Knee Replacement Surgery in India for African Patients

Knee Replacement Surgery in India for African Patients for Nigeria & Kenya patients. Affordable expert care! GetWellGo manage your travel and a warm sanctuary.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India for African Patients

  • Category

    Orthopedic

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    22-Apr-2024

What is knee replacement?

Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty), can help in relieving pain and restoring function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint which is made up of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. In determining whether a knee replacement is right for the patient, an orthopedic surgeon assesses the patient’s knee range of motion, stability, and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of damage of the knee joint. The doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, depending upon age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.

Benefits of Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is a surgical process that helps provide a few different benefits to patients in particular, people with arthritis, injury, or other painful or limited mobility in the knee area can benefit from this procedure. Here are the key benefits:

  • Pain Relief
  • Improved Mobility and Function
  • Enhanced Quality of Life
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • High Success Rate
  • Reduced Risk of Further Joint Damage
  • Better Sleep & Mental Health

Why one must undergo knee surgery?

There are several reasons why one is recommended knee replacement surgery by their doctors. These problems may include:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits day to day activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs
  • Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either in a day or in night
  • Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or with the help of medications
  • Knee deformity: Knee deformity can be caused due bowing in or out of the knee
  • Failure in the improvement of the knee pain with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, physical therapy, or other surgeries

Common Cause of knee replacement surgery in India

The most common source of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis. Knee pain is caused mainly due to three types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

  • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is an age-related type of arthritis. It usually occurs in people who are 50 or older and often in individuals with a family history of arthritis. The cartilage cushioning the bones of the hip wears away with the age. The bones then rub against each other, which results in knee pain and stiffness.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial membrane becomes inflamed and thickened. This chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of a group of disorder which is termed as "inflammatory arthritis."
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis can be followed by a serious knee injury or fracture. The cartilage may become damaged and resulting in knee pain and stiffness over time as a result of Post-traumatic arthritis.

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery:

Food and medications

  • Certain medications will be advised not to take while certain dietary supplements will be advised by a doctor or anaesthesiologist before the surgery. The patient will be advised not to eat anything after midnight the day of the surgery.

Preparing for recovery

For several weeks after the procedure, the patient might need to use crutches or a walker, so these must be arranged before their surgery.

To make the home safer and easier to navigate during recovery, One must consider the following:

  • As climbing stairs can be difficult living space must be created on one floor.
  • Safety bars or a secure handrail must be installed in a shower or bath.
  • Stairway handrails must be secured.
  • One must have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion and back along with a footstool for purpose of elevating the leg.
  • Make an arrangement for a toilet-seat riser with arms if the patient has a low toilet.
  • Loose rugs and cords must be removed.

What is the Risks Involved in Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery carries many different risks; the majority of the risks are because of the surgery, while others stem from the body's reaction to the operation.

Some possible risks are disused below:

Infection

Any opening in the skin can allow bacteria to enter, which could lead to infection. The surgeon will take precautions measures to minimize this risk during surgery. Once the individual returns home, they should watch out for the following signs of infection:

  • redness
  • swelling
  • warmth
  • discharge from the surgical site
  • fever and chills

Antibiotics are being by the doctor if an infection arises.

Bleeding

  • Bleeding during and after surgery is normal, in a few cases, a person may lose too much blood during the procedure and requires a transfusion. Sometimes, after surgery, blood can pool under the skin and which results in swelling. If that happens, another procedure may be required to release the blood.

Blood clots

  • Blood clots are one of the most notable risks of knee replacement surgery. If a blood vessel is damaged during the surgery or if the person does not move for several days after the procedure, blood flow can slow, and a blood clot may form. A blood clot in one of the deep veins in the legs is called deep vein thrombosis. If the clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs and results in the blockage of the flow of blood. This blockage is called pulmonary embolism, and it can be deadly. Moving the legs and wearing compression devices after surgery can help prevent blood cloths.

