Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana
Joint Replacement Surgery
Knee, hip and shoulder replacement: when it is considered, the types of operation, typical recovery, how long implants last and the risks involved.
What joint replacement involves
Joint replacement (arthroplasty) is an operation in which damaged parts of a joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis, made of metal, plastic or ceramic.[3] Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed.[3]
The hospital’s orthopaedic surgeons carry out knee, hip and shoulder replacement. This page is an overview; the knee, hip and shoulder replacement pages have more detail.
- Considered when joint symptoms substantially affect your quality of life[1]
- Usually after exercise, weight loss and pain relief have not helped or are unsuitable[1]
- A shared decision that covers alternatives, benefits, risks and possible future surgery[2]
- Rehabilitation starts on the day of surgery where possible, and within 24 hours[2]
Joint replacement is major surgery. Most people who have a knee replacement have much less pain, but a replaced knee is different from a natural one; for example, full movement is rarely restored.[4]
Types of joint replacement
The type of operation depends on which joint is affected and how much of it is damaged.
- Total knee replacement: all the joint surfaces of the knee are replaced, and NICE recommends resurfacing the kneecap as well[2]
- Partial knee replacement: an option for some people whose arthritis affects only the inner (medial) part of the knee[2]
- Total hip replacement: the ball at the top of the thigh bone and the socket in the pelvis are replaced
- Shoulder replacement: a conventional (anatomic) or a reverse design. For osteoarthritis with no rotator cuff tear, NICE recommends a conventional total shoulder replacement if the socket bone is adequate[2]
Some knee replacements are carried out with robotic-arm assistance. The knee replacement page explains what this involves.
Partial and total knee replacement compared
NICE recommends that people with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis are offered a choice of partial or total knee replacement after discussing the benefits and risks of each.[2] Registry figures describe large groups of people and cannot predict how long one person’s joint will last.
Who may be considered for joint replacement
The decision is based on a clinical assessment of your symptoms rather than on a scoring system.[1] Joint replacement may be considered if:
- Pain, stiffness, reduced function or worsening deformity substantially affects your quality of life[1]
- Exercise, weight loss, pain relief and other non-surgical treatments have not helped or are unsuitable[1]
- You understand the expected benefits, risks and rehabilitation, and want to go ahead[2]
- Age, sex, smoking, other health conditions or body weight do not on their own rule you out, although they can change the risks[1]
Preparing for surgery
Before a hip or knee replacement, you should be given advice on:[2]
- exercises to do before and after surgery to help your recovery
- weight management, diet and stopping smoking
- staying as independent as possible before and after the operation
A pre-operative assessment checks your general health, your medicines and any tests needed before the anaesthetic. Bring a list of your medicines and any previous scans or reports.
Recovery after hip or knee replacement
Typical ranges. Recovery varies with your age, general health and the operation you have.[5,6]
- Day of surgery
First steps
A physiotherapist or occupational therapist should start your rehabilitation on the day of surgery if possible, and within 24 hours.[2] You will use crutches or a walking frame at first.[6]
- Days 1–4
Going home
Most people go home about 1 to 3 days after a hip replacement[6] and 1 to 4 days after a knee replacement,[5] once they can move around safely. You will be given advice on exercises before you leave.[2]
- Weeks 6–12
Everyday activities
Wait at least 6 weeks to drive after a hip or total knee replacement, and check with your doctor first.[5,6] Many people return to work after about 6 weeks for a hip and 6 to 12 weeks for a knee, depending on the job.[5,6]
- Several months
Full recovery
Full recovery may take several months or longer.[5,6] Some temporary pain in the new joint is common and should settle over a few months.[3]
Risks and limitations of joint replacement
Most people who have a knee replacement have no complications,[7] but every major operation carries risks. The level of risk varies with factors such as age, other health conditions, smoking and body weight.[1]
- Blood clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis)[3,7]
- Wound infection, or infection deep around the implant; serious infection of the joint occurs in fewer than 2 in 100 people after knee replacement[4,7]
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels or other tissues, which is not common[7]
- Ongoing pain or stiffness, difficulty bending the knee, or a joint that feels unstable[7]
- Loosening, wear or dislocation of the artificial joint, which may lead to further surgery in the future[2,3,4]
- A replaced knee rarely regains full movement, and it will not allow you to do more than you could before the arthritis developed[4]
Contact the hospital or a doctor urgently if you have throbbing or cramping pain in your leg; a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery; oozing or pus from the wound; or redness, swelling or pain that is not getting better or is getting worse. Get emergency help immediately if leg pain or swelling comes with chest pain or difficulty breathing.[7]
Frequently asked questions about joint replacement
Charges and insurance
Treatment charges depend on clinical evaluation, the procedure, implant selection (where applicable), and room category. You can request an estimate after consultation before deciding on treatment. The hospital’s insurance desk assists with cashless pre-authorisation and reimbursement documentation for eligible policies — see the Insurance page.
Patient pathway
Joint Replacement Surgery treatment journey in Ludhiana
Patients receive a step-by-step clinical assessment focused on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment choices, recovery expectations, and follow-up care.
Consultation
The doctor reviews symptoms, history, current medicines, and previous reports.
Diagnosis
Imaging, lab tests, or specialist assessments may be advised when required.
Treatment plan
Options may include medication, therapy, minimally invasive care, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Recovery support
The team explains risks, recovery timelines, warning signs, and follow-up steps.
References
Sources are provided for general information; a qualified clinician can advise on your situation.
- Reference 1: Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management(opens in a new tab)
NICE, 2022nice.org.ukNG226
- Reference 2: Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder(opens in a new tab)
NICE, 2020nice.org.ukNG157
- Reference 8: How long does a hip replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 15 years of follow-up(opens in a new tab)
The Lancet, 2019pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govdoi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31665-9
- Reference 9: How long does a knee replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 15 years of follow-up(opens in a new tab)
The Lancet, 2019pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govdoi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32531-5; PMID 30782341
- Reference 10: How long does a shoulder replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 10 years of follow-up(opens in a new tab)
The Lancet Rheumatology, 2020pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govdoi:10.1016/S2665-9913(20)30226-5
This page was prepared with AI assistance and is awaiting review by a hospital clinician.
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