Evidence based orthopaedic care in Ambattur Avadi and North Chennai
Total Knee Replacement in Thirumullaivoyal Ambattur Avadi
Total knee replacement is a strong tool for the right patient at the right time. At OrthoCure Bone and Joint Speciality Clinic it is never the first step. We first use exercise, weight control, physiotherapy, medicines and injections where appropriate. Surgery enters the discussion only when pain and limitation stay high in spite of good conservative treatment.
Adults with severe knee arthritis on X ray with almost complete loss of joint space.
Persistent pain that affects sleep and daily work in spite of proper medicines and exercise.
Difficulty walking a short distance, using stairs or standing for necessary home or job duties.
Knees that feel stiff, deformed or unstable and have not improved with injections and physiotherapy.
Both knees affected and causing major restriction in independent living.
A careful discussion looks at age, weight, other medical problems and family responsibilities before suggesting surgery.
When knee replacement is the right next step
Conservative care has been done well and consistently but pain remains high.
X rays show advanced arthritis that matches your symptoms and examination.
Daily function is restricted in a way that is not acceptable to you even with support.
Other medical conditions are under control so that surgery risk is reasonable.
You understand what surgery can and cannot do and still wish to proceed.
The decision is shared. The aim is to move from constant pain to a more stable and independent life, not to chase a perfect knee.
Real case example of arthritis and knee replacement
Before surgery. Both knees show severe joint space loss and bony changes, matching long standing pain and stiffness.
After surgery. Total knee replacement restores alignment and gives a smoother bearing surface for walking and daily activity.
Images are shared for education with identity protected. Every knee is different and final plans are always individual.
Before knee replacement checklist
Diagnosis is clear. X rays confirm advanced arthritis that matches your pain and deformity.
Conservative care tried. You have given a fair trial to exercise, medicines and weight control where relevant.
Medical fitness assessed. Blood tests, heart and other reviews are done and optimisation started if required.
Home support planned. Family members know about surgery and can help for the first few weeks.
Realistic goals set. You know what you want to improve such as walking distance, stairs or household work.
Questions discussed. You have had time to ask about risks, recovery time and possible limitations.
During the consultation Dr Sumesh goes through this checklist so that the decision is thoughtful and not rushed.
How total knee replacement is performed
Pre operative planning with X rays, measurements and choice of implant family.
Spinal or general anaesthesia discussed with the anaesthesia team.
Careful exposure of the knee, removal of damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone.
Shaping of femur and tibia to receive metal components and a plastic insert.
Balancing of ligaments and checking of movement and stability before closure.
Surgery is done in a suitable hospital setting with facilities for safe anaesthesia, monitoring and early rehabilitation.
Hospital stay and early recovery
Most patients stand and take a few supported steps within one to two days.
Pain control uses a mix of medicine, nerve blocks and local measures.
Physiotherapy begins early with knee bending, muscle activation and walking.
Discharge is planned once you can walk with support and manage basic activities.
Follow up visits check wound healing, movement and progress with exercises.
Exact timelines vary with age, muscle strength and other medical conditions and are discussed individually.
Rehabilitation with OrthoCure physiotherapy
After discharge regular physiotherapy and home exercises decide much of the final outcome. The aim is not only to bend the knee but to return to a confident and independent routine.
Supervised sessions to build quadriceps and hip strength.
Work on balance, gait pattern and stair use.
Advice on sitting, floor activities and safe ways to kneel where possible.
Support for outdoor walking plans based on your capacity.
What to realistically expect after knee replacement
Pain usually reduces from severe constant levels to a more manageable background level.
Walking on level ground and using stairs become easier in most patients.
Ability to sit, stand and do routine home tasks improves over months.
Running and jumping are generally not advised. Squatting and floor sitting depend on culture, implant and individual recovery.
Implants are designed to last many years but need regular review and care.
Honest discussion of expectations before surgery helps avoid disappointment and supports better satisfaction.
Common questions about total knee replacement
Is knee replacement the only option for severe arthritis
No. Some patients with severe arthritis still manage with a combination of medicines, walking aids and lifestyle adjustment. Surgery is advised when these measures no longer keep pain and function at an acceptable level.
What is the usual age for knee replacement
Most people undergoing total knee replacement are in their sixties or seventies, but decisions are based on symptom severity and life demands rather than age alone. Younger patients are counselled carefully about implant life and activity limits.
Will I be able to walk normally after surgery
Many patients walk better than before because pain reduces and deformity is corrected. Improvement is gradual and depends on muscle strength, balance and other medical conditions along with proper physiotherapy and home exercise.
Can both knees be replaced in the same admission
In selected patients with good general health and severe arthritis in both knees, both may be addressed in the same admission. This needs detailed pre operative assessment and discussion of risk and recovery demands.
Who will operate on my knee
Dr Sumesh Subramanian, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon, performing knee replacement in full protective suit.
Total knee replacement at OrthoCure is planned and performed by Dr Sumesh Subramanian, an orthopaedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in trauma and joint reconstruction.
Decisions are made together with you, with clear explanation of benefits, risks and realistic goals before any surgery is scheduled.
This page is a general guide for adults in Ambattur, Avadi and Thirumullaivoyal who are thinking about knee replacement. Final decisions are based on examination, investigations and a detailed consultation with Dr Sumesh Subramanian.
Total knee replacement Thirumullaivoyal Ambattur Avadi advanced knee arthritis severe pain difficulty walking evidence based selection conservative care first physiotherapy rehabilitation OrthoCure Bone and Joint Speciality Clinic Dr Sumesh Subramanian 9342700212
