Frequently Asked Questions – Dr. Swapnil Anil Keny, Orthopaedic Surgeon
Patient Resource Centre
Frequently Asked
Questions
Find clear answers about orthopaedic treatments, procedures, recovery, and what to expect at every stage of your care with Dr. Swapnil Anil Keny — Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan.
5,000+
Major surgeries performed
MS · DNB
Orthopaedics qualifications
Fellowship
Adult reconstructive arthroplasty
3 Clinics
Dombivli & Kalyan locations
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Arthroplasty
Primary & Revision Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
Joint replacement surgery involves removing a damaged hip or knee joint and replacing it with a prosthetic implant. Revision surgery addresses failed or worn-out primary implants. Dr. Keny specialises in both primary and complex revision arthroplasty using the latest cemented and uncemented implant systems.
What is the difference between primary and revision joint replacement?
Primary joint replacement is performed on a joint that has never been operated on — typically for severe arthritis or advanced joint degeneration. Revision joint replacement corrects or replaces a previously implanted prosthesis that has become loose, infected, worn, or failed. Revision surgery is technically more complex and requires specialised training in reconstructive arthroplasty.
total knee replacementtotal hip replacementrevision arthroplastyknee implant looseningcemented vs uncemented implant
How do I know if I need a hip or knee replacement?
You may be a candidate if you have severe joint pain that limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair; if X-rays show significant cartilage loss or bone damage; and if conservative treatments — physiotherapy, pain medications, and injections — have failed to provide adequate relief. A clinical assessment and imaging evaluation will guide the final decision.
joint pain diagnosisosteoarthritis kneesevere hip arthritisbone-on-bone kneeknee replacement candidacy
How long does a joint replacement last?
Modern prostheses are designed to last 15–25 years or longer in most patients, depending on activity level, body weight, implant type, and surgical precision. Regular follow-up imaging helps monitor implant integrity. Younger or highly active patients may require revision surgery at some point in their lifetime.
implant longevityknee prosthesis lifespanhip replacement durability
What is the recovery timeline after joint replacement?
Most patients begin walking with support on the day after surgery. Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days. Physiotherapy starts early and continues for 6–12 weeks. Most patients return to light daily activities within 4–6 weeks and full recovery takes 3–6 months. Outcomes depend on pre-operative fitness and adherence to rehabilitation.
joint replacement recoverypost-op physiotherapyreturn to activity after knee replacement
Minimally Invasive
Knee & Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through tiny incisions. It allows precise diagnosis and treatment of joint problems with less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery than open surgery.
What conditions are treated with knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is used to treat ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL tears, meniscus tears, cartilage defects, synovitis, loose bodies within the joint, and patellofemoral problems. It is also used for diagnostic purposes when imaging does not fully explain symptoms.
ACL reconstructionmeniscus tear surgeryknee arthroscopychondral damage treatmentsynovectomy
What shoulder conditions benefit from arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is effective for rotator cuff tears, SLAP lesions, shoulder impingement syndrome, recurrent shoulder dislocations (Bankart repair), acromioclavicular joint problems, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) releases.
rotator cuff repairBankart lesionshoulder impingementSLAP tear surgeryfrozen shoulder treatment
Is arthroscopy performed under general anaesthesia?
Arthroscopy is usually performed under spinal or general anaesthesia depending on the joint and procedure complexity. Most arthroscopic procedures are day-care or require a short overnight stay, significantly reducing hospitalisation time compared to open surgery.
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How soon can I return to sports after arthroscopy?
Return-to-sport timelines vary by procedure. Simple meniscal repairs may allow return in 3–4 months; ACL reconstruction typically requires 6–9 months of structured rehabilitation before safe return to competitive sport. Individual recovery depends on surgical findings and rehabilitation compliance.
ACL recovery timelinereturn to sport after surgerysports rehabilitationknee rehab protocol
Sports Medicine
Sports Injury Treatment
Sports injuries affect ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, and bones. Timely and accurate management is essential to restore function and safely return athletes — professional or recreational — to their activity level.
What are the most common sports injuries treated?
Common sports injuries include ACL and PCL tears of the knee, meniscus injuries, rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, Achilles tendon ruptures, stress fractures, ankle ligament sprains, muscle strains, and cartilage injuries. Both acute traumatic and chronic overuse injuries are managed.
ACL tear treatmentsports ligament injurymuscle strainstress fractureankle sprain
When does a sports injury require surgery?
Surgery is recommended when ligamentous instability significantly affects function and cannot be rehabilitated conservatively (e.g. complete ACL tear in an active individual), when there is a complete tendon rupture, displaced fractures, or locked joints due to loose bodies or meniscal tears causing mechanical symptoms.
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Can sports injuries be treated without surgery?
Many sports injuries respond well to conservative management including R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), physiotherapy, bracing, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Grade I and II ligament sprains, muscle strains, and partial tendon tears are often managed non-operatively with excellent outcomes.
non-surgical sports injury treatmentPRP injectionphysiotherapy for sports injuryconservative orthopaedic care
How is injury prevention approached alongside treatment?
