Knee Replacement Surgery in Kenya

As we get old, we cannot be able to perform simple day-to-day activities at home, and it is possible also we may experience pain in our joints when we sit, walk, climb stairs or relax at home. In addition, it might be possible that your knee may have worn and torn out due to age or any injury.

Instead, one should consider the option of knee replacement surgery. If you are looking for knee replacement surgery costs in Kenya, then you are at the right place for your search.

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective medicinal procedures, and the best orthopedic surgeons in Kenya perform it. If you are wondering about knee replacement surgery in Kenya, explore your options here at expertchikitsa.com. So, let’s just jump in depth about what is knee replacement surgery exactly is?

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Kenya

In Kenya, one can get the lowest Knee Replacement Surgery Cost because carried out by different best orthopedic hospitals in Kenya, which provide quality health care and high accreditation.

The average cost for total knee replacement in Kenya is $9,000. For partial knee replacement, the average price is $4,500. Kneecap replacement price in Kenya is $3,000, while complex knee replacement surgery fees on average are $10,000. The minimum cost for knee replacement in Kenya is 4,200 USD, and the maximum charge for knee replacement in Kenya is 4,800 USD.

There are so many reasons for the cost of knee replacement in Kenya, including a choice of hospital, which orthopedic surgeons you have opted for, type of surgery and implant, etc.

Knee Replacement Costs in Different cities in Kenya

The average cost for knee replacement surgery in Kenya’s top five cities in Nairobi is $4,500; in Mombasa, it is $4,950. Nakuru, the average price for knee replacement surgery is $4,860. In Eldoret, the average fee is $5,040, and in Kisumu, the average charge for knee replacement is $5,085.

Knee Replacement Surgery Comparison

The comparison of average cost for knee replacement surgery in major countries around the world is in table form given below:

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty also referred to as total knee replacement, is a surgical process where the damaged knee is treated and removed the knee cap with metals or plastic implants. Knee replacement surgery’s purpose is to restore the mobility of knee joints and relieve pain and make you feel better which is caused by arthritis.

Types of Available Knee Replacement Surgery in Kenya

There are two types of knee replacement surgery:

1. Total knee replacement surgery where the whole joint is changed with artificial implants. It is the most common procedure for surgery.
2. Partial knee replacement surgery is also named unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or unicondylar knee arthroplasty where only one damaged section of the knee is changed with artificial implants.

There is also robotic knee replacement surgery that is minimally invasive, where a small cut is done and most patients go back to their homes on the same day of the operation as it heals quickly.

1. Complex knee replacement surgery: If the patient has a second or third joint replacement in the same knee, your arthritis may become severe then you need this surgery.
2. Kneecap replacement surgery: It is also known as patellofemoral arthroplasty). In this surgery, only the affected parts with arthritis are replaced. Kneecap replacement includes the replacement of just the under-surface, of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea).

What Materials are knee replacement surgery implants made from?  

• The choice mainly depends on knee replacement prosthesis design, and materials depend upon the individual patient.
• The core implant components are typically metal–used titanium or chrome-cobalt alloys and a plastic platform or spacer made of polyethylene inserted between the implants.

What are the Criteria for Knee Replacement Surgery?

An individual may need knee replacement surgery if:

• If a person has severe knee pain or stiffness, it isn’t easy to do everyday activities, like walking, stair climbing, and getting in and out of chairs. A person may not be able to walk a few steps without any pain or with any support
• Moderate or severe knee pain while inactive during daytime or night.
• Chronic knee inflammation like arthritis like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis does not get better with any medication or proper rest.
• Any activity damages knee deformation and knee cartilage.
• A patient would not improve after treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, lubricating injections, or further surgeries.
• A person has post-traumatic arthritis, which is a severe knee injury.
• A person who is obese and mostly aged above 60 but sometimes age is also not criteria if a knee problem develops at any age.

For How Long does Knee Replacement Surgery Work?

These implants do not last forever and may work for at least 15 to 20 years in 85% to 90% of patients.

After this period,  the implant may become lost because of the wear and tear, resulting in pain, infection, and instability of the implant in the knee.

If these symptoms arise after knee replacement, orthopedic surgeons suggest another knee revision surgery to change the original implant.

If partial knee replacements are done,  when the patient needs a repeat operation – around one person in 10 needs another surgery after ten years.

What Preparation is Needed for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Before the surgery procedure:

The doctors may perform various medical examinations, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests after knowing your complete medical condition.

The doctor may prescribe some medicines and ask you to fast at midnight or 6-8 hours.

During the knee replacement surgery:

1. The surgery lasts for 1-2 hours. First, the anesthesia is given to the patient, then the orthopedic surgeon discards the damaged cartilage and bone and replaces them with new implants in your knee.
2. After the surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room and monitored for complications. Once your condition becomes stable, then after 24 hours, your rehabilitation program starts.

What are the Advantages of Knee Replacement Surgery?

1. Knee replacement surgery can give of freedom from pain and help you move much better.
2. Improved movement is experienced.
3. A patient may improve their quality of life through their everyday activities and by doing exercises.

What are the Disadvantages of Knee replacement surgery?

It is a safe surgery and has very rare disadvantages such as:

1. Blood clotting in the patient.
2. Sometimes Infection is seen.
3. Some Injuries to the nerves or blood vessels near the knees.
4. Sometimes Problems with the surgery implant like wear down soon or loosen.

How Long will it take to Recovery Time from Knee Replacement Surgery?

• Depending upon a patient condition, It usually will take 1-3 days in the hospital. Then, the patient has a six-week follow-up appointment once the surgery is done.
• The medical team encourages the patient to move within 12-18 hours and stay home for four days.
• Your medical expert team gives you some instructions for the regular activity for 3- 6 weeks. The patient must slowly increase their mobility from a slow walk after the operation with the help of walking aid to climbing stairs as soon as possible.

Summary of Knee Replacement Surgery in Kenya

If you have severe knee pain and any medications and therapy won’t work, then knee replacement surgery is the answer. It can reduce pain and get you back to normal activities. Talk to your medical healthcare provider or orthopedic surgeon about whether knee arthroplasty or replacement surgery is a viable option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Knee replacement Surgery.

1. What is the success rate for knee replacement surgery in Kenya?

The success rate of Knee Replacement Surgery depends from one patient to the patient. Various factors are the type of implants, the experience of Orthopedic Surgeons, the patient’s age, the type of daily routine work they do, etc.

2. What is the common problem associated with knee replacement?

Knee stiffness is the most common problem.

3. What exercises must be avoided after knee replacement surgery?

A patient should not do strenuous or weight-bearing exercises like running or skiing.

4. What is the newest knee replacement?

Minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement (MIS) is a new surgical technique.

5. Does knee replacement a major operation?

Yes, it is a major surgery operation.