Medically reviewed by Dr. L. Bharath , Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bharath Orthopaedics
Knee pain can gradually affect many parts of everyday life. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting down, getting up from a chair and even sleeping may become difficult when the knee joint is affected. For some people, the discomfort develops slowly over several years, while others notice increasing pain and stiffness over a shorter period.
One common cause of persistent knee pain in adults is osteoarthritis, a condition in which the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears away. Previous injuries, inflammatory joint conditions and other problems can also affect knee function.
If knee pain is interfering with your daily activities, understanding its cause is an important first step. A consultation with a knee specialist can help identify the problem and explain the available treatment options.
At Bharath Orthopaedics in Kilpauk, Chennai, patients can seek an orthopaedic assessment for knee pain, arthritis and conditions affecting joint movement. Knee replacement is one of the treatment options considered when joint damage is advanced and other appropriate treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Understanding Knee Pain and Its Causes
The knee is a weight-bearing joint that helps support the body during standing, walking and movement. It consists of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and kneecap (patella), along with cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other supporting structures.
Problems affecting any of these structures can cause pain or restrict movement.
Some common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis: Gradual wear of the joint cartilage can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the knee.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory condition can affect the joint lining and cause swelling, pain and stiffness.
- Previous knee injuries: Certain fractures, ligament injuries or cartilage damage can contribute to long-term joint problems.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint damage following an injury may lead to cartilage deterioration over time.
- Other joint conditions: Certain inflammatory and degenerative conditions can affect knee function.
Identifying the underlying cause helps determine whether medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, injections or surgery should be considered.
Knee Replacement Surgeon in Kilpauk- Dr. Bharath Loganathan
Dr. Bharath Loganathan practises in Chennai, with clinical work involving knee and hip replacement, revision joint replacement and other orthopaedic conditions.
Qualifications: MBBS, MS (Orthopaedic Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr. Bharath Loganathan is an orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience.
His listed qualifications include:
- MBBS from Stanley Medical College, Chennai.
- MS in Orthopaedic Surgery from Grant Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
- MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
His additional training includes the Ranawat Adult Joint Reconstruction Fellowship, Rothman Ranawat Travel Fellowship and advanced hip and knee replacement training at Hospital for Special Surgery, New York.
His areas of orthopaedic practice include:
- Total knee replacement.
- Partial knee replacement.
- Revision knee replacement.
- Hip replacement procedures.
- Assessment and management of arthritis.
- Other musculoskeletal conditions.
His treatment approach involves evaluating the patient’s symptoms, medical history, examination findings and relevant investigations before discussing suitable surgical or non-surgical options.
Patients considering knee replacement can discuss the procedure, available alternatives, possible complications and rehabilitation requirements during a consultation.
When Should You Consult a Knee Specialist?
Not every episode of knee pain requires surgery. However, persistent symptoms should be evaluated, particularly when they begin affecting normal activities.
You may consider an orthopaedic consultation if you experience:
- Knee pain while walking or standing.
- Difficulty climbing or descending stairs.
- Stiffness after sitting or resting.
- Recurrent swelling around the knee.
- Reduced ability to bend or straighten the leg.
- Pain that disturbs sleep.
- Difficulty performing routine household or outdoor activities.
- A feeling that the knee is unstable.
These symptoms can occur in several conditions, so they do not automatically indicate that knee replacement is necessary.
Sudden severe pain following an injury, inability to bear weight, or a hot, red and swollen knee accompanied by fever requires prompt medical assessment.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure in which damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components.
The purpose of the procedure is to reduce pain caused by damaged joint surfaces and improve the ability to perform everyday movements.
There are two commonly performed types.
Total Knee Replacement
In total knee replacement, the damaged joint surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone are replaced with artificial components. The kneecap may also be resurfaced when clinically appropriate.
This procedure may be considered when arthritis or joint damage affects multiple compartments of the knee.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement involves treating only the affected compartment of the knee while preserving the relatively healthy portions of the joint.
It may be considered when the damage is limited to one compartment and the remaining joint structures meet the clinical requirements.
The choice between partial and total replacement depends on the extent of arthritis, ligament function, knee alignment, symptoms and overall health.
When is Knee Replacement Recommended?
Knee replacement is generally considered when knee joint damage causes persistent symptoms and affects daily functioning.
A specialist may discuss this procedure when:
- There is advanced osteoarthritis or significant joint damage.
- Pain continues despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
- Walking and other routine activities have become difficult.
- Knee stiffness significantly restricts movement.
- Radiological findings support the clinical diagnosis.
- The potential benefits of surgery are considered to outweigh its risks.
Age alone does not determine whether someone is suitable for knee replacement. The decision is based on symptoms, joint condition, health status, functional limitations and individual circumstances.
