Types of Joint Replacement Surgery

• Knee replacement: Includes total knee replacement (TKR) and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement depending on disease extent.
• Hip replacement: Options include total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing, selected based on age and joint damage.
• Shoulder replacement: Used for advanced arthritis, cuff-tear arthropathy or complex fractures.
• Elbow replacement: Performed for severe degenerative disease, trauma or post-traumatic arthritis.
• Ankle replacement: Considered for end-stage ankle arthritis to restore pain-free motion.

Dr. Sundesha performs the full spectrum of arthroplasty procedures using contemporary implants and techniques.

Conditions That May Need Joint Replacement

Joint replacement is usually recommended for disabling pain or loss of function from: advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following major injuries, bone tumours affecting the joint, and significant joint deformities. Surgery is considered when conservative care — medications, injections, or physiotherapy — no longer provide adequate relief.

Expected Success Rate

When carried out by an experienced arthroplasty surgeon in a well-equipped centre, joint replacement success rates exceed 90%. Modern implants and refined surgical methods deliver durable pain relief and restored mobility for the majority of patients. Complications are uncommon with appropriate patient selection and perioperative care.

Who Should Consider Surgery?

Surgery is advised when severe, persistent pain and functional limitation fail to improve with non-surgical treatments, or when a joint is catastrophically damaged after trauma. The timing is individualized — your surgeon evaluates pain severity, daily activity limitation, imaging, and overall health before recommending replacement.

Risk Factors to Know

Certain factors raise surgical risk or affect outcomes: advanced age, obesity, smoking, diabetes, prior joint infections, and inflammatory arthritis. Discussing these with your surgeon helps optimise preparation and reduce complications.

*Longevity depends on implant type, patient activity and follow-up care.

Hospital Stay & Early Recovery

Most uncomplicated joint replacements require a hospital stay of about 2–5 days. Early mobilization, pain control and physiotherapy begin soon after surgery to speed recovery. The precise length of stay and rehab plan are tailored to the patient and procedure.

*Follow your surgeon and physiotherapist's guidance for a safe recovery.