Dr. Vinay Joshi with a patient walking after joint replacement surgery at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai
Dr. Vinay S. Joshi · Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Patient Guides & Health Tips

In-depth guides on knee and hip replacement — recovery, exercises, costs, robotic surgery and how to choose a surgeon — written and medically reviewed by Dr. Vinay S. Joshi.

Section 01

Preparing for
Your Surgery

Proper preparation significantly improves surgical outcomes and reduces the risk of complications. Follow these evidence-based guidelines to arrive at surgery in the best possible condition.

Pre-surgery preparation
01
Medical Fitness Assessment
Complete all pre-operative investigations including blood work, ECG, and any specialist consultations requested by Dr. Joshi's team. Inform your anaesthetist about all medications, including supplements and herbal remedies.
02
Weight Management
Each kilogram of body weight places 4–6 kg of force on your knee joint. Even a modest weight reduction of 5–10% before surgery can meaningfully reduce operative risk, improve implant longevity, and speed recovery.
03
Pre-Operative Exercises
Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors before surgery — a process called "prehabilitation" — is associated with faster post-operative recovery and shorter hospital stays. Consult our physiotherapy team for a personalised programme.
04
Medication Adjustments
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs, and certain diabetes medications must be paused before surgery. Dr. Joshi's team will provide specific instructions — never stop medications without guidance.
05
Dental & Skin Health
Any active dental infection or skin condition near the surgical site must be treated before joint replacement, as bacteria can seed the new implant. Complete any outstanding dental procedures at least 3 weeks before surgery.
06
Home Preparation
Arrange your home before admission: install grab rails in the bathroom, remove trip hazards, move essentials to within easy reach, and arrange for post-discharge support. This dramatically reduces the risk of falls during early recovery.
In-Depth Patient Guides

Detailed Guides by Dr. Vinay S. Joshi

Each guide answers one question in full — written and medically reviewed by Dr. Joshi, and updated as practice changes. The recovery timeline and the knee and hip exercise programmes that were previously on this page now live in their own detailed guides below.

Knee Replacement
Signs You May Need a Knee Replacement
Night pain, failed injections and a shrinking walking distance — the pattern that says it is time.
Read the guide →
Knee Replacement
What Is the Best Age for a Knee Replacement?
Too young at 50? Too old at 80? What age actually changes, and what it does not.
Read the guide →
Robotic Surgery
Robotic Knee Replacement — How VELYS Works
No pre-operative CT scan, live intra-operative mapping, and what the registry evidence shows.
Read the guide →
Knee Replacement
High Flex Knee Replacement
Sitting cross-legged, kneeling for prayer and squatting — what deep flexion really requires.
Read the guide →
Recovery
Knee Replacement Recovery Time — Week by Week
Day one to twelve months: when you walk, drive, climb stairs, travel and return to work.
Read the guide →
Rehabilitation
Exercises After Knee Replacement
The full programme — ankle pumps and quad sets from day one through to cycling and deep flexion.
Read the guide →
Hip Conditions
Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Stages, MRI diagnosis, Regrow therapy for early AVN, and when replacement becomes necessary.
Read the guide →
Rehabilitation
Exercises After Hip Replacement
Hip precautions, the abductor work that removes the limp, and the walking programme.
Read the guide →
Revision Surgery
Revision Knee Replacement
Why implants fail, why the diagnosis matters more than the operation, and what recovery involves.
Read the guide →
Costs & Insurance
Knee Replacement Cost in Mumbai
What is in the package, the five factors that move the price, and how cashless insurance works.
Read the guide →
Costs & Insurance
Hip Replacement Cost in Mumbai
Why the bearing surface drives the price, and what to check with your insurer first.
Read the guide →
Choosing Care
How to Choose a Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai
The six objective criteria that predict a good outcome — and the questions to ask.
Read the guide →
Long-term joint health
Implant Longevity
15–25 Years
Modern joint implants, when used correctly, last 15–25 years. Following these long-term health guidelines preserves your implant and avoids the need for revision surgery.
Section 04

Long-Term Joint Health

Your new joint is a precision implant — treat it well and it will serve you for decades. These lifestyle guidelines help maximise the life of your replacement.

Ideal Activities
  • Walking (flat surfaces, no limits)
  • Swimming and water aerobics
  • Stationary and road cycling
  • Golf (from 3 months)
  • Dancing and light aerobics
  • Yoga (modified poses only)
Activities to Avoid
  • ✕ Running and jogging on hard surfaces
  • ✕ High-impact sports (football, squash)
  • ✕ Heavy weightlifting
  • ✕ Daily floor sitting or squatting — occasional is fine after a high flex knee, but not as routine
  • ✕ Climbing ladders or scaffolding
Diet & Bone Health
Ensure adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day) and Vitamin D (800–1,000 IU/day) to maintain bone density around the implant. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods supports long-term joint and cardiovascular health.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Before any dental procedure, significant surgery, or invasive investigation (endoscopy, cystoscopy), inform your doctor that you have a joint replacement. You may need a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infection reaching the implant via the bloodstream.
★
Annual Follow-Up
An annual X-ray review with Dr. Joshi allows early detection of any implant wear or loosening — long before symptoms appear. This simple habit dramatically reduces the risk of needing emergency revision surgery.
Patient Education Library

Presentations by Dr. Joshi

Comprehensive guides authored by Dr. Vinay S. Joshi to help you understand your procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes. View online or download for reference.

Joint Replacement · FAQ Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Joint Replacement Surgery

Hip & Knee Replacement — Patient FAQ Guide · Dr. Vinay S. Joshi
15 slides · PDF ↓ Download PDF
Surgery & Recovery · Complete Guide

Your Journey to Pain-Free Movement

A Complete Patient Guide to Joint Replacement Surgery & Recovery
15 slides · PDF ↓ Download PDF
Hip Replacement · Patient Guide

Total Hip Replacement: The Blueprint to Restored Mobility

Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Vinay S. Joshi
13 slides · PDF ↓ Download PDF
Knee Replacement · Patient Guide

Reclaiming Pain-Free Motion

A Comprehensive Patient Guide to Total Knee Replacement
15 slides · PDF ↓ Download PDF
Have More Questions?

Speak Directly With Dr. Joshi

Every patient's situation is unique. Book a consultation to receive personalised guidance tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.

Book a Consultation +91 22 4269 6969