Joint Replacement Services
- Total knee replacement
- Partial / unicompartmental knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Minimally invasive hip replacement
- Direct anterior approach hip replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
- Complex and revision joint replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Computer-assisted and patient-specific joint replacement planning
When Do You Need Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement is generally considered when damage to the joint becomes severe enough to significantly affect daily life. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent joint pain
- Pain while walking or climbing stairs
- Difficulty getting up from a chair
- Pain at night or disturbed sleep
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty performing routine activities
- Swelling or deformity of the joint
- Reduced walking distance
- Difficulty participating in work, sports or recreational activities
- Inadequate relief despite medicines, physiotherapy or injections
The decision for surgery is not based on an X-ray alone. Your symptoms, examination findings, lifestyle and expectations are considered along with imaging.
Knee Replacement
Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components. The procedure is most commonly performed for advanced osteoarthritis, but may also be required for rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, severe deformity and other conditions causing irreversible joint damage.
Symptoms that may indicate severe knee arthritis include knee pain while walking, difficulty climbing or descending stairs, pain while standing for long periods, difficulty getting up from a chair, night pain, knee stiffness, swelling, bow-leg or knock-knee deformity, reduced walking distance and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Total knee replacement
In a total knee replacement, the damaged surfaces of the femur and tibia are replaced with artificial components, with appropriate treatment of the patella. It is commonly recommended when arthritis affects multiple compartments of the knee.
Partial knee replacement
If arthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee and the remaining ligaments and joint surfaces are suitable, a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement may be considered. It preserves more of the patient's natural knee and may provide a more natural feeling knee in appropriately selected patients.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
Robotic-assisted systems can help the surgeon with pre-operative planning, bone preparation and implant positioning. The robotic system does not replace the surgeon — it acts as a surgical planning and execution aid, allowing the surgeon to work according to the patient's individual anatomy and the planned surgical parameters.
Dr. Hargovind Singh has received training in robotic joint replacement systems including MAKO, CORI and VELYS. The appropriate technology is selected according to the patient's condition and clinical requirements.
Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is a procedure in which the damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint — during a total hip replacement, the damaged femoral head is replaced with an artificial ball and the damaged socket is replaced with an artificial cup.
Common reasons for hip replacement
- Advanced osteoarthritis
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Hip fracture in selected patients
- Developmental or childhood hip disorders leading to arthritis
- Other conditions causing severe irreversible hip damage
Symptoms of hip arthritis
Hip arthritis may cause groin pain, pain around the thigh or buttock, difficulty walking, difficulty climbing stairs, difficulty putting on shoes or socks, difficulty getting in and out of a car, stiffness after sitting, night pain and reduced walking distance.
Pain from the hip can sometimes be felt in the thigh or knee, which is why proper clinical evaluation is important.
Direct anterior approach hip replacement
The Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) is a minimally invasive approach to hip replacement performed through the front of the hip. Potential advantages in appropriately selected patients may include reduced muscle disruption, earlier mobilisation, faster functional recovery in some patients, reduced early postoperative pain in some patients and earlier return to routine activities.
However, the anterior approach is not suitable for every patient. Patient anatomy, previous surgery, deformity, body habitus and the surgeon's assessment determine the most appropriate approach.
Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial components. It may be recommended when severe arthritis or damage causes persistent pain and significant loss of shoulder function.
Conditions that may require shoulder replacement include advanced shoulder osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cuff tear arthropathy, severe proximal humerus fractures, advanced cartilage damage, certain complex shoulder conditions and failed previous shoulder surgery in selected patients.
Total shoulder replacement
In an anatomical total shoulder replacement, the damaged humeral head is replaced with an artificial ball and the glenoid surface is resurfaced with an artificial component. It is generally considered when the rotator cuff is functioning adequately and the joint damage is suitable for an anatomical replacement.
Reverse shoulder replacement
A reverse shoulder replacement changes the normal mechanics of the shoulder by placing the ball component on the socket side and the socket component on the arm side. It is particularly useful in patients with cuff tear arthropathy, severe rotator cuff deficiency, certain complex proximal humerus fractures, some revision shoulder replacement cases and selected patients with severe shoulder dysfunction.
The procedure allows the deltoid muscle to contribute more effectively to shoulder elevation when the rotator cuff is severely damaged.
What Happens During a Joint Replacement?
Although the exact procedure differs between the hip, knee and shoulder, joint replacement generally involves the following stages:
- Detailed evaluation — your symptoms, activity level, medical history and previous treatments are reviewed.
- Imaging — X-rays are usually obtained. Additional investigations such as CT or MRI may be recommended when clinically necessary.
- Individualised surgical planning — the type of implant, surgical approach and alignment strategy are selected according to your anatomy and clinical requirements.
- Surgery — the damaged joint surfaces are prepared and replaced with appropriate prosthetic components.
- Early mobilisation — depending on the procedure and your medical condition, mobilisation and physiotherapy are generally started soon after surgery.
- Rehabilitation — a structured rehabilitation programme helps restore strength, movement, balance and function.
Recovery After Joint Replacement
Recovery varies depending on the joint replaced, type of surgery, age and general health, muscle strength, bone quality, pre-operative mobility, presence of other medical conditions and adherence to rehabilitation. Many patients are able to begin walking or moving the operated joint soon after surgery.
Early recovery focuses on pain control, wound care, prevention of complications, safe mobilisation, physiotherapy and restoration of joint movement. Later recovery progresses towards improving muscle strength, increasing walking distance, improving balance, and returning to daily and recreational activities. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will provide a personalised rehabilitation programme.
A Personalised Approach
Every patient is different. Treatment is planned after considering your diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, age, activity level, bone quality, medical condition and expectations. The appropriate surgical approach, implant and rehabilitation programme are then selected accordingly.
