When wear of the knee's cartilage causes pain that limits daily life, and other treatments have stopped helping.
The most common reason for knee replacement is osteoarthritis — gradual wear of the smooth cartilage that lines the joint, until bone surfaces rub against each other. Other causes include rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, and arthritis that develops years after an injury.
In a knee replacement, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and resurfaced with metal and medical-grade plastic components. When the wear is confined to one part of the knee, a partial (unicompartmental) replacement may be possible instead of a total replacement.
Activity changes, weight management, strengthening physiotherapy, pain-relief medicines as advised, and injections in selected cases. Many people manage well this way for a long time.
Total or partial knee replacement, considered when pain and stiffness continue to limit daily life despite non-surgical treatment, and X-rays confirm significant joint damage.
Knee replacement can be performed with robotic assistance. The surgery is planned on a 3D model of your own knee, and the robotic system guides the surgeon in positioning the implant within that plan. The surgeon performs and controls the operation throughout.
Dr. Godbole is certified on all four robotic systems used for knee replacement in India — Mako, VELYS, CORI and ROSA — so the platform can follow the hospital and the case.
Most patients begin walking with support soon after surgery under the physiotherapy team's supervision, followed by a structured exercise programme at home. Return to daily activities is gradual over the following weeks to months, and the expected course for your knee is discussed individually before surgery.
It is worth an assessment when knee pain is limiting your walking, sleep or daily routine, or when treatments that used to help no longer do.
Consultations at Sahyadri (Deccan), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Katraj) and Apollo (Swargate).
