About Arthrodesis Knee
Key Highlights
-
Provides a permanent solution for severe, unmanageable knee pain and instability.Creates a stable, weight-bearing limb, improving walking ability and function.Eliminates the need for future joint replacement surgeries in the fused knee.Can correct significant leg deformities and improve limb alignment.Offers a definitive treatment option when other reconstructive procedures have failed.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, end-stage arthritis from conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- Post-traumatic arthritis or joint destruction following a significant knee injury.
- Failed previous knee surgeries, such as multiple ligament reconstructions or osteotomies.
- Severe knee instability or paralysis due to neuromuscular diseases (e.g., polio, cerebral palsy).
- Chronic knee infections (septic arthritis) that have destroyed the joint.
- Painful knee deformities that cannot be corrected with other methods.
- Tumor resection requiring removal of the joint surfaces.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, including physical exam and imaging (X-rays, CT scan).
- Detailed discussion with the family about the permanent loss of knee motion and long-term implications.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance to ensure the child is fit for surgery.
- Management of any active infections prior to surgery.
- Planning for post-operative mobility aids (crutches, wheelchair) and potential home modifications.
- Fasting as instructed by the surgical team, typically starting the night before the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nonunion or delayed union, where the bones fail to fuse properly.
- Malunion, where the bones fuse in an incorrect position or alignment.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage around the knee.
- Persistent pain at the fusion site or in adjacent joints (hip, ankle).
- Increased stress and wear on the hip and ankle joints over time.
- Leg length discrepancy may occur or be exacerbated.
- Need for additional surgery (hardware removal, revision fusion).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and beginning physical therapy.
- The leg will be placed in a long cast or rigid brace for several months to protect the fusion.
- Strict non-weight bearing on the operated leg for 6-12 weeks, using crutches or a walker.
- Gradual transition to weight-bearing as guided by X-ray evidence of bone healing.
- Physical therapy focuses on strengthening hip and ankle muscles, gait training, and overall mobility.
- Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor the progress of bone fusion.
- Full recovery and bone solidification can take 6 months to a year.
- Long-term adaptation to a stiff-legged gait and activity modification are necessary.
-
Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full bone fusion and functional adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering arthrodesis knee in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform arthrodesis knee. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arthrodesis knee compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 180 Thousand – 450 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 months for full bone fusion and functional adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 630 Thousand – 1.58 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 months for full bone fusion and functional adaptation | Know More |
Emily Singh is a 12-year-old avid...
Emily Singh is a 12-year-old avid reader and aspiring artist from a small town. Born with a complex congenital deformity of her right knee (arthrogryposis), Emily has never been able to straighten or fully bear weight on her leg, relying on a bulky knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) and crutches. Her main symptoms were severe instability, chronic pain after short periods of standing, and an inability to keep up with her friends. After years of bracing and physical therapy failed to provide a stable platform, her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended a knee arthrodesis (fusion). He explained that while it would permanently stiffen her knee in a straight, functional position, it would eliminate pain and provide the stability she needed to walk without her brace. The surgery was a major event for Emily and her family. The recovery was challenging, with several weeks in a long leg cast and intensive physical therapy to strengthen her hip and ankle. The outcome, however, was transformative. Nine months post-op, Emily walks confidently with just a small lift in her shoe and a single cane for long distances. She no longer has pain. Emotionally, the journey was from frustration and feeling 'broken' to immense relief and newfound independence. She mourned the loss of knee motion but celebrates the gain of a reliable, pain-free leg, calling it her 'foundation for the future.'
Pediatric Orthopedics for Arthrodesis Knee
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform arthrodesis knee and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata