Total Knee Replacement
at Aster MIMS Kannur
When arthritis has worn your knee down to bone on bone, a total knee replacement gives you a new bearing surface, corrects your alignment, and lets you walk without pain. At Aster MIMS Kannur, you have access to multiple internationally certified implant systems chosen to match your anatomy, activity level, and goals.
What is total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. The damaged cartilage and bone at the end of the thigh bone (femur), the top of the shin bone (tibia), and the underside of the kneecap are removed and replaced with precision-engineered metal and polyethylene components. The new surfaces recreate the natural shape and movement of your knee, eliminating the bone-on-bone contact that causes pain.
The operation is recommended when conservative treatments have been given an adequate trial and have failed to provide meaningful relief. This typically means persistent pain that limits walking, disturbs sleep, or prevents you from performing daily activities despite adequate medication, physiotherapy, and sometimes injections. Weight-bearing X-rays confirm the diagnosis by showing loss of joint space.
At Aster MIMS Kannur, I select from four internationally certified implant systems to match the design to your anatomy, bone quality, and deformity pattern. Cemented fixation remains the gold standard for total knee replacement, with the most extensive published evidence for long-term durability. The implant choice is a decision I discuss with you before surgery, explaining the evidence behind the recommendation.
Personalised implant selection
Dr. Vishnu selects from four major implant systems including Smith+Nephew, DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, and Stryker. The choice is based on your anatomy, bone quality, deformity pattern, and activity level. Each implant has published survivorship data exceeding 95% at 15 to 20 years.
Multimodal pain management
The adductor canal nerve block selectively numbs pain fibres while preserving muscle strength, so you can walk sooner. Combined with periarticular infiltration and oral analgesics, most patients are surprised by how manageable the pain is compared to what they expected.
Enhanced recovery protocol
Physiotherapy begins on the day of surgery. Walking with a frame within 24 hours. A structured day-by-day rehabilitation programme guides your transition from hospital to home, with discharge typically on Day 3 to Day 5 and return to driving at 4 to 6 weeks.
Implant systems at Aster MIMS
No single implant is universally best. The right choice depends on your anatomy, bone quality, deformity pattern, and activity goals. Dr. Vishnu explains the options and the evidence behind each recommendation before surgery.
Cemented Fixation
Gold standard with the most extensive published long-term evidence
Immediate stability from the moment the implant is fixed
Reliable in all bone qualities, including osteoporotic bone
Consistent results across patient age groups and activity levels
Implant Brands Available
Internationally CertifiedSmith+Nephew (LEGION, JOURNEY II)
DePuy Synthes (Attune, Sigma)
Zimmer Biomet (Persona, NexGen)
Stryker (Triathlon)
Considering robotic precision? The CORI Surgical System at Aster MIMS Kannur offers real-time 3D bone mapping for patients seeking the highest level of implant positioning accuracy. Ask Dr. Vishnu whether robotic-assisted TKR is right for your knee.
Who needs a knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is recommended when the joint has reached end-stage disease and conservative treatments have been given an adequate trial. The following conditions are commonly treated at Aster MIMS Kannur.
Primary Osteoarthritis
The most common indication. Wear-and-tear arthritis causing bone-on-bone contact, persistent pain, and progressive loss of mobility despite medications and physiotherapy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis that destroys the joint lining and cartilage. When medical management fails to control joint destruction, replacement restores function and eliminates inflammatory pain.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis developing years after a significant knee injury such as a tibial plateau fracture or ligament injury. The damaged joint surface progressively deteriorates, leading to end-stage disease.
Valgus or Varus Deformity
Knock-knee or bow-leg deformity caused by asymmetric cartilage loss. Knee replacement corrects the alignment and rebalances the ligaments to restore a straight, stable limb.
Avascular Necrosis
Loss of blood supply to the bone around the knee joint, leading to collapse of the joint surface. When the damage is extensive, total knee replacement is the definitive treatment.
Failed Previous Surgery
Prior arthroscopy, osteotomy, or unicompartmental replacement that has not provided lasting relief. In these cases, total knee replacement addresses the entire joint surface and corrects residual deformity.
From consultation to recovery
Assessment and planning
Your journey begins with a thorough clinical examination and weight-bearing X-rays. Dr. Vishnu assesses the extent of cartilage damage, deformity, ligament integrity, and your functional goals. The implant system best suited to your knee is discussed, along with the surgical plan, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes. Pre-operative blood work and cardiac clearance are completed before admission.
