By Arunima Rajan

Knee pain changes routines in quiet but relentless ways. Whether it is an athlete missing practice or an older adult giving up evening walks, the question always becomes how to bring back ease in movement. Dr Amyn Rajani, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of OAKS Clinic in Mumbai, looks at these problems through a lens that goes beyond surgery. For him, each patient is a person first, not just a case for the operation theatre.

With years of experience in India and abroad, Dr Rajani has introduced techniques like robotic assisted knee replacements and patient specific implants to Indian patients. His focus is just as much on prevention and recovery as it is on the procedure itself. He insists that progress in orthopaedics is not only about technology, but also about the choices people make every day to protect their joints.

A gold medallist from the University of Mumbai, Dr Rajani has trained in hospitals across Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea. At Breach Candy, PD Hinduja, and Saifee Hospitals, as well as at OAKS Clinic, he has helped introduce robotic assisted knee replacements, patient specific implants, and minimally invasive procedures to Indian patients. His focus is just as much on prevention and recovery as it is on surgical innovation.

Dr Rajani’s patient stories reflect this philosophy. He has operated on everyone from young athletes aiming for a return to competition to a 98-year-old who wanted to walk again. His work, often in collaboration with physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other specialists, is about restoring movement in a way that fits each person’s life. Beyond the clinic, Dr Rajani publishes research, reviews articles for leading journals, and mentors the next generation of surgeons.

In this interview, Dr Rajani explains the difference between partial and total knee replacements, what counts as a successful surgery, and the complications that patients should be aware of. He also talks about how urban hospitals are adopting sports medicine and preventive care, and why age is no longer the barrier it once was to living pain free. His answers are direct and practical, rooted in years of seeing what truly helps people get back to the life they want.

What is the difference between a partial and a full knee replacement surgery? How do you select a patient for a partial or a full knee replacement? What are the indications of partial knee replacement and how does it benefit the patient?

A partial knee replacement (UKR) involves replacing only the damaged compartment of the knee-usually the inner side-while a total knee replacement (TKR) replaces all three compartments.

We choose partial for patients with isolated osteoarthritis, intact ligaments, and good range of motion. It offers faster recovery, more natural knee feel, and less bone loss. However, if multiple compartments are affected, a total knee replacement is more suitable.

What is the success rate of a knee surgery?

Complications are rare, but may include:

Infection
Blood clots
Stiffness or persistent pain
Implant loosening (in the long term)

Choosing the right surgeon and following rehab protocols significantly reduce risks.

What are the latest advancements in knee replacement surgery?

Advances include:

Robotic-assisted surgery for higher precision
Patient-specific implants
Minimally invasive techniques
Faster recovery protocols (ERAS). These help in quicker rehab, better outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction.

How long does it take for the patient to return to normal life?

Most patients walk within a day, resume daily activities in 3–4 weeks, and return to a normal lifestyle within 6–8 weeks. With partial knee replacements, recovery is often even faster.

How can you prevent knee replacement surgery? Are there any medications that can prevent the condition?

Yes-early intervention matters. You can delay or prevent surgery by:

Maintaining healthy weight
Regular low-impact exercise
Physiotherapy
Using medications like anti-inflammatories and injections (e.g., PRP or hyaluronic acid)

There’s no magic pill, but structured care can postpone surgery for years.

Are private hospitals integrating sports medicine, wellness measures into operations now for preventive care? Are there takers for it? What are the lifestyle interventions required to prevent deterioration?

Absolutely. Leading hospitals now offer sports medicine, joint preservation clinics, and wellness programs. And yes-urban, health-conscious patients are increasingly opting for prevention-focused care.

Lifestyle tips include:

Staying active
Strengthening thigh and core muscles
Avoiding high-impact workouts with poor form
Timely physiotherapy and medical checkups

Which age group is eligible for knee replacement surgery? Will you suggest it for 70 and 80 plus?

There’s no upper age limit-we focus on biological age, not just the number. I’ve operated successfully on patients well into their 80s. If the patient is medically fit and symptomatic, knee replacement can dramatically improve quality of life, even at 70 or 80+.

How are hospitals setting up sports medicine and wellness programmes?

It varies. Some run it as a separate unit, especially larger hospitals with a sports injury focus. But most still house it within orthopaedics and physiotherapy. In a few places, especially wellness chains, it’s part of preventive health, more boutique and lifestyle-driven.The trend is slowly shifting toward sports medicine being treated as a specialised service, not just an extension of ortho or rehab.

Who’s walking in? Proactive patients or post-injury cases?

Both, but post-injury rehab still makes up the bulk of our caseload. ACL tears, meniscus injuries, shoulder issues are common.That said, I’ve definitely seen more younger patients coming in early. Runners, gym enthusiasts, even teenagers want to prevent injuries, improve performance, or get checked before starting intense training. Awareness is growing.

What kind of collaborations are happening to offer holistic care?

A lot more now. We’re working closely with physiotherapists, trainers, and nutritionists to manage patients end to end. It’s not just about surgery or rehab anymore. It’s about how the patient eats, trains, and recovers. Some setups are also involving sports psychologists and yoga instructors, especially for elite athletes or those under high stress. The best outcomes come when different specialists work together, not in silos.

Got a story that Healthcare Executive should dig into? Shoot it over to arunima.rajan@hosmac.com—no PR fluff, just solid leads.

The Rise of Sports Medicine in Indian Hospitals: A Conversation with Dr Amyn Rajani