Fast Forward to Relief with Game-Changing Daycare, Fast Track Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery

Overview

The knee is the largest joint in the human body and plays a vital role in leg movement, enabling us to perform day-to-day activities like walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long durations. However, due to injury, disease, or natural wear and tear over time, the knee joint can become severely damaged, causing intense pain and reduced mobility.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a life-changing surgical procedure wherein the damaged knee joint is replaced with artificial implants. This surgery provides significant relief from pain, restores knee function, and greatly improves quality of life.

What is Daycare, Fast Track Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery?

Traditional TKR surgeries generally take around 2 to 3 hours and require hospitalization for several days post-surgery. In contrast, Fast Track Daycare TKR is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical advancement that allows patients to be discharged within 24 to48 hours or even on the same day in many cases.

This procedure is made possible with:

• Advanced surgical techniques
• Miniature surgical instruments
• Regional anaesthesia
• Multimodal pain management strategies

All these innovations together ensure a shorter operation time (around one hour), minimal incisions, reduced trauma, and a faster return to mobility, making the surgery cost-effective and patient-friendly.

Why is Fast Track TKR Done?

Fast Track Total Knee Replacement is performed to:

• Relieve chronic knee pain
• Restore joint mobility and function
• Improve quality of life

Patients suffering from degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis often qualify for this procedure. After a complete set of investigations, your orthopedic surgeon will determine whether you are an ideal candidate for Fast Track TKR.

This technique also offers:

• Reduced risk of cross-infections, especially critical during pandemic situations
• Economic benefits, with an estimated 20 to 30% cost reduction compared to standard TKR

What Happens During the Procedure?

Fast Track TKR involves:

• Use of miniature instruments
• Administration of regional anaesthesia (only the leg is numbed)
• Minimal incisions for reduced tissue damage

These factors together contribute to less bleeding, reduced infection risk, and quicker healing. The surgery is completed in approximately one hour.

Three Phases of Fast Track TKR

Pre-Operative Phase

• Comprehensive medical evaluation
• Necessary investigations and consultations
• Patient education and counselling
• Pre-surgery antibiotics and pain management
• Strengthening exercises to prepare for faster recovery

Intra-Operative Phase

• Regional anaesthesia
• Minimal blood loss
• Use of advanced, miniature tools
• Pain-free surgical experience

Post-Operative Phase

• Early catheter removal
• Multimodal pain relief
• Early mobilization (walking within a few hours)
• 24/7 nursing care for 48 hours (if needed)
• Home monitoring setup with professional support
• Physiotherapy initiated immediately, even at home
• Remote monitoring through Apollo Hospitals' E-ICU and emergency backup if required

What to Expect After the Surgery?

Patients undergoing Fast Track TKR experience:

• Minimal pain due to small incisions
• Same-day or early next-day discharge
• Support with walking (using crutches initially)
• A prescribed at-home physical therapy program
• Recommendations to avoid heavy activity and driving for 4 to 6 weeks
• Instructions on wound care, elevation, and warning signs to report (e.g., fever or redness)

Benefits of Fast Track TKR Surgery

• Same-day discharge
• Minimal pain and blood loss
• Quicker recovery and mobility
• Faster return to daily life
• Up to 30% cost reduction
• Reduced risk of cross-infections
• Lower psychological stress, especially for elderly patients
• No need for braces or complex assistive devices
• Long-lasting results (implants may last 10–15 years)

Apollo Hospitals’ Expertise in Fast Track Daycare TKR

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad and Apollo Hospitals, Chennai are among the few advanced centres in India offering Fast Track Daycare TKR, backed by world-class infrastructure and experienced orthopedic teams.

Successful Case Studies:

• A 65-year-old diabetic patient with degenerative osteoarthritis underwent daycare Fast Track TKR performed by Dr K J Reddy, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. She was discharged 8 hours post-surgery.
• A 66-year-old patient with Grade 4 Osteoarthritis and deformity underwent surgery performed by Dr Madhan Thiruvengada, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. She was walking with crutches within 3 hours and climbing stairs within 16 hours, and was discharged the same day.

Physiotherapy After Fast Track TKR

Yes, physiotherapy is essential for recovery. It helps to:

• Reduce stiffness
• Improve strength and range of motion
• Enhance blood circulation
• Restore natural walking patterns
• Regain independence

Usually, physiotherapy begins the day after surgery and continues for several weeks or months based on the patient’s recovery needs. Adherence to your physiotherapy plan is critical for achieving the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How will I benefit from Fast Track Daycare TKR?
Fast Track Daycare Total Knee Replacement (TKR) offers numerous benefits, including minimal blood loss and reduced pain. One of the key advantages is early mobilization, allowing patients to get back on their feet faster. Most individuals are discharged the same day, leading to a quicker return to their regular routines and daily activities.

2. Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Yes, physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery after Fast Track TKR. It helps eliminate joint stiffness, strengthens the surrounding muscles, improves blood circulation, and enhances joint movement. A consistent physiotherapy regimen is also essential for regaining a natural walking pattern and achieving optimal outcomes.

3. What does the pre-operative phase involve?
Before undergoing Fast Track TKR, patients go through a thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic testing to ensure suitability for the procedure. They are also educated about what to expect post-surgery. The preparation includes preoperative exercises to strengthen the knee and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or limiting alcohol intake to enhance recovery.

4. What care should I take after surgery at home?
Post-operative care at home is crucial. Patients should keep the surgical site clean and dry, take prescribed pain medications about 30 minutes before walking, and use crutches or walking aids initially. Elevating the leg while resting can help reduce swelling. It's important to avoid strenuous activities for several months and refrain from driving for about 4–6 weeks. Strict adherence to the physiotherapy plan is necessary, and any signs of infection should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Fast Track Daycare Total Knee Replacement is a safe, effective, and revolutionary alternative to conventional TKR surgery, offering significant advantages like faster recovery, lower costs, and reduced hospitalization time. With skilled orthopedic surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive post-operative support, Apollo Hospitals continues to lead the way in orthopedic innovation.

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, proudly performed South India’s first Daycare, Fast Track TKR, making it a trusted destination for this advanced procedure.