Surgery day
Under spinal anaesthesia with sedation, the procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed with precision cuts, and the implant is fixed with bone cement. Ligament balance is carefully assessed and adjusted. A periarticular infiltration cocktail is injected around the joint before closure for immediate post-operative pain relief. You are in the recovery room within two hours.
Early mobilisation
Within hours of surgery, a physiotherapist assists you to sit up and begin gentle knee exercises. Most patients walk with a frame or walker within 24 hours. The adductor canal nerve block selectively controls pain while preserving muscle strength, enabling you to participate actively in early rehabilitation. Ice therapy and oral analgesics are usually sufficient after the first day.
Discharge and rehabilitation
Discharge typically occurs on Day 3 to Day 5 with a structured home exercise programme. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at Week 2 (wound check), Week 6 (X-ray and assessment), and Month 3 (functional evaluation). A physiotherapy protocol tailored to your progress guides the transition from walking aids to independent mobility. Most patients return to driving at 4 to 6 weeks.
Why Aster MIMS Kannur?
Aster MIMS Kannur is an NABH-accredited multispecialty hospital and part of the Aster DM Healthcare network, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East and India. The orthopaedic department operates a dedicated joint replacement suite with laminar airflow theatres, the CORI robotic system, and a rapid recovery programme designed to get you home sooner.
Book at Aster MIMSNABH Accredited
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals certification, verifying adherence to patient safety and quality standards across every department.
Dedicated Joint Replacement Suite
Laminar airflow operating theatre with the CORI robotic system permanently installed. Purpose-built for high-volume arthroplasty with ultra-low infection rates.
Rapid Recovery Protocol
Multimodal analgesia, early mobilisation from Day 0, and structured physiotherapy. Designed to minimise hospital stay and accelerate your return to independence.
Continuous Post-Operative Support
WhatsApp access to the surgical team throughout recovery. Scheduled video follow-ups for patients who cannot visit in person. Your care does not end at discharge.
Knee replacement FAQ
How do I know if I need a knee replacement?
Knee replacement is recommended when you have bone-on-bone arthritis visible on weight-bearing X-rays, persistent pain that limits daily activities, walking distance under 500 metres, night pain disturbing sleep, and failure of conservative treatments including medications, physiotherapy, and injections over an adequate period. The decision is always based on the combination of your symptoms, imaging, and functional limitation.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern knee replacement implants have published survivorship rates exceeding 95% at 15 to 20 years in international joint replacement registries. Longevity depends on implant design, surgical alignment, your activity level, and body weight. With proper technique and cemented fixation, the vast majority of knee replacements will last well beyond two decades.
Which implant brand is best for knee replacement?
There is no single best implant brand. Dr. Vishnu selects from four internationally certified systems, including Smith+Nephew, DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, and Stryker, based on your anatomy, bone quality, deformity pattern, and functional goals. All implants used are CE-marked with published long-term survivorship data. The choice is discussed with you before surgery.
What is the difference between conventional and robotic knee replacement?
Conventional knee replacement uses mechanical jigs and cutting blocks to guide bone preparation. Robotic-assisted knee replacement, available at Aster MIMS using the CORI Surgical System, uses real-time 3D bone mapping for sub-millimetre implant positioning. Both produce excellent long-term outcomes. Robotic assistance offers improved consistency of alignment and may benefit patients with complex deformities.
Can both knees be replaced at the same time?
Yes, simultaneous bilateral knee replacement is performed for suitable patients. Suitability is assessed based on your cardiac fitness, overall health, haemoglobin levels, and the severity of disease in each knee. Bilateral replacement means one anaesthetic, one hospital stay, and one rehabilitation period instead of two separate admissions.
How long is the hospital stay?
Most patients are discharged within 3 to 5 days after total knee replacement. With our enhanced recovery protocol, which includes multimodal pain management and physiotherapy from Day 0, you will begin walking with support on the day of surgery. Discharge timing depends on pain control, mobility milestones, and your home support.
When can I walk after knee replacement?
Most patients walk with a frame or walker within 24 hours of surgery. Our multimodal pain management protocol, combining adductor canal nerve block, periarticular infiltration, and oral analgesics, keeps you comfortable enough to mobilise early. Walking with a stick typically begins by Week 2 to 3, and most patients are walking independently by 6 to 8 weeks.
Your First Week After Total Knee Replacement
Day-by-day recovery guide covering pain management, early walking, home setup, and when to call your surgeon.
Robotic Knee Replacement with CORI
How the CORI Surgical System delivers sub-millimetre precision for your knee replacement using real-time 3D bone mapping.