Total Knee Replacement Surgery U/L: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

• Medical evaluation is performed before the scheduled of the surgery
• Diagnostic tests (Blood tests, Urine tests, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest X-ray)
• Past medical and medication history
• Alternative therapies
• Your doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen your muscles that involve fast recovery after surgery.
• Gaining knowledge about the procedure
• You must talk to a person who has had unilateral knee replacement surgery before. This helps you to gain knowledge about the surgical procedure and builds confidence.
  
  

Knee Replacement Pre-Operation Costs

Following are some of the factors for of Pre Operation Costs for Knee Replacement Surgery: 

• Blood Test
• Blod Sugar Test
• Liver Function Test (LFT)
• Physical Examination
• Blood-Sugar Test
• Electro Cardiogram Test (ECG)
• Bone Density in terms of Minerals and Bone Structure
  
  The orthopedic surgeon will also provide the list of all of the above Tests which he requires before he can make a decision to perform the surgery. The cost for the same is USD $100- USD $250.
  
  In addition to the above, the knee replacement surgeon may perform an arthroscopic knee surgery to look into the knee before unilateral knee replacement surgery. Arthroscopic knee surgery may also be conducted to treat problems associated with the knee. During arthroscopic knee surgery, a tiny incision is made to insert a camera and surgical tools.

• You will be instructed to not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the surgery. Anesthesia will be administered to you. Either general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia is used. General anaesthesia makes you unconscious during the procedure and spinal anaesthesia causes numbness of the lower part of your body.
• Then the front side of the affected knee is cleaned with an antiseptic and an 8 to 12 inch or 3 to 5 inch (minimally invasive surgery) incision is made on your knee. The quadriceps muscle is detached from your kneecap. The kneecap is removed and metal or plastic parts prosthesis is attached using cement or other fixing material.
• The duration of the procedure is approximately one to three hours. After the procedure, the nurse will monitor you for one to two hours in the recovery room. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusion may be required to replenish the fluids lost during the surgery.
• Physical therapy will be initiated after the day of the surgery to improve the range of motion of the joint. Assistive devices can be used to pursue a normal daily life.

The following should be ensured to minimize knee replacement recovery time

• You should avoid falls and perform physical therapy for fast recovery and increase the range of motion.

• Use raised toilet seats for greater comfort.

• You should use a comfortable chair and foot stool that elevates your leg.

• Perform knee strengthening exercises that increase your muscle strength and mobility.
• Keep your wound clean and dry to prevent infection.

Cost of Unilateral Knee Replacement in India

Unilateral knee replacement surgery cost differs from one country to the other. Unilateral knee replacement cost in India is much less than any other country in the world and is significantly less than the Western countries.

It is estimated that unilateral knee replacement in India can be availed in just one-tenth the cost of the procedure in the US. The cost of knee replacement surgery in India is less and highly affordable despite the fact that the hospitals in the country use the highest quality of prosthesis and implants. This is the reason why India is regarded as one of the best countries for knee replacement surgery.

Factors for Variations in Knee Replacement Cost

There can also be variations in the Cost of Unilateral Knee Replacement Surgery in India and abroad ranging from the quality of the implants to the quality of the hospital. Check the same below: 

• Choice of Knee Implants: The kind and quality of knee implants can be a major cost variation factor for Knee Replacement Surgery. There are several choices of implants available in the country. Some of the Knee Implants available are : 
  a. ) NexGen LPS from Zimmer
  b.) Oxinium implants from Smith and Nephew
  c. ) F.C. from Depuy Synthes (Johnson and Johnson)
  d.) Scorpio NRG from Stryker
  e.) Vanguard from Biomet
  
  
• Surgeons' Expertise: The level, experience and competency of a Surgeon is also one of the factors affceting the cost of surgery. A doctor charges for skill and his/her expertise. Patients' choices might vary from choosing the best specialist in the city to looking for a Surgeon with experience under an affordable budget.
  
  
• Hospital Costs: Apart from the actual surgery taking place for Knee Replacement there are many other costs which are accrued during the hospital stay. Post Surgery Physiotherapy, Visit to the surgeon and medication (if required ) are also price points to be kept in mind.

The cost of knee surgery in India, however, depends on several factors. The type of implant used, surgeon’s fees and experience, hospitalization stay duration, and the level of rehabilitation required are some of the leading factors. The following table indicates the cost of total knee surgery in India (unilateral) and some of the most popular medical tourism destinations:

Cost of Unilateral Knee Replacement in India and Abroad