Knee arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery has transformed the lives of millions of people with incapacitating knee pain and immobility. It is a procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged knee joint with a man-made artificial replacement, providing relief and functional restoration. An ideal choice for end-stage arthritic or severely injured patients, the procedure gives the patient independence and enhances lifestyle. With the progress in medical technology, knee replacement operation in UK have become more accurate and have eased the time for recovery. The procedure, advantages, disadvantages and things to note in this life-altering surgery are discussed in this article.
Why Patients Choose India over the UK for Knee Replacement Surgeries?
India is today a hub for medical tourists who come here thousands from across the globe for world-class facilities, super specialist physicians and the latest technology. India is not just a desirable destination, but it is also famous for providing quality at a reasonable price for complex procedures like knee replacement. For much lower than the cost of knee replacement surgery in London, UK, India offers high-quality care to patients at no exorbitant costs. Indian hospitals offer the latest technology like robot-assisted knee replacement and minimal access techniques for safe procedures, reduced recovery time and long-term results.
One of the biggest advantages of treatment in India is the low waiting time. In countries like the UK, patients are required to wait for considerable periods because of an overburdened public healthcare system, whereas Indian hospitals offer priority booking so that patients can undergo treatment at their convenience. Additionally, India's best orthopaedic surgeons, who mostly have training and experience at world-class centres have years of experience in performing successful knee replacement surgery. Their experience along with the use of the best of hospital equipment ensures high success rates and easy recovery. Many patients opt for treatment abroad due to the cost of knee replacement surgery in London, which is more than in other countries.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
Knee replacement surgery is a customized procedure to suit individual needs depending on the extent of damage, age, lifestyle and general well-being. A variety of knee replacement surgeries are performed, each of which is aimed at maximum function and quality of life. We discuss below the most important types of knee replacement surgery, describing each in turn.
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
This is the most prevalent knee replacement procedure. It is the replacement of the whole knee joint with prosthetic parts, including the femoral and tibial surfaces and the patellar component (kneecap). The worn-out cartilage and bone are removed by the surgeon, with accurate alignment for the greatest range of motion of the joint. TKR is appropriate for patients with extensive arthritis and provides long-term pain relief and joint function. This surgery costs $2,200 - $5,500 in India and the same knee replacement operation in UK costs approximately $12,500 - $18,000.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
Also referred to as unicompartmental knee replacement, this is a surgery that implants only the diseased portion of the knee but spares the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments. It is less invasive than TKR, with faster recovery and less post-operative pain. PKR is suitable for patients with arthritis in one compartment of the knee so that they can have a more natural joint sensation and movement. PKR costs $2,000 - $4,500 in India and $10,000 - $15,000 in the UK.
- Kneecap Replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty)
It is a surgery that solely addresses the patellofemoral joint, replacing the cartilage of the kneecap and the track it runs into. It is a less invasive surgery for patients with kneecap arthritis. With specialized treatment, it reduces focal pain and maintains the majority of the original shape of the knee for enhanced stability. This surgery costs $1,800 - $4,000 in India and $10,000 - $15,000 in the UK.
- Complex or Revision Knee Replacement
This is a revision procedure for those patients who have already undergone previous knee replacements that failed because of wear, infection, or instability. It is the process of removal of the failed old implant and its replacement with a new one, usually with reinforced components. This is a more complicated surgery with the need for advanced techniques to correct bone loss and regain joint stability and function. This is priced between $3,000 - $7,000 in India, while the same knee replacement surgery in UK is about $15,000 - $20,000.
- Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
It is a new technology that utilizes robotic systems to assist the surgeon during the surgery with greater precision. The robotic arm assists in aligning the implants with greater precision, better functionality and longevity of the replacement. It reduces human error and offers better outcomes, hence it's used in complex cases that require precise positioning. The price of this procedure is $3,500 - $8,000 in India and $15,000 - $22,000 in the UK.
- Bilateral Knee Replacement
This is a surgery in which both knees are replaced at the same time. It's for those patients who have double knee arthritis. Though it takes a longer time to recover and needs more strength, it spares two individual surgeries and provides complete relief to those patients who have double knee conditions. This procedure costs $4,000 - $9,000 in India and the cost of knee replacement surgery in London for this same procedure is around $20,000 - $30,000 in the UK.
Here’s a price comparison table for the different types of knee replacement surgeries between India and the UK:
|
Type of Surgery |
India (USD) |
UK (USD) |
|
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) |
$2,200 - $5,500 |
$12,500 - $18,000 |
|
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) |
$2,000 - $4,500 |
$10,000 - $15,000 |
|
Kneecap Replacement |
$1,800 - $4,000 |
$10,000 - $15,000 |
|
Complex/Revision Surgery |
$3,000 - $7,000 |
$15,000 - $20,000 |
|
Robotic-Assisted Surgery |
$3,500 - $8,000 |
$15,000 - $22,000 |
|
Bilateral Knee Replacement |
$4,000 - $9,000 |
$20,000 - $30,000 |
Why Choose Racure Healthcare?
Racure Healthcare is among the prime contributors to easy and hassle-free medical travel. With strong ties to India's leading hospitals such as Artemis Hospital (Gurgaon), Fortis Hospital and Medanta—The Medicity (Gurgaon), expert medical professionals, and patient care managers dedicated to managing patients, Racure Healthcare offers every patient the finest care from the initial consultation to a speedy recovery.
Racure Healthcare provides personalized medical advice, expert counsel, comprehensive counselling and pre-travel tele-counseling to enable patients to receive the best treatment. Racure Healthcare helps patients choose the finest doctors, hospitals and clinics, and hence patients undergo world-class treatment with priority appointment scheduling of fast-tracked appointments and assured treatment plans before reaching India.
For hassle-free travel, Racure Healthcare offers door-to-door travel assistance from visa facilitation to online application support and flight booking options. Patients are offered complimentary airport pick and drop, accommodation recommendations and on-arrival SIM cards for the convenience of communication. On-demand interpretation services overcome language barriers, and visa extension coordination and 24/7 personalized assistance ensure hassle-free travel.
Aftercare is taken care of with follow-up support and rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy sessions to speed up recovery. Currency exchange facility available for easy transactions.
With its commitment to affordability, excellence, and patient satisfaction, Racure Healthcare makes India the preferred destination for knee replacement and other medical treatments. By integrating top-tier medical care with seamless travel and logistical support, Racure Healthcare ensures that international patients receive the highest standard of treatment while experiencing India’s renowned hospitality and holistic healing approach.
