General Questions
What is the recovery time for knee and hip surgeries?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. ACL reconstruction may take 6–9 months, total knee replacement around 6–12 weeks for basic mobility, and hip replacement around 6 weeks for most daily activities. Full recovery can take up to a year.
Will I need physiotherapy after my surgery?
Yes, physiotherapy is a crucial part of the recovery process for most procedures. It helps regain strength, mobility, and function, ensuring the best outcome.
How long will I stay in the hospital after surgery?
Hospital stays vary:
- ACL Reconstruction: Day surgery or overnight stay
- Total Knee or Hip Replacement: 1–3 days
- Patella Surgery: Day surgery or 1 night
What are the risks associated with knee and hip surgeries?
Risks include infection, blood clots, implant wear, stiffness, and nerve injury. However, Dr. Koushik Ghosh has exceptionally low infection and revision rates, minimizing these risks.
Can robotic-assisted surgery improve my results?
Yes, robotic-assisted surgery enhances precision, improving implant positioning, reducing pain, and promoting faster recovery compared to traditional methods.
ACL Reconstruction & Ligament Surgery
How long after ACL surgery can I return to sports?
Return to full-contact sports typically takes 9–12 months, depending on rehab progress and muscle strength recovery.
Will I need crutches after ACL surgery?
Yes, most patients use crutches for 2–6 weeks to offload the knee while healing.
What graft options are available for ACL reconstruction?
Common graft options include hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, and quadriceps tendon autografts, as well as donor (allograft) tissue.
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
Partial tears or low-demand patients may manage with physiotherapy, but complete ACL tears usually require surgery for stability in active individuals.
How soon can I walk after ACL surgery?
You can start partial weight-bearing with crutches within a few days, progressing to full weight-bearing as tolerated.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement)
Who is a candidate for total knee replacement?
Patients with severe arthritis, chronic knee pain, and mobility limitations that don’t improve with non-surgical treatments may benefit from total knee replacement.
How long do knee replacements last?
Modern implants last 15–20 years or more, depending on activity level and implant type.
Is a partial knee replacement better than a total knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is an option for patients with damage limited to one knee compartment, preserving more natural movement and allowing quicker recovery.
How soon can I drive after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients can resume driving 4–6 weeks post-op, depending on pain levels and ability to brake safely.
Hip Arthroplasty (Hip Replacement)
What are the signs I need a hip replacement?
Severe hip pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, and failure of non-surgical treatments (like physiotherapy or injections) indicate the need for hip replacement.
What materials are used in hip implants?
Common materials include ceramic, metal, and polyethylene components, chosen based on durability and patient needs.
How soon can I put weight on my hip after surgery?
Most patients can start weight-bearing immediately or within a few days, using a walker or crutches initially.
Can I kneel or squat after a hip replacement?
Squatting and kneeling may feel uncomfortable but are usually possible after full recovery. However, high-impact activities should be avoided.
Patella Disorders & Sports Injury Surgery
What causes patella instability, and how is it treated?
Causes include ligament laxity, trauma, or misalignment. Treatment ranges from physiotherapy to patella realignment surgery or MPFL reconstruction.
Can I return to sports after patella stabilisation surgery?
Yes, with proper rehab, most athletes return to sports in 6–9 months, depending on recovery speed and strength regained.