Advanced TKR Restores Mobility in 79-Year-Old Woman Through Surgery & Rehabilitation

January 27, 2026

Patient Background & Impact on Quality of Life

A 79-year-old woman from Ballygunge had been suffering from severe osteoarthritis in both knees for nearly 12 years. Over time, her condition deteriorated to the point where she struggled to walk even a few steps without pain. Climbing stairs, performing daily chores and attending social functions had become extremely difficult, causing isolation and loss of independence. Multiple sessions of physiotherapy and medications provided only temporary relief. When she visited Desun Hospital, she hoped to find a long-term solution that would restore her mobility and allow her to resume her previous lifestyle.

Clinical Assessment & Preoperative Planning

Desun’s Orthopaedic Specialists conducted a detailed clinical evaluation, where X-rays revealed complete joint space loss, severe varus deformity, an inward angulation of a joint, along with formation of osteophyte, a bony growth that forms on edges of bones, usually at joints, which are all classic signs of end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Her gait was slow and she walked with a limp, with significant restriction in the knee’s range of motions. Given her symptoms and functional limitations, Desun’s Orthopaedic specialists recommended Total Knee Replacement (TKR) for her right knee, which was more severely affected. She underwent comprehensive pre-operative examination, including cardiac evaluation, blood tests, anaesthesia assessment and comorbidity optimisation, all performed following Desun’s JCI-accredited surgical safety protocols.

Surgical Procedure: Precision and Technique

The TKR was carried out under spinal anaesthesia using advanced, high-precision instrumentation, designed for optimal alignment. The procedure involved removing the damaged portions of the femur and tibia, correcting her knee deformity, and placing a high-grade titanium knee implant to ensure stability, accurate joint movement and long-term durability. Throughout the surgery, meticulous control was maintained to minimise blood loss. Sterile techniques, implant handling protocols, and intraoperative monitoring were performed in alignment with international JCI standards, ensuring maximum surgical safety. The surgery was completed successfully with no complications.

Postoperative Care & Rehabilitation

The patient was shifted to the Orthopaedic Recovery Unit, where nurses and physiotherapists initiated standardised early mobilisation protocols. Multimodal analgesia was used for comprehensive pain management, ensuring comfort while encouraging early movement, which is crucial for long-term success. Her postoperative care plan included protocols to prevent deep vein thrombosis, daily physiotherapy sessions for strength and balance, along with wound care and infection prevention measures, besides proper measures to optimise nutrition to support healing, and regular monitoring through JCI-compliant recovery checklists.

Recovery and Long-Term Outcome

On Day 1, the patient began knee-bending exercises, and by Day 2, she was walking with the support of a walker. Her confidence steadily improved with reduced pain and increased mobility, and she was discharged on Day 5 with a personalised home-based physiotherapy plan. Within six weeks, her gait improved significantly. At the three-month follow-up, she reported that there was no resting pain and she was able to walk long distances. She also had improved knee stability, which helped her to independently perform daily tasks, as she regained her confidence and social engagements. Her second knee is scheduled for replacement soon, as she now trusts the process and outcomes demonstrated by Desun’s Orthopaedics team.

This case is an example of Desun Hospital’s capability in delivering high-quality orthopaedic care using advanced surgical expertise, meticulous perioperative management and outcome-focused rehabilitation. Reinforced by JCI-accredited clinical pathways, Desun ensures that patients benefit from safe, precise and effective joint replacement surgery that truly transforms quality of life.