calf — these may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a known post-operative risk that requires prompt assessment.
What are the disadvantages and permanent restrictions after knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery carries well-documented risks and long-term activity considerations that every patient should understand before consenting to the procedure.
Potential disadvantages and risks include:
- Post-operative infection (managed with antibiotics and sterile technique)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
- Implant loosening or wear over time
- Stiffness if physiotherapy is not followed consistently
- Nerve or blood vessel injury (uncommon)
- Persistent pain in a minority of patients
- Requirement for revision surgery after 15–20 years in some cases
Activities to avoid permanently after total knee replacement:
- High-impact sports such as running, football, or squash
- Deep squatting or kneeling on hard surfaces for prolonged periods
- Heavy manual labour involving repetitive knee stress
- Contact sports that risk direct impact to the knee
Low-impact activities — walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga (modified) — are generally encouraged and support long-term implant health. Your orthopaedic surgeon will provide personalised guidance based on implant type and your activity goals.
For patients who are candidates for minimally invasive options, robotic joint replacement at Deccan Hardikar Hospital offers enhanced precision in implant positioning, which may reduce certain post-operative complications.
What are the five most common mistakes patients make after knee replacement?
Avoiding these errors significantly improves recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
- Skipping physiotherapy sessions: Physiotherapy is not optional — it directly determines how much range of motion and strength you regain. Missing sessions is the single most common cause of stiffness.
- Overexerting too early: Attempting to return to full activity before the joint has healed increases the risk of swelling, pain, and implant stress.
- Stopping pain medication too soon: Undertreated pain leads to reduced movement, which causes stiffness. Follow the prescribed medication schedule for the recommended duration.
- Neglecting blood clot prevention: Failing to take prescribed anticoagulants or skipping ankle pump exercises increases DVT risk. Compression stockings and early mobilisation are essential.
- Ignoring warning signs: Dismissing fever, increasing redness, or unusual discharge from the wound as normal delays treatment of potential infection.
Tip: Keep a simple daily log of your pain score, swelling, and exercise completion during the first six weeks. This helps your surgical team identify issues early at follow-up appointments.
When should you see a doctor about knee pain before it reaches surgery?
Not all knee pain requires surgery. However, certain signs indicate that a specialist evaluation is necessary without delay.
Consult an orthopaedic specialist if you experience:
- Knee pain that persists for more than six weeks despite rest and over-the-counter pain relief
- Significant swelling that does not reduce within 48–72 hours of an injury
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
- Knee giving way or locking during normal walking
- Pain that wakes you from sleep consistently
- Visible deformity or a change in the alignment of the leg
- Knee pain that limits daily activities such as climbing stairs or walking short distances
Early assessment allows for conservative treatments — physiotherapy, injections, or joint care therapies — to be tried before surgery becomes necessary. Delaying evaluation often results in greater joint damage and a more complex surgical case.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital support knee replacement patients in Pune?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune's Shivajinagar has served as a referral centre for orthopaedic and trauma cases across Western Maharashtra for five decades. The hospital's Joint Replacement programme covers the full care pathway — from pre-operative assessment and surgical intervention to in-hospital physiotherapy and post-discharge follow-up.
Key aspects of the care model at Deccan Hardikar Hospital include:
- NABH Pre-Accreditation under the Quality Council of India — a structured quality framework governing surgical safety and patient care protocols
- Dedicated orthopaedic specialities including Knee, Ankle and Foot care, Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy
- In-house Emergency and ICU facilities for post-operative monitoring
- Transparent cost structures with no hidden charges — patients receive clear estimates before surgery
- Patient-centric ward environment designed to support recovery comfort
For patients exploring surgical options, the hospital also offers robotic-assisted joint replacement for cases where enhanced implant precision is indicated.
Book a knee replacement consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Use the booking form on this page to schedule an assessment with our orthopaedic team in Pune.