It is also important to understand that an X-ray showing arthritis does not automatically mean surgery is required.
What Treatment Options are Available Before Knee Replacement?
Patients often want to know whether they can manage knee pain without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition, several treatment approaches may be considered.
Medication
Medicines may be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation. Their suitability depends on medical history, other medications and possible side effects.
Physiotherapy
A structured physiotherapy programme may help maintain joint movement, strengthen the muscles supporting the knee and improve functional ability.
Weight Management
For people who are overweight, appropriate weight management may reduce the load placed on the knee during daily activities.
Activity Modification
Adjusting activities that aggravate symptoms, while maintaining suitable movement and exercise, may help manage discomfort.
Injections
In selected cases, injections may be discussed depending on the underlying condition, expected benefits and limitations.
The appropriate approach varies from patient to patient. Not every treatment is suitable for every type of knee problem.
How is Knee Replacement Surgery Planned?
Before recommending surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon evaluates the patient’s condition and discusses the available options.
The assessment may include:
Medical history: Previous injuries, existing health conditions, medication use and the duration of knee symptoms are reviewed.
Physical examination: The doctor assesses knee movement, alignment, stability, swelling, tenderness and walking ability.
Imaging: Weight-bearing X-rays are commonly used to assess joint space, alignment and the extent of joint damage. Other investigations may be advised when necessary.
Pre-operative assessment: General health, anaesthesia-related considerations and medical conditions that may affect surgery or recovery are reviewed.
Treatment discussion: The patient is informed about the proposed procedure, alternatives, expected recovery, possible complications and follow-up requirements.
Patients should have an opportunity to ask questions and understand the reasons for the recommended treatment before making a decision.
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?
The procedure is performed under an appropriate form of anaesthesia selected by the anaesthesia team.
In general, the surgical steps include:
- An incision is made to access the knee joint.
- Damaged joint surfaces are prepared.
- Artificial implant components are positioned.
- The alignment, movement and stability of the knee are assessed.
- The surgical wound is closed.
The implant design and surgical approach depend on the patient’s anatomy, joint condition and surgical plan.The duration of surgery and hospital stay can vary according to the procedure and the patient’s medical condition.
Possible Risks and Complications
Like other major surgical procedures, knee replacement has potential risks. Patients should understand these before deciding on treatment.
Possible complications include:
- Infection around the joint or surgical wound.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Bleeding or wound-healing problems.
- Persistent pain or swelling.
- Knee stiffness or reduced movement.
- Implant loosening or wear over time.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury.
- The possibility of further surgery in selected cases.
The likelihood of complications varies according to individual health, surgical factors and post-operative care. The treating team will explain the relevant risks and measures used to reduce them.
Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery is a gradual process. It involves wound care, pain management, movement exercises and physiotherapy.
The initial recovery period may involve:
- Assisted standing and walking when medically appropriate.
- Exercises to improve knee movement.
- Muscle-strengthening activities.
- Guidance on using a walking aid.
- Monitoring of the surgical wound and swelling.
- Follow-up appointments to assess progress.
Patients usually continue rehabilitation after leaving the hospital. The time required to resume routine activities varies depending on overall health, muscle strength, mobility and individual recovery.
Following the prescribed exercise programme and attending follow-up appointments are important parts of rehabilitation.
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Implant Last?
The lifespan of a knee replacement implant varies. It depends on several factors, including implant materials, activity levels, body weight, surgical positioning and individual health.
Implant components may gradually wear or loosen over time. Some patients may require revision surgery if complications or significant implant-related problems develop.
Regular clinical follow-up and appropriate activity guidance help monitor the condition of the replaced joint.
Choosing a Knee Replacement Surgeon in Kilpauk
Patients researching knee replacement care often want answers to practical questions:
- Does the doctor evaluate non-surgical options?
- What type of knee replacement may be appropriate?
- What investigations are required?
- What are the possible risks?
- How will physiotherapy be planned?
- How long might recovery take?
- Where will follow-up care be provided?
When selecting a specialist, patients can review the doctor’s recognised qualifications, professional registration, relevant clinical experience and approach to explaining treatment options.
It is equally important to understand the facilities available for surgery, anaesthesia, rehabilitation and post-operative monitoring.
Consultation at Bharath Orthopaedics, Kilpauk
Bharath Orthopaedics is located at:
Flat-A, Ground Floor, Balaji Villa,
New Door No. 38/1, Old Door No. 9/1,
Rajaratnam Street, Kilpauk,
Chennai – 600010.
Contact: 044 4799 2728
Patients can contact the clinic to enquire about consultation timings and availability. The need for knee replacement can only be determined after an appropriate clinical assessment.