Neuromuscular training, proprioceptive rehabilitation, sport-specific conditioning, and biomechanical correction are integral to injury prevention. A structured return-to-sport protocol is followed to ensure the patient is functionally ready before resuming full activity.
injury prevention orthopaedicssports rehabilitation programmeneuromuscular trainingreturn to play protocol
Trauma Surgery
Complex Trauma & Fracture Management
Complex fractures — including those involving multiple bone fragments, joint surfaces, or soft tissue injuries — require advanced surgical planning and fixation techniques. Dr. Keny has extensive experience managing high-energy trauma and multi-system orthopaedic injuries.
What makes a fracture "complex"?
A fracture is considered complex when it involves multiple fragments (comminuted), crosses a joint surface (intra-articular), is associated with significant soft tissue injury, involves neurovascular structures, or occurs in the context of high-energy polytrauma. These require meticulous surgical planning, specialised implants, and experienced surgical technique.
comminuted fractureintra-articular fracturehigh-energy traumaopen fracture managementorthopaedic trauma surgery
What surgical techniques are used for complex fractures?
Treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws, and intramedullary nails; external fixation for temporising unstable injuries; and minimally invasive percutaneous fixation techniques. Implant selection depends on fracture pattern, bone quality, and the patient's overall status.
ORIF fracture surgeryintramedullary nailexternal fixatorfracture fixation implantsplating surgery
How long does fracture healing take?
Healing time depends on the bone involved, patient age, blood supply, nutrition, and whether surgery was required. Simple fractures may heal in 6–8 weeks; complex periarticular or high-energy fractures may take 3–6 months. Compliance with rehabilitation and follow-up imaging are essential to monitor healing.
fracture healing timebone healing factorspost-fracture physiotherapyfracture follow-up
What complications can arise from complex fractures?
Potential complications include malunion (healed in poor alignment), non-union (failure to heal), avascular necrosis, joint stiffness, post-traumatic arthritis, infection, and compartment syndrome. Early and accurate fracture management significantly reduces these risks.
fracture complicationsmalunionnon-union fractureavascular necrosispost-traumatic arthritis
Pelvic Reconstruction
Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Surgery
Pelvic and acetabular fractures are among the most demanding orthopaedic injuries, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents or falls from height. Surgical reconstruction requires specialist expertise to restore the architecture of the pelvis and hip socket.
Why are pelvic fractures considered serious injuries?
The pelvis is a bony ring enclosing major blood vessels, nerves, and abdominal organs. Pelvic fractures — especially unstable ring disruptions — can cause life-threatening haemorrhage, bladder and bowel injuries, and neurological deficits. Immediate stabilisation followed by definitive surgical fixation is critical.
pelvic ring fracturepelvic haemorrhageunstable pelvic fracturepelvic trauma treatmentpelvic ORIF
What is an acetabular fracture and how is it treated?
The acetabulum is the socket component of the hip joint. Acetabular fractures occur when the femoral head is driven into this socket during high-energy trauma. Surgical reconstruction — using specially contoured plates and screws via specialised approaches — aims to restore the joint surface and prevent post-traumatic hip arthritis.
acetabular fracture surgeryhip socket fractureacetabular ORIFpost-traumatic hip arthritis prevention
How long is recovery after pelvic surgery?
Recovery is gradual and closely monitored. Non-weight bearing or partial weight bearing is maintained for 6–12 weeks post-operatively depending on fracture stability. Full recovery and return to normal activity typically takes 4–6 months, with physiotherapy playing a key role throughout.
pelvic fracture recoveryweight bearing after pelvic surgeryrehabilitation after acetabular fracture
Reconstructive Surgery
Non-union and Mal-union Fracture Reconstruction
When a fracture fails to heal properly — either by not healing at all (non-union) or healing in a poor position (mal-union) — corrective reconstruction is required to restore bone integrity, alignment, and function.
What is a fracture non-union and what causes it?
Non-union occurs when a broken bone fails to heal within the expected timeframe — typically after 6 months without radiographic evidence of union. Causes include inadequate fracture stability, poor blood supply, infection, metabolic conditions (such as vitamin D deficiency or diabetes), smoking, and excessive movement at the fracture site.
fracture non-unionatrophic non-unioninfected non-unionbone graft surgerynon-union treatment
How is non-union treated surgically?
Treatment involves removal of fibrous tissue, freshening of bone ends, stable re-fixation with appropriate implants, and bone grafting to stimulate healing. In infected non-unions, infection eradication precedes definitive reconstruction, often requiring staged surgery and antibiotic management.
bone graft for non-unionexchange nailingMasquelet techniqueinfected non-union surgerynail dynamisation
What is fracture mal-union and when does it need correction?
Mal-union refers to a fracture that has healed but in an abnormal position — with angulation, rotation, or shortening. Correction is indicated when the deformity causes functional impairment, abnormal gait, limb length discrepancy, or secondary joint problems. Corrective osteotomy (cutting and realigning the bone) is the standard treatment.
fracture mal-union correctioncorrective osteotomylimb deformity surgeryangular deformity correctionlimb length discrepancy
Deformity Surgery
Post-traumatic Deformity Correction
Injuries can leave residual deformities of the limbs — abnormal angulation, rotation, shortening, or joint contractures — that impair function and quality of life. Surgical correction restores alignment and improves mobility.
