Infographic
A knee replacement trip moves through clear stages: reports and a specialist opinion before travel, a pre-operative check on arrival, the operation, early walking with physiotherapy, discharge and follow-up at home. Your orthopaedic surgeon decides whether surgery suits you, how long you stay and when you are fit to fly.
IndiaMedicaA knee replacement trip, stage by stage- Before travelReports and surgeon’s opinionKnee X-rays, blood tests and your medical history go to the surgeon for a written opinion and estimate.
- PlanningPrepare body and homeExercise, stop smoking and plan help at home for your return, as your doctor advises.
- ArrivalPre-operative assessmentBlood tests, blood pressure and other checks confirm you are fit for the operation.
- HospitalKnee replacement operationThe worn joint surfaces are replaced. You wake in a recovery area with pain relief.
- HospitalWalking with physiotherapyPhysiotherapists help you walk with crutches or a frame and teach a home exercise programme.
- DischargeRecords and fitness to flyCollect the discharge summary, medicines, exercise plan and the surgeon’s advice on flying.
- HomeFollow-up and exercisesKeep up the exercises. Follow-up checks happen locally or by teleconsultation with your surgical team.
What happens before you travel?
The trip starts at home. You share recent knee X-rays, blood test results and a list of your medicines. Surgeons at accredited hospitals give written opinions. You compare them with each hospital’s estimate. The NHS advises preparing well: exercise, stop smoking, eat healthily and manage your weight if your doctor suggests it.
What happens in hospital?
Before surgery a pre-operative assessment checks that you are fit for the operation. The NHS describes checks such as a blood test and blood pressure measurement. After the operation nurses and physiotherapists help you start walking soon. You use crutches or a walking frame at first. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist explains daily tasks and sets up exercises for home.
When can you go home?
The NHS says patients usually go home once there are no signs of complications and they can move safely on crutches. For an international patient, going home happens in two steps: discharge from hospital and, later, the flight home. Your surgeon decides when each is safe. Many patients stay near the hospital between the two.
What happens once you are back?
- Keep up the exercise programme every day.
- Arrange for stitches or clips to be removed as your surgeon instructs.
- Book a local doctor or physiotherapist to see you.
- Share the discharge summary and operation notes with them.
- Use teleconsultations with the Indian team for questions.
Recovery is personal
The NHS notes it may take several months or longer to fully recover from a knee replacement and that age and general health affect this. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect.
Questions people ask
Do I need someone to travel with me for a knee replacement?
Most patients find an attendant very helpful. Walking aids limit what you can carry and do in the first stage of recovery. The e-Medical Attendant visa lets up to two family members accompany a patient who holds an e-Medical visa.
What should my local physiotherapist receive?
Give them the discharge summary, the operation notes, the exercise sheet from the Indian hospital and any restrictions your surgeon set. Ask the Indian team to put the plan in writing so your physiotherapist can follow it without guessing.
Sources
- NHS – Preparing for a knee replacement
- NHS – Recovering from a knee replacement
- IndiaMedica – Plan your treatment
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.