Arthritis can develop because of old age, previous injuries, fractures, infection and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

There are over one hundred types of arthritis. Some common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis and gout.

Most common type, also called degenerative or aging arthritis. It starts in middle age due to wear and tear of the joints. In the beginning there is mild pain but in advanced stage cartilage is completely worn out, causing server pain and disability.

More crippling chronic condition, affecting the immune system of body. It can affect at any age, more common in females.

This affects the spine and joints, which get inflamed and lose their flexibility and become stiff.

Arthritis is probably due to a combination of many factors which include Age, Heredity, Overweight, Injury or Overuse, Occupation, lifestyle & Infection.

Patient's symptoms - Pain, cracking sound in joints, difficulty in walking up and down stairs. Clinical examination, X-ray, Blood tests.

Once the surface of joint is damaged it is usually not possible to prevent arthritis from progressing. However patient can get relief with appropriate treatment.

In early stages medicines, physiotherapy, weight, reduction, heat therapy, splints, use of walking stick can give relief in pain. In advanced stages where these methods are unable to give relief, patient needs Total Joint Replacement surgery.

When pain becomes chronic and constant, not getting relieved with medicines Pain does not allow you to walk even short distances. Pain disturbs your sleep. Adversely affecting social, professional and personal life. Then Joint Replacement Surgery is the answer.

Ideally done for patient above the age of 60 years but if required can be done earlier.

It provides relief from pain and disability and corrects the deformity. Patient returns back to the most of his normal activities with some modification in his lifestyle. Provides better quality of life and greater independence. The surgery is safe and reliable and works for approximately 15 years. Later on if required revision surgery is done

In this operation the damaged bone ends and cartilage are replaced with artificial surface, which are designed like normal bone ends called artificial joints to restore normal functions & movements.

An artificial joint can last 15-20 years.

Complete medical check-up. Blood tests, ECG etc. Learn specific exercises to speed up your recovery. Lose excessive weight. Stop smoking.

Yes, can be undertaken under medical supervision.

Artificial hip and knee joints are made of specialized steel, titanium, cobalt, chromium alloy and plastic (high density polyethylene).

Hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is removed and replaced with a metal ball fixed to the thighbone. The socket is cleaned & fitted with a plastic cup with or without bone cement.

The damaged surface of knee bones are removed & replaced with metal surface & fixed to bone with bone cement & plastic inserted in between. The surface of kneecap is also replaced with plastic button.

Surgery is usually performed under spinal or epidural anesthesia where only lower part of the body is anesthetized. In some cases general anesthesia is also given to make patient fully unconscious. Modern anesthetic techniques are quite safe.

The approximate time taken for surgery is 2 hours

After Total knee surgery patient is in bed for 2 days.
On first day, regular active and passive exercises of the operated leg are started.
On Third day, the drain is removed and the patient is made to stand and walk with the help of walker or crutches.
After approximately 4-6 weeks, the patient can walk independently without support and can climb steps up and down.

Approximately 1 -2 weeks.

Any major operation involves certain risks. With advanced anesthetic and surgical techniques these risks are very low. Patient however, should be aware of these risks.
Infection-is a serious complication. All precautions are taken to avoid the risk of infection. About 1% patients may have the risk of developing infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. If no response, then removal of implant is required to clear out the infection. Another joint can be implanted later on.
Thrombosis- Blood clots may occur in veins of legs in 8-10% of patients. Various techniques are used to prevent it. Death due to this is extremely rare (less than 0.1%.)
Wear-out- loosening of implant can happen after 10-15 yrs. It depends on design, quality, material and load on the joint.
When excessive wear occurs, it needs revision surgery.

• Choose a surgeon who has adequate training and experience in joint replacement surgery.
• Operation theatre set up must be of highest standard.
• Good quality of implant is used.
• Talk to other patients who have been operated by the surgeon.
• Follow the instructions & understand the limitations.

• Use western style toilet.
• Walk with moderate speed.
• Can climb up and down stairs.
• Sit on high chair-approximately 20-inch height. Regular exercises as explained and weight control.
• Watch to prevent infection particularly urinary, and dental.
• Regular visit to your surgeon.
• Follow the post operative protocol as explained.

• No squatting or sitting on floor.
• No jogging or running.
• No local massage or heat therapy.
• No cross legged sitting.

One month after surgery, then three months, six months and one year after surgery. Subsequently once a year or if there is any problem.