Do I need surgery immediately?

Usually not. Except in rare urgent situations, there is time to ensure the decision is correct. Most patients benefit from a period of conservative treatment first, both to confirm the need for surgery and to optimise pre-operative condition.

Is joint replacement my only option?

Not necessarily. Depending on disease pattern, partial replacement, joint preservation procedures, or continued conservative management may be appropriate. The goal is to select the least invasive option that addresses the problem adequately.

What if I delay surgery too long?

There is a window for optimal surgical timing. Operating too early carries unnecessary risk; operating too late may compromise outcomes due to muscle weakness, deformity progression, or reduced bone quality. This is why careful assessment matters.

How long do implants last?

Modern implants typically function well for 15-25 years in most patients. Longevity depends on factors including patient weight, activity level, implant positioning, and bone quality. There are no lifetime guarantees.

What are the main risks of joint replacement?

All surgery carries risk. For joint replacement, relevant risks include infection, blood clots, implant-related complications, nerve injury, and the need for future revision. These risks are discussed specifically for your situation before proceeding.

When can I walk after surgery?

Most patients begin walking with support within 24-48 hours after joint replacement. Recovery to normal activities typically takes 3-6 months. Return to demanding activities may take longer and depends on individual progress.

Jayanagar, Bengaluru

Knee & Hip Surgery in Jayanagar, Bangalore

Surgery is the last resort, not the first option.

Dr. Amith P. Shetty (MBBS, MS Ortho, Dip SICOT, FIJR) performs knee and hip surgery when conservative treatment has been exhausted and surgery offers a clear, measurable benefit.

Surgery is considered when criteria are met: imaging correlates with symptoms, conservative care tried, benefit outweighs risk.

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Surgery is recommended only when it clearly improves quality of life.

This page is for you if—

You've been advised surgery elsewhere

The Surgeon

Dr. Amith P. Shetty

MBBS, MS Ortho, Dip SICOT, FIJR

Orthopaedic Surgeon — Knee, Hip & Spine

MBBS, MS Orthopaedics, Dip SICOT (Belgium), FIJR (Germany)

Over a decade of clinical experience in joint replacement and trauma surgery

Trained across high-volume hospital settings with exposure to complex and revision cases

Conservative-first philosophy — surgery is recommended only when non-operative care is insufficient

Dr. Amith P. Shetty is a visiting orthopaedic consultant and performs surgical procedures across multiple established hospitals in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, including Apollo Hospital, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore Hospital, and United Hospital.

When is Surgery the Right Option?

Surgery is considered when specific clinical criteria are met. Not all patients with joint damage benefit from surgical intervention.

Surgery may be considered when :

Pain persists despite adequate conservative treatment over a reasonable period
Structural damage is confirmed on imaging and correlates with symptoms
Functional limitation significantly affects quality of life
The expected benefit of surgery outweighs the risks for this specific patient

Surgery may be inappropriate when:

Pain that has not been adequately treated conservatively
Imaging findings that do not correlate with symptoms
Medical conditions that significantly increase surgical risk
Unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes

View detailed consequences:

Specific risks of premature surgery include:

•Persistent pain despite successful surgery — when the pain source was not the joint itself

•Need for revision surgery earlier than expected — implants have a finite lifespan

•Patient dissatisfaction even with technically successful outcomes — expectations not aligned with reality

•Complications that could have been avoided with continued conservative care

Surgical Procedures Performed

Procedure selection is based on anatomy, disease pattern, activity level, and long-term goals. Not every patient with arthritis needs the same surgery.

Total Knee Replacement

End-stage arthritis with failed conservative treatment

Revision Knee Replacement

End-stage arthritis with failed conservative treatment

Partial Knee Replacement

Single-compartment disease with preserved ligaments

Total Hip Replacement

End-stage arthritis with failed conservative treatment

How procedure choice is determined

The specific procedure recommended depends on:

Pattern and extent of joint damage
Ligament integrity and bone quality
Patient age, activity level, and expectations
Medical fitness and risk factors

The most conservative appropriate procedure is preferred.

How surgery is approached at Kneev

Careful patient selection

Soft-tissue respect and alignment focus

Precise pre-operative planning

Structured rehabilitation integration

Surgery is part of a continuum — not a standalone event.

What happens before and after surgery

Before surgery

Evaluation & imaging review
Medical optimisation
Expectation setting

After surgery

Pain management
Early mobilisation
Structured physiotherapy
Long-term recovery focus

Frequently asked questions

General