64-Year-Old Woman Walks Again After Primary Complex Knee Replacement at Kauvery Hospital

• The patient was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis (Grade IV) in both knees – a condition in which the cushioning cartilage in her knees was severely worn out
• she underwent a complex primary knee replacement surgery for this condition

Kauvery Hospital, one of the city’s leading multispecialty healthcare providers, successfully restored mobility and independence to a 64-year-old woman through a complex primary total knee replacement surgery on her right knee. Thanks to the hospital’s advanced surgical expertise and post-operative care, she was able to begin full weight-bearing mobility with support by the second day of the surgery.

Though a bilateral knee replacement was recommended, the patient chose to undergo the replacement only of her left knee a year ago. But over time she developed severe pain, deformity in the right knee and a stress fracture in the same leg due to malalignement; eventually leaving her unable to walk even with support. Hence, she was admitted to the hospital recently.

The surgery was done by Dr. S. Arun, Senior Consultant – Orthopedics, Spine & Complex Trauma Surgeon and Dr. Manivannan, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Arthroscopy & Joint Replacement Surgeon.

In their comments, Dr. Arun and Dr. Manivannan, said, “The patient first came to Kauvery Hospital Salem in 2024. She was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis (Grade IV) in both knees. This means the cushioning cartilage in her knees was severely worn out, causing her significant pain and difficulty moving. We recommended a complex knee replacement surgery for both knees, but she opted to have the procedure done only on her left knee at that time. Over the past year, she managed well until recently when she developed severe pain in her right knee. In the last month, she became unable to walk even with support. When we took an X-ray, we discovered not only severe wear and tear in the knee joint but also a stress fracture in her right leg, caused by poor alignment and weakened bones.”

They further added, “Given these challenges, we performed a primary complex total knee replacement on her right knee in April 2025. This surgery involved replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one to relieve pain and restore movement. Because of the added complication of a stress fracture and weak bones, we used a special long metal prosthesis called a long stem tibial prosthesis. This implant extends deeper into the shinbone to provide extra support and stability where the bone was weakened. Thanks to these advanced surgical techniques and careful post-operative care, we were able to have her walking with full weight-bearing support as early as the next day after surgery.”