Knee Replacement FAQs - Get answers to your most common doubts
In this section, Dr Firoz Ahmed, Knee Replacement Surgeon in Guwhati clears the most common doubts and myths of patients.
1. What exactly is a knee replacement?
Knee Replacement is a procedure which is done in a severely damaged knee. Here, we remove the damaged cartilage and bone of the knee joint and replace it with high quality metal parts so that the patient can regain painfree movement and activity.2. Is the Knee replacement technique the same for everyone?
Dr Firoz Ahmed employs the Subvastus technique. This is done by only a selected few surgeons. In this method, there is no need to cut the Thigh muscle. The advantages of this method are faster recovery and less pain.3. How do I know if I need a knee replacement?
The majority of knee pain patients do not need Knee Replacement. It is needed when you have severe pain in the knee which is not relieved by conventional treatment, and which affects your daily activities to a large extent.4. Am I too young or too old for knee replacement?
Knee Replacement surgery does not have a fixed age criteria. Although it should be preferably postponed till the age of around 50, if possible. There is no upper age limit as such. If the patient is active and medically fit for surgery and anaesthesia, then even people in the 80s can go ahead with surgery.5. Is knee replacement surgery safe?
It is a generally safe procedure. Although like any other surgery, it also carries some inherent risks. The risks depend mostly on the health condition of the patient. However, with modern anesthesia techniques and advanced surgical methods, most of the risks are well managed when done in a properly equipped facility.
6. How long does the surgery take?
The surgery takes around 1-2 hours usually. However, with pre and post surgical preparations and logistics, the actual time may be longer.
7. Will I be awake during surgery?
Generally, Knee replacement surgery is done under Spinal or Epidural anesthesia, where only the legs become numb. The patient remains fully awake and conscious, but doesn’t feel anything in the legs during the surgery. However, if General Anaesthesia is given, then the patient is asleep.
8. When can I start walking?
You can start walking from the next day after surgery. In fact, we can allow walking after 8 hours or so once the effects of anaesthesia wears off.
9. How long is the hospital stay?
Usually you have to stay 1 or 2 nights at the hospital. Longer stay is needed only if you have any other medical condition requiring hospitalization.
10. Is the recovery painful?
Since Knee Replacement is a major surgery, there is bound to be some pain in the immediate aftermath (First 24-48 hours). However, Dr Firoz Ahmed at ARHI Hospital employs the latest advancements in pain management to reduce such pain to a large degree in a safe manner. Safe medicines and modern techniques like Adductor blocks are used. After a few days, pain is gradually minimal.
11. How long is the recovery?
The immediate period of recovery is fast and walking and exercises are started on the 2nd day itself. The patient takes the help of a Walker or Stick for 1-2 weeks and after that walks without support. With good exercises, the knee movement comes back in 2-4 weeks and the patient is back to the basic normal lifestyle.Over the course of the next 3-6 months, the patient regains full movement, strength and activity.
12. Will I need someone to help me at home?
It is better to have someone at home to help at least in the initial 2 weeks period. The help can be in the form of physical and mental support, reminder of medicines, exercises etc.
13. Will I need physical therapy?
With the Subvastus technique, as pointed in Point 2, the patient can do the exercises on their own. However, a physiotherapist will definitely help in the outcome.
14. What activities can I do after knee replacement?
There is no restriction as such after knee replacement. All normal activities are allowed. However, High impact activities like running, jumping etc should be preferably avoided as they may accelerate the wear and tear of the implant.
15. Will I be able to sit on the floor or cross my legs after surgery?
Yes. However, it also depends on the condition of the knee at the time of surgery, how damaged it is.
16. When can I drive again?
You can start driving in 6-8 weeks.
17. When can I go back to work?
You can attend office as early as 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, many patients prefer to wait for stitch removal (2 weeks) and improvement of general health before rejoining work or office.
18. Can I kneel after knee replacement?
Yes. However, it also depends on the condition of the knee at the time of surgery, how damaged it is. Initially it may feel awkward and you may need to use some cushions or padding to be comfortable.
19. What activities should I avoid?
High impact activities like running, jumping etc should be preferably avoided as they may accelerate the wear and tear of the implant.
20. How long does an artificial knee last?
Generally, high quality MNC implants last for more than 20 years or so. It depends on many factors like age of the patient, activity after surgery, weight of the patient etc.
21. Will my new knee set off metal detectors at airports?
Yes, they may trigger the metal detectors. However, the security agencies and authorities are well aware of this fact. You can also get a certificate regarding the same from your surgeon.
22. How much does it cost?
The cost depends on a number of factors like hospital type, number of days of stay, medical condition of the patient, type of implant used etc. In ARHI Hospital, a Knee Replacement done by Dr Firoz Ahmed using MNC High quality implants with 1-2 days stay cost around Rs. 2.1-2.2 Lakhs.
Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.
Last Updated: Jan 2026
Disclaimer: This post is for general awareness only and cannot substitute for medical knowledge. Any treatment decision has be based on actual patient examination and consultation by an experienced medical professional.
References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
Dr Firoz Ahmed for expert Knee Replacement in Guwahati.
OPD Schedule: Mon – Sat (9AM to 4 PM)
Address: ARHI Hospital,11th Mile, Jorabat,Khanapara