Pain and swelling

  • Pain and swelling are common after surgery, but the severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. Doctors usually prescribe pain relievers to help manage any discomfort due to surgery. There may be swelling in the knee, ankle, and foot after surgery, icing the area and doing light exercise can help lessen swelling on the knee, ankle and foot.

Nerve and artery damage

  • In very rare cases, the surgeon may accidentally cut a nerve or blood vessel that runs close to the knee during the surgery. If this happens, a second surgical procedure might be required to repair the damage. A cut nerve may cause a loss of feeling or movement in the affected area, and this can sometimes be lifelong.

Implant failure

  • Joint replacement technology has improved immensely over the years, but it is not perfect. A new joint can wear out, or lose its stability. If the joint fails, the person is most likely to experience continued pain and stiffness after the surgery. They may require another procedure to replace it.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India

A knee replacement is surgery that replaces all or part of your knee joint with an artificial one. This kind of operation is also known as an arthroplasty, or joint replacement. A knee prosthesis, or artificial joint, composed of plastic and metal, will replace the damaged components of your natural knee joint.

With improvements in surgical methods and medical technology, India is becoming a leading destination for knee replacement procedures. Patients from African countries such as Nigeria Kenya choose the nation because of its top-notch healthcare system, highly qualified surgeons, and affordable treatment alternatives.

Types of knee replacement surgery:

There are two types of knee replacement surgeries. Your knee replacement specialist will recommend a full or partial replacement:

Total knee replacement or Complete knee replacement

  • The most typical kind of knee replacement is a total knee replacement. The three components of your knee joint—the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral—will all be replaced by your surgeon.

Partial knee replacement (hemiarthroplasty)

As much of the knee's natural bone is preserved as feasible, an artificial component replaces the damaged portion of the knee joint.

  • Bilateral knee replacement
  • In this treatment, one operation is used to replace both knees.

Knee cap replacement surgery 

  • Another name for the process is patellofemoral replacement. When just the patella (kneecap) is injured, it is done.

Revision knee replacement surgery

  • When a previous knee replacement has failed or has to be adjusted, this treatment is performed. To address the issues and instability, a new prosthesis will be placed in place of the failed or damaged one.

Need for Total Knee Arthroplasty

If your following severe symptoms are not improving with nonsurgical therapies, your healthcare professional may suggest a knee replacement:

  • Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent reason why patients require knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. The cartilage that acts as a cushion between three bones and your knee joint gets worn away by osteoarthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: this condition causes inflammation of the knee joint.
  • Post- traumatic arthritis: caused as a result of accidents, injuries and trauma.
  • Age related wearing: as a person ages, the knee joint gets prone to gradual wearing, sometimes necessitating surgery.

Knee replacement surgery in India for African patients

India boasts some of the greatest healthcare facilities and services in all of Asia, which contributes to the popularity of medical travel there. The top knee replacement surgery institutions in India use cutting edge technologies to perform all kinds of surgeries. Furthermore, India offers knee replacement surgery at a significantly lower cost when compared to Africa. An African patient can anticipate paying 50–60% less in India for a total knee replacement procedure.

Medical Visa Process for African Patients

Patients from Africa – Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda availing treatment in India would be required to apply for a Medical Visa (M visa) at the High Commission of India in their country.

Diagnose Confirmation in Nigeria

  • Obtain an elaborate medical report of a reputed hospital in Nigeria.

Include:

  • Knee x-rays / MRI.
  • Knee replacement, recommended by doctor.
  • A recommendation letter of an expert in Nigeria is usually necessary.

Select an Indian Hospital & Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Choose a well-known Indian hospital. 
  • Post your reports on the internet to be assessed.

The hospital will:

  • Review your case
  • Surgery (Total/Partial Knee Replacement) is recommended.
  • Treatment plan + cost estimate.

Obtain a Medical Invitation Letter

  • This is the most important document to approve the visa.

