Frequently Asked Questions — Hip & Knee Replacement
Honest answers about surgery, recovery, cost, and what to expect. Have a specific question? WhatsApp directly.
Hip replacement is recommended when pain is severe enough to affect daily activities — walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping — and does not respond to medicines, physiotherapy, or injections after 3–6 months. The most common causes are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), and fractures of the femoral neck.
Over 90% of patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility. Most modern implants last 20–30 years with proper care. Dr. Zubin uses internationally certified implants with a strong long-term track record.
The procedure itself takes 60–90 minutes. You will be in theatre for around 2–2.5 hours including anaesthesia preparation. Most patients begin physiotherapy and sitting up on the same day or the morning after.
Yes. Most patients walk with a frame within 24 hours of surgery. By 4–6 weeks, most walk independently. By 3 months, patients return to light daily activities. Full recovery — normal gait, driving — typically by 6 months.
Total cost typically ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, depending on implant type and stay duration. Ayushman Bharat may cover a significant portion. Send your X-rays on WhatsApp for a personalised estimate.
Knee replacement is appropriate when knee pain limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, or sleep, and conservative treatments — physiotherapy, weight loss, injections — have not provided lasting relief. X-rays showing bone-on-bone joint space loss confirm the need.
Partial replacement preserves healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, has a faster recovery, and feels more natural. But it is only suitable when damage is confined to one compartment. Dr. Zubin will advise based on your X-rays and clinical assessment.
Desk or sedentary work: 4–6 weeks. Physical or standing work: 8–12 weeks. Driving an automatic vehicle: 4–6 weeks. Return timelines depend on the nature of your job and how quickly you regain strength.
High-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports. Deep squats in the first 3 months. Prolonged sitting without short walks — every 1–2 hours of movement helps prevent blood clots. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on the new joint.
Total knee replacement ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh per knee, depending on implant and whether robotic surgery is used. Bilateral (both knees) can be staged or done simultaneously. Ayushman Bharat/CGHS/ECHS coverage available.
Mako is a CT-scan guided robotic-arm assisted system. A 3D model of your joint is built before surgery. In the OT, the robotic arm provides real-time feedback and haptic resistance — preventing the surgeon from cutting outside pre-planned boundaries. The result is consistent, precise implant placement every time.
Most patients suitable for knee or hip replacement qualify for the robotic approach. It is particularly beneficial for younger, more active patients who demand longer implant life and faster functional recovery.
Robotic surgery costs approximately 20–30% more than conventional surgery due to the CT scan, robotic disposables, and certified surgeon fees. However, better alignment reduces revision risk — making it cost-effective long-term.
Yes. Dr. Zubin Mehta holds Stryker Mako certification, which requires hands-on training at dedicated centres and a supervised case series. Mako certification is not held by all orthopaedic surgeons.
Physiotherapy begins within 24 hours of surgery. After discharge, you follow a home programme and attend outpatient sessions — covering range of motion, muscle strengthening, gait training, and balance. Consistent physiotherapy is the single biggest predictor of a good outcome.
Yes. Many patients travel from Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jammu, and abroad. The team assists with accommodation near Fortis Mohali. Post-operative follow-up can be done via video consultation or at the Pathankot OPD.
Blood thinners are prescribed for 2–6 weeks to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The duration depends on your individual clot risk. Never stop anticoagulants without your surgeon’s advice.
Contact Dr. Zubin’s team immediately if you notice: increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound; fever above 38.5°C; sudden severe pain; calf pain or swelling (possible DVT); or any wound discharge. Most complications are manageable when caught early.
Yes. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) covers hip and knee replacement at empanelled hospitals. Fortis Mohali is empanelled. CGHS and ECHS coverage is also available. Bring your card at consultation — the team will verify eligibility.
The quickest way is WhatsApp +91 79735 06344. You can also call the same number during OPD hours, or walk in to Fortis Hospital Mohali (Sector 62) on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday between 9 AM and 1 PM.
Yes. Send your X-ray or MRI images to WhatsApp (+91 79735 06344) for a free preliminary assessment — no commitment required. This helps you understand your diagnosis and treatment options before making the trip.
Still have questions?
Send your X-rays or scans on WhatsApp for a free preliminary assessment — no commitment, no rush.