Can a knee replacement be planned before the patient travels for it?
Dr. Mahajan is Chairman Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement & Chief Robotic Joint Replacement at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.
A man living abroad, whose left knee had been injured twenty years earlier, sent Dr Ramneek Mahajan his reports and X-rays.
How did it start?
The patient says that about 20 years ago a skiing accident tore the meniscus, a rubbery cushion of cartilage inside the knee, in his left knee; the torn part was cleaned up, and he had no treatment after that.
What did the earlier doctors advise?
The patient says that about 15 years ago he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the wearing away of the smooth surface inside a joint, which leaves it stiff and painful. It was in his left knee, and the doctor said surgery was needed.
What did this surgeon say had to be done?
Dr Mahajan says the patient got in touch from abroad; his reports and X-rays were reviewed online and a plan was made, and then he came to India. The patient then had further tests and a check that he was fit for anaesthesia. After that, a robotic replacement of both knees was planned, in which the surgeon uses a robotic arm to guide the cuts.
The patient says they decided to come to India for the operation, and both knees were done with a robot's help; he speaks a little over 12 days after the operation.
What changed after the operation?
The patient says he started with a walker and within a day had a walking stick.
Dr Mahajan says that within 48 hours the patient was up and about, going to the washroom on his own, trying the stairs and walking in the corridors. The patient is now on the way to recovery.
What should a patient who lives far away ask?
This is one man's story, not a promise: what an operation can do for you depends on your own case.
Ask whether your reports and X-rays can be reviewed online, and a plan made, before you travel.
Ask which tests and checks will be done when you arrive.
What this case teaches
Meniscus removal within a year before a knee replacement was linked to worse function afterwards, a 2025 one-centre study found.
Blood clots in the leg veins are one of the commonest problems after knee replacement, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.
Crutches or a walking frame are needed at first, the NHS says, and walking without an aid can follow after about 6 weeks.