What types of post-traumatic deformities are corrected?
Common deformities include angular deformities (varus/valgus), rotational malalignment, limb length discrepancy, knee and ankle joint malalignment, and post-fracture joint contractures. These may result from neglected injuries, malhealed fractures, growth disturbances, or complications of prior surgery.
post-traumatic deformityvalgus deformity correctionrotational osteotomyknee malalignmentpost-fracture contracture
How is deformity correction performed?
Deformity correction typically involves osteotomy (controlled surgical cutting of the bone at the level of deformity), realignment, and fixation with plates, nails, or an external fixator. In some cases, gradual correction using distraction osteogenesis (Ilizarov or circular frame technique) is preferred, especially for complex or multi-planar deformities.
osteotomy surgeryIlizarov techniquetibial osteotomyhigh tibial osteotomydistraction osteogenesis
Can post-traumatic stiffness (contracture) be treated?
Yes. Joint stiffness following trauma or surgery is treated with physiotherapy, splinting, and in resistant cases, surgical arthrolysis (release of scar tissue around the joint). Early post-operative mobilisation and dedicated rehabilitation are key to preventing contracture formation.
joint contracture treatmentarthrolysis surgerypost-traumatic stiffnessjoint mobilisation after fracture
Joint Preservation
Arthritis Management and Joint Preservation
Arthritis encompasses a range of conditions causing joint inflammation, cartilage loss, and pain. Early and personalised management can slow disease progression, preserve the natural joint, and delay or avoid the need for replacement surgery.
What are the different types of arthritis treated?
The most common types include osteoarthritis (degenerative wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), post-traumatic arthritis (following injury), and crystal arthropathies such as gout. Each requires a tailored management approach — from lifestyle modification and medications to surgical joint preservation procedures.
osteoarthritis treatmentrheumatoid arthritis orthopaedicsknee arthritispost-traumatic arthritisgout management
What are non-surgical options for arthritis?
Non-surgical management includes weight management, physiotherapy, activity modification, pain medications (NSAIDs, analgesics), intra-articular steroid injections, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections, and bracing. These measures aim to relieve pain and improve function while preserving the joint.
knee injection for arthritisviscosupplementationhyaluronic acid injectionarthritis physiotherapynon-surgical arthritis management
What is joint preservation surgery?
Joint preservation surgery aims to restore or maintain the health of a joint before irreversible damage requires replacement. Procedures include high tibial osteotomy (realigning the knee to offload the damaged compartment), cartilage repair or transplantation, and synovectomy. These are best suited for younger or active patients with localised disease.
high tibial osteotomycartilage repair surgeryosteotomy for knee arthritisjoint preservation orthopaedicssynovectomy
When is joint replacement the right choice for arthritis?
Joint replacement is recommended when arthritis causes significant functional limitations despite optimal non-surgical treatment, when imaging shows advanced joint damage, or when joint preservation surgery is no longer appropriate. The goal is to restore quality of life and mobility.
knee replacement for arthritiship replacement arthritisarthroplasty decision makingend-stage arthritis treatment
Emergency Care
Emergency Orthopaedic Trauma Care
Orthopaedic emergencies require prompt assessment and rapid decision-making to prevent life- or limb-threatening complications. Dr. Keny provides immediate emergency care for fractures, dislocations, and traumatic injuries.
What constitutes an orthopaedic emergency?
Orthopaedic emergencies include open (compound) fractures, dislocations, vascular injuries associated with fractures, compartment syndrome, spinal injuries with neurological compromise, and traumatic injuries in polytrauma patients. These require urgent assessment and intervention to prevent permanent damage.
orthopaedic emergencyopen fracture treatmentcompartment syndrometraumatic dislocationfracture with vascular injury
What is compartment syndrome and why is it urgent?
Compartment syndrome occurs when rising pressure within a closed muscle compartment compromises blood flow to tissues. If untreated within hours, it leads to permanent muscle and nerve damage. Treatment requires emergency surgical fasciotomy (cutting open the compartment) to relieve pressure.
compartment syndrome treatmentemergency fasciotomyacute orthopaedic emergencycompartment pressure monitoring
How are open fractures managed?
Open fractures — where bone penetrates the skin — carry a high risk of infection and require emergency treatment. Management includes wound debridement (cleaning), skeletal stabilisation, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. The timing of definitive fixation depends on the wound grade and soft tissue condition.
open fracture managementcompound fracture treatmentGustilo-Anderson classificationwound debridementfracture fixation emergency
What should I do immediately after a fracture or joint dislocation?
Immobilise the injured part using a splint or sling if available, apply ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, avoid attempting to realign the injury yourself, and seek emergency orthopaedic care immediately. Do not eat or drink in case surgery is required.
first aid for fracturefracture immobilisationemergency fracture carewhat to do after dislocation
Still have questions? Book a consultation.
+91-9082528724 · drswapnilakenyorthocare@gmail.com