When do I need knee replacement surgery?

When severe knee pain persists despite conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy, injections), or when arthritis and joint wear affect your walking, sleep, and daily activities.

How long does knee replacement surgery take?

The operation typically takes 60-90 minutes, and slightly longer in complex cases.

What is the recovery period after knee replacement?

Patients walk with assistance within 24-48 hours, initial recovery is 4-6 weeks, and full recovery takes 3-6 months with physiotherapy.

Is robotic-assisted knee replacement available?

Yes. Dr. Hazim Sakalla offers a robotic-arm-assisted option for sub-millimeter implant precision and faster recovery. See the dedicated robotic knee replacement page for details.

How long does knee replacement surgery take?

Usually 60-90 minutes per knee, followed by 1-2 hours in recovery before transfer to the hospital room.

When can I walk after knee replacement?

Most patients begin standing and walking with a physiotherapist within 24 hours of surgery. Distance increases progressively.

What is the difference between traditional and robotic knee replacement?

Traditional surgery relies on manual measurements with a wider error margin. Robotic surgery achieves sub-millimeter precision. See our dedicated robotic knee replacement guide.

How long does the implant last?

Modern implants are designed to last 20-25 years or more, especially with robotic precision.

Is knee replacement covered by insurance?

Yes, covered by most major Saudi insurance providers (Bupa, Tawuniya, Al Rajhi Takaful, MedGulf). Contact us to verify your coverage.

Knee Replacement Surgery in Riyadh: Complete Guide

Knee replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures in modern medicine — 95%+ success rate, restoring quality of life after years of pain. This complete guide from Dr. Hazim Sakalla covers everything you need to know.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery removes damaged knee joint surfaces and replaces them with an artificial joint made of special metal and high-grade medical plastic. The goal: eliminate pain and restore natural knee movement.

Performed at Dr. Hazim Sakalla's clinic at SMC (Specialized Medical Center) in King Fahd District, Riyadh, using the latest techniques including robotic-assisted knee replacement for maximum precision.

When Do You Need Knee Replacement?

Chronic knee pain persisting for months despite treatment.
Pain waking you at night.
Difficulty walking short distances or climbing stairs.
Knee stiffness limiting daily life.
Constant painkiller dependence without benefit.
Visible leg axis deformity (varus/valgus).
X-rays showing severe cartilage damage and joint-space narrowing.

For milder symptoms, see knee arthritis treatment options.

Types of Knee Replacement

1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Complete replacement of the joint — femur surface, tibia surface, and sometimes the patella. For widespread knee arthritis. Most common type.

2. Partial / Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Replaces only one part of the knee. For patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment. Smaller incision, faster recovery, more natural movement.

3. Robotic-Assisted Replacement

The most advanced development — robotic arm executes the surgeon's plan with sub-millimeter, single-degree precision. See complete robotic knee replacement guide.

4. Revision Surgery

For patients with prior replacement needing implant change due to wear, loosening, or infection.

Pre-Operative Assessment

Comprehensive clinical examination
X-rays (cartilage wear, leg axis)
MRI (ligaments, menisci)
3D CT (surgical planning, especially robotic)
Blood tests (CBC, liver/kidney function, coagulation)
ECG and lung function for seniors
Anesthetic assessment

Procedure Steps

Anesthesia (general or spinal)
Surgical incision (15-20 cm on the front of the knee)
Removal of worn cartilage and damaged bone
Bone shaping to receive the implant
Trial fitting and ligament balancing
Implant fixation with special medical cement
Layered wound closure

Total duration: 60-90 minutes per knee.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

Standing and short walking with a physiotherapist. Pain control. Cold compresses.

Week 1 (in hospital)

2-3 day hospital stay. Daily physiotherapy. Learning to move safely with cane.

Weeks 2-6

Home walking with cane, 3-5 weekly physiotherapy sessions, 80-90% range recovery. Driving after 4-6 weeks.

Months 2-3

Gradually stop using cane. Return to desk work. Walking and swimming.

3-6 Months

Full recovery, natural movement, low-impact sports.

Risks and Complications

Infection: under 1% in specialized centers
Blood clots: prevented with anticoagulants and early mobilization
Stiffness: prevented with regular physiotherapy
Implant loosening: very rare with modern techniques
Nerve or vessel damage: very rare in experienced hands

Sports After Knee Replacement

Avoid:

Long-distance asphalt running, contact sports, repeated jumping.

Cost in Riyadh

Cost varies by implant type, technique (traditional/robotic), patient condition, and insurance. Covered by most major Saudi insurance providers. For a detailed quote: WhatsApp +966 56 122 5544.

Why Choose Dr. Hazim Sakalla?

PhD in Orthopedic Surgery from Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
25+ years experience
1000+ successful knee replacements
Latest robotic technology at SMC Hospital
One-year personal follow-up
Multi-lingual care (Arabic, English, Russian)

Book Your Consultation

If you suffer from chronic knee pain, book with Dr. Hazim Sakalla at SMC Healthcare in Riyadh via WhatsApp +966 56 122 5544.

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#knee-replacement#knee-surgery#riyadh#smc-hospital#dr-hazim-sakalla

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