Knee Replacement Surgery in Chandigarh: What to Expect, Cost & Recovery

As an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement surgery in Chandigarh, one of the most common questions I hear from patients is: "Do I really need a knee replacement?" This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from deciding if surgery is right for you, to what happens during the procedure, to what recovery looks like in real terms.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery (also called knee arthroplasty) involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of metal and medical-grade plastic. The goal is to relieve severe pain, restore mobility, and significantly improve quality of life.

There are two main types of knee replacement:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint surface is replaced. This is the most common procedure and is recommended when arthritis has affected the full joint.
Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement: Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced. Suitable for patients where only one compartment of the knee is affected.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement is typically recommended when:

Knee pain is severe enough to limit daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.
Knee pain persists at rest or at night.
Significant cartilage loss or deformity is visible on X-ray.
Non-surgical treatments — including physiotherapy, medications, and injections — have not provided adequate relief.
Advanced osteoarthritis (Grade 3 or 4) is confirmed.

Most patients who benefit from knee replacement are between 55 and 80 years old, though the surgery is increasingly performed in younger, more active patients with severe joint disease.

What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?

The procedure is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Here is a step-by-step overview:

Step 1 — Preparation: The knee is positioned and cleaned. A tourniquet may be applied to reduce blood loss.
Step 2 — Bone Reshaping: The damaged cartilage and bone surfaces at the end of the femur (thigh bone) and top of the tibia (shin bone) are carefully removed.
Step 3 — Implant Placement: Metal and plastic components are fitted to recreate the smooth, gliding surface of the knee joint.
Step 4 — Patella Resurfacing (if needed): The undersurface of the kneecap may also be replaced with a plastic button.
Step 5 — Closure: The wound is closed, and a drain is placed if needed. The procedure is complete.

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

Day 1–2: Most patients are encouraged to stand and take their first steps with support within 24 hours of surgery.
Week 1–2: Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days. Physiotherapy begins immediately to restore range of motion.
Week 3–6: Most patients walk without a walker and can manage stairs. Driving is generally possible after 4–6 weeks.
3 Months: Most daily activities are possible with little or no pain.
6–12 Months: Full recovery. Most patients can walk long distances, climb stairs, and enjoy recreational activities.

Knee Replacement Cost in Chandigarh

The cost of knee replacement surgery in Chandigarh and the surrounding Tricity area (Panchkula, Mohali, Zirakpur) typically ranges from ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,50,000 per knee, depending on the hospital, implant type, and whether it is a partial or total replacement. Robotic-assisted procedures may cost more. Many procedures are covered under government health schemes and private insurance plans.

Before Surgery: Exercises to Prepare Your Knee

Being as strong and fit as possible before surgery improves your recovery. Recommended pre-operative exercises include:

Straight leg raises (10–15 reps, 3 sets)
Quad sets (tightening the thigh muscle while leg is straight)
Ankle pumps to improve circulation
Short arc quads

Knee replacement surgery has a high success rate and can dramatically improve quality of life. If you are considering knee replacement in Chandigarh, Panchkula, or Mohali, I encourage you to book a consultation so we can assess your X-rays and discuss the best approach for your specific situation.