9 Things to Know Before Knee Replacement Surgery

Deciding to have knee replacement surgery is a major step, and it is completely normal to have questions and concerns. At Orthomed Hospital Hisar, we believe that well-informed patients have better outcomes and smoother recoveries. Before you go into the theater, here are 9 essential things you should know.

1. Surgery Is Usually the Last Resort, Not the First

Knee replacement is recommended only when conservative treatments — physiotherapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint injections — have failed to provide adequate relief. Your surgeon at Orthomed Hospital Hisar will have a detailed discussion with you about whether surgery is truly the right time and the right option.

2. There Are Different Types of Knee Replacement

Not every knee replacement is the same. Options include:

• Total knee replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint surface is replaced, the most common procedure 
• Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement: Only the most damaged part of the knee is replaced, suitable for younger, more active patients with limited disease.   
• Robotic-assisted knee replacement: Available at Orthomed Hospital Hisar, this uses robotic technology for greater precision and better alignment of the implant

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate type based on your X-rays, age, activity level, and overall health.

3. Your Pre-Surgery Health Matters Enormously

The better your health is going into surgery, the better your recovery will be. In the weeks before surgery, Orthomed Hospital in Hisar advises:

• Losing weight, if you are overweight, even a few kilograms, reduces surgical risk 
• Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and heart conditions as tightly as possible 
• Stopping smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery 
• Building leg muscle strength through physiotherapy exercises 
• Getting any dental work done, dental bacteria can cause implant infections

4. What the Surgery Actually Involves

Knee replacement surgery takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. The damaged cartilage and bone surfaces are removed and replaced with metal and plastic implants that recreate the smooth gliding surface of a healthy knee. The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia.

At Orthomed Hospital Hisar, robotic-assisted technology allows the surgeon to plan and execute the procedure with millimeter precision—resulting in better alignment and longer implant life.

5. You Will Be Walking the Next Day

One of the facts that surprises most patients: physiotherapy begins the day after surgery — sometimes even on the same day. Early mobilisation is not only safe but essential. It prevents blood clots, reduces swelling, and dramatically improves recovery speed. Most patients take their first steps with a walker within 24 hours of surgery.

6. Pain Is Manageable and Temporary

Yes, there will be pain and discomfort after surgery—but it is well-managed with modern pain protocols at Orthomed Hospital Hisar. A combination of nerve blocks, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted physiotherapy keeps pain at a manageable level. Pain progressively reduces over weeks as the joint heals and strengthens.

7. Recovery Takes Commitment

Most patients return to light daily activities within 6 weeks and feel substantially better by 3 months. Full recovery — where the knee feels truly natural — typically takes 6 to 12 months. The key driver of recovery is consistent physiotherapy. Patients who complete their rehabilitation programme faithfully achieve significantly better outcomes than those who do not.

8. The Implant Is Built to Last

Modern knee implants used at Orthomed Hospital Hisar, are designed to last 15 to 25 years or more for most patients. Factors that affect implant longevity include body weight, activity level, and whether the joint was correctly aligned at surgery—one of the reasons robotic assistance is so valuable.

9. Life After Knee Replacement Is Genuinely Better

Study after study confirms that the vast majority of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery report dramatic improvement in pain, mobility, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Activities that had become impossible—walking comfortably, climbing stairs, travelling—become possible again.

At Orthomed Hospital Hisar, our patients consistently tell us they wish they had not waited so long.

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in your recovery. If you are considering knee replacement surgery, book a consultation at Orthomed Hospital Hisar, and get all your questions answered by our experienced orthopedic team. Your pain-free life is closer than you think.