Published by the Indian hospital and should consist of:

  • Patient information (passport information)
  • Details of treatment (knee replacement surgery).
  • Duration of stay
  • Estimated cost

Prepare Required Documents

You will need:

  • Valid international passport (at least 6 months)
  • Finished visa application form.
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Medical reports + referral letter
  • Invitation letter to hospital (India)
  • Evidence of finances (bank statement of 6 months)
  • Proofs of flight booking and accommodation.
  • Vaccination certificates Yellow Fever & Polio (compulsory in India)

Get Indian Medical Visa

You can choose two options:

e-Medical Visa (Fastest)

  • Do it online through the e- visa portal in India.
  • Processing time: ~72 hours

Regular Sticker Visa

  • Apply through Indian High Commission in your country
  • Processing: 1-3 weeks.

Interview (If necessary)

  • Applicants might be contacted to be verified.

You may be asked:

  • Purpose of travel
  • Financial capability
  • Treatment details

Visa Approval & Travel

Once approved:

  • Check validity and date of entry.
  • Travels to India

Medical visa validity:

  • Typically, 60–90 days (extendable)
  • Typically permits many entries.

Medical Visa (Family)

  • The patient can have up to 2 family members.
  • They are to be applied independently under MED-X visa.

Upon Arrival in India

  • Register at hospital
  • Undergo pre-surgery tests
  • Continue with knee replacement surgery.
  • In case of prolonged recovery Visa can be prolonged.

Timeline Summary

  • Hospital invitation letter: 2-5 days.
  • Processing of the visa: 3-10 days (e-visa quickest)
  • Time to prepare: 2-4 weeks suggested.

Diagnostic tests before Knee Surgery in India

In India, the following examinations and diagnostic procedures are frequently carried out prior to knee replacement surgery.

  • Physical examination to confirm general health.
  • An ECG is used to monitor the health of your heart.
  • Hematologic examinations.
  • Imaging examinations such MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.

Procedure of Knee Surgery in India

Typically, a knee replacement procedure takes two to three hours.

  • An anti-infection solution will be used to cleanse the skin surrounding the surgery site.
  • For the surgical procedure, a 6 to 8-inch incision is created in the knee area.
  • Next, the knee joint will be replaced with prosthesis after the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee. 
  • The prosthesis is mostly made up of three parts.
  • The part of the tibia.
  • The femoral head and the.
  • The patellar element.
  • A drain will be inserted into the incision site to remove any fluid, and the incision will be sealed with stitches or surgical staples.
  • After the procedure, the incision is covered with a sterile bandage or dressing.

What are the alternatives to replacing the knee?

When other forms of treatment for knee pain are no longer effective, a doctor may advise knee replacement surgery. These choices prior to the knee replacement surgery could consist of:

  • The muscles around the joint can be strengthened through exercise or physical therapy to provide stability.
  • Knee arthroscopy to address mechanical problems.
  • Medications like cortisone injections and NSAIDs.
  • Bracing and walking aids or supports (like a cane or walker).

However, when these measures fail, an arthroplasty is the best choice as the knee replacement surgery success rate in India is very desirable and improves the quality of life.

Best Hospitals in India for Knee Transplant surgery for African Patients

Best Surgeons in India for Knee Implant surgery for African Patients

  • Dr. Manoj Miglani
  • Dr. IPS Oberoi
  • Dr. Ashok Rajgopal
  • Dr. SKS Marya
  • Dr. Hemant Sharma

Success rate of Knee Replacement Operation in India

Knee replacement surgery has an almost perfect success rate in India. There are very few reported examples of post-operative complications, but none of them have lasted. All of the patients were back to their regular routines in 6 to 12 months, even if the healing process took longer. The elderly patients undergoing this procedure, who were typically between the ages of 50 and 80, have recovered well and resumed leading healthy lives.

Why African Patients choose GetWellGo for Knee Replacement in India?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our patients from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda to choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24-hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Knee Replacement Surgery.
  • Expert Orthopedic surgeon with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQs

What are the most important things to take into account when selecting India's top orthopedic hospital?

