Knee Replacement Surgery in Mumbai for Patients from Mauritius

What is knee replacement surgery and why do patients from Mauritius travel to Mumbai for it?

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged knee joint is resurfaced with prosthetic components to relieve pain and restore mobility. Patients from Mauritius travel to Mumbai for this procedure to access JCI-accredited quaternary-care facilities, specialist orthopaedic teams, and shorter waiting times than may be available locally.

Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, is a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited multi-specialty hospital offering orthopaedic and joint replacement services, with dedicated international patient-care support for visitors travelling from Mauritius and other countries.

The two main procedures offered are:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR) — the entire knee joint surface is replaced; recommended for advanced arthritis or severe joint damage.
• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) — only the damaged compartment of the knee is resurfaced; suitable when damage is confined to one area.

What does the full treatment journey look like for a Mauritius patient coming to Mumbai for knee replacement?

Understanding each stage of the journey helps international patients plan travel, accommodation, and recovery time effectively. Below is a step-by-step outline of the typical pathway at Lilavati International, Bandra West, Mumbai.

1. Pre-travel preparation — Share medical records, X-rays, and MRI scans with the international patient team before departure. A pre-operative assessment is arranged on arrival.
2. Arrival and pre-operative assessment — On arrival in Mumbai, patients undergo blood tests, imaging, anaesthesia review, and a consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon. Lilavati International has round-the-clock access to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and a full diagnostic laboratory on site.
3. Surgery — Total or partial knee replacement is performed in one of the hospital's dedicated operation theatres. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours under spinal or general anaesthesia.
4. Hospital stay — Most patients remain admitted for 3–5 days post-surgery for monitoring, pain management, and initial physiotherapy.
5. In-hospital physiotherapy — Physiotherapy begins within 24 hours of surgery to restore range of motion and reduce swelling.
6. Post-discharge recovery in Mumbai — Patients typically stay in Mumbai for a further 2–3 weeks for outpatient physiotherapy, wound review, and clearance to fly.
7. Return to Mauritius and ongoing rehabilitation — A detailed physiotherapy and follow-up plan is provided for continuation at home.

How should patients from Mauritius plan their travel and stay in Mumbai for knee replacement surgery?

Careful planning before departure reduces stress and supports a smoother recovery. The following checklist covers the key practical steps for Mauritius patients travelling to Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai.

Before you travel:

• Obtain a medical visa (MV) for India — required for patients travelling specifically for treatment. A letter from the treating hospital supports the application.
• Share all existing medical reports, X-rays, MRI scans, and a list of current medications with the international patient team in advance.
• Arrange travel insurance that covers orthopaedic surgery and an extended stay.
• Book return flights with flexibility — avoid fixing a return date until the surgeon confirms fitness to fly.
• Arrange accommodation close to the hospital. Bandra West has a range of serviced apartments and hotels within a short distance of Lilavati International at A-791, Bandra Reclamation Road.

What to bring:

• All original medical records and imaging (X-rays, MRI scans)
• A complete list of current medications, including dosages
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for post-operative mobility
• Supportive footwear with non-slip soles
• Any prescribed mobility aids (crutches, walker) if already in use
• Passport, visa documents, and travel insurance details

What physiotherapy and recovery care is needed after knee replacement in Mumbai?

Physiotherapy is a critical part of knee replacement recovery. At Lilavati International, rehabilitation begins in hospital and continues on an outpatient basis before the patient is cleared to return to Mauritius.

In-hospital physiotherapy (Days 1–5):

• Ankle pumps and leg exercises to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Assisted standing and walking with support, usually within 24 hours of surgery
• Knee bending and straightening exercises to restore range of motion
• Guidance on safe movement, transfers, and stair use

Outpatient physiotherapy in Mumbai (Weeks 2–4):

• Progressive strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and surrounding muscles
• Gait training and balance work
• Swelling management techniques
• Assessment of walking distance and stair-climbing ability before discharge

Continuing rehabilitation in Mauritius:

• A written physiotherapy programme is provided for the patient's local physiotherapist in Mauritius.
• Full recovery and return to normal daily activities typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed.
• High-impact activities such as running are generally not recommended after knee replacement; walking, swimming, and cycling are typically encouraged.

When should you consult an orthopaedic surgeon about knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement is typically considered when conservative treatments — such as physiotherapy, weight management, and medication — have not provided adequate relief. Consult an orthopaedic specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent knee pain that has not improved after 3 or more months of non-surgical treatment
• Knee pain that disrupts sleep on most nights
• Significant difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair due to knee pain or stiffness
• Knee swelling that does not subside with rest and medication
• Visible deformity of the knee joint (bowing inward or outward)
• X-ray or MRI evidence of severe cartilage loss or bone-on-bone contact

Age alone is not a deciding factor. Orthopaedic surgeons assess overall health, bone quality, activity level, and the degree of joint damage before recommending surgery.

To discuss your specific situation with the orthopaedic team at Lilavati International's joint replacement programme, use the booking form on this page or call the numbers below.

Why do international patients from Mauritius choose Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai for knee replacement?

Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai is a quaternary-care multi-specialty hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) — 8th Edition, NABH, and NABL. These accreditations reflect internationally benchmarked standards in patient safety, clinical care, and hospital management — relevant assurance for patients travelling from Mauritius.

Key facilities relevant to knee replacement and joint replacement surgery include:

• Dedicated orthopaedic and joint replacement specialist team
• Multiple operation theatres with advanced surgical infrastructure
• On-site ICU, SICU, and critical-care support
• Round-the-clock CT, MRI, ultrasound, and full diagnostic laboratory services
• Blood bank, pathology, and dialysis facilities within the hospital
• 24/7 emergency department on the ground floor — no appointment required
• Dedicated international patient-care support

The hospital is located at A-791, Bandra Reclamation Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050, with ambulance services available at +91 97692 50010 and +91 75063 58779.

For more information about the orthopaedics and joint replacement speciality at Lilavati International, or to speak with a joint replacement surgeon, use the booking form on this page.