While selecting an orthopedic hospital in India, a number of criteria are taken into account, such as:

  • The orthopedic surgeon's experience.
  • The hospital's accreditations.
  • The facilities that are provided.
  • The success rate of treatment.
  • Patient testimonials.

How is the flight from Nigeria?

The duration of the flight from Nigeria to India varies with the city of departure, the destination, and whether there are stops on the route or not. 

  • Average Flight Duration
  • From Lagos to New Delhi 
  • Direct (rare): ~10–11 hours 
  • Connecting flights: ~12–16 hours

How is the flight from Kenya?

Kenya to India flight time varies based on the city of departure, destination and whether you are flying directly or via a stopover.

  • Aggregate Flight Duration
  • Nairobi to New Delhi:
  • Direct flights: ~6–7 hours
  • Connecting flights: ~8–12 hours

Can I pay via wire transfer?

  • Yes, you can make payment by wire transfer for the Knee replacement in India. Most top-class Indian hospitals cater to African patients and accept African bank (wire) transfer as mode of payment. 

Are there other Nigerians/Kenyas at Fortis?

  • Yes there are definitely Nigerian/Kenyan patients at Fortis hospitals in India, including at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram and many other Fortis centers. 

How can I apply for, obtain, or schedule a knee replacement appointment in India?

  • We can assist you in finding the top knee replacement hospital in India. To schedule a knee replacement surgery appointment in India, contact us via phone at +91-9289678787 or email us at care@getwellgo.com. We present the top hospitals and orthopedic surgeons based on the input.

Ugandan Patient Case Study: Life After Knee Replacement Surgery in India

  • Patient Name: Mr. Kato John Mugisha
  • Age: 55 years old
  • Gender: Male
  • Country of Origin: Uganda
  • Doctor Name: Dr. SKS Marya
  • Name of the hospital: Max hospital, Saket
  • Surgery: Knee Replacement Surgery

It is a naturalistic case study of a 55-year-old Ugandan teacher named Mr. Kato John Mugisha, who had chronic knee pain that he had been experiencing for several years. His health continued deteriorating slowly such that he found it extremely painful even to walk and stand long hours in the classroom. This not only influenced his career as a teacher but also influenced his own life and he could not even enjoy common activities with his family. Months of fighting and searching of something more advanced in other countries, Mr. Mugisha came across GetWellGo India, which led him to the Max Hospital, Saket, a place known to be the most proficient in joint replacement surgeries. He was very assured when he was informed that he would be operated by Dr. SKS Marya who is one of the top surgeons in knee replacement surgeries. The international patient services team at GetWellGo made sure that the international patient has had a stress-free ride to India once he arrived in India. Mr. Mugisha was assured and looked after, and this was noticed immediately during the airport pickup and the preparation of comfortable accommodations, as well as scheduled hospital consultations. After careful considerations and discussions, Mr. Mugisha had a successful knee replacement surgery conducted by Dr. Marya together with his team of surgeons at the Max Hospital. He was well monitored after surgery to assure that there was no complication. Shortly thereafter a structured physiotherapy was added which enabled him to gain strength and movement of his operated knee. It took a couple of weeks before Mr. Mugisha started to record exceptional improvement. His mobility was much higher now, he did not need support to walk and the constant pain that used to determine his life was gone. He was encouraged to resume his teaching functions and daily life activities without pain with constant physiotherapy and the care of a physician.

Speaking about his experience, Mr. Mugisha expressed heartfelt gratitude:

I would not have been able to receive such good medical care and hospitality in India without being very grateful. I felt safe and taken care of during the process, and all of it was contributed by the professionalism of Dr. SKS Marya and his mastery of surgery, as well as the miraculous support of the team of GetWellGo. I am now able to stand on my feet and teach my students without discomfort and I am now enjoying a full life with my family. This has been a life changing moment to me. It is our great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Mugisha on his recovery, and hope that he leads a healthy, happy, and active life in the future.

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