In a healthcare landscape where total knee replacement has become the norm for chronic knee pain, renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ashwani Maichand is set to challenge this norm with a shift in paradigm. One that prioritizes saving the knee through advanced meniscus replacement techniques. This procedure empowers patients through greater mobility, faster recovery, and preservation of natural joint structure in the long term.
From Replacement to Preservation
Degenerative knee pain has been addressed with total knee replacement for the longest time in our country. While useful in many scenarios such as severe arthritis, TKR is an irreversible procedure that restricts full knee movement, high-impact activities and is often the last resort for many patients.
Dr. Maichand believes many patients were being pushed toward replacement far too early.
“The goal shouldn’t always be to replace the knee. The goal should be to save it,” he asserts.
Meniscus replacement, especially in cases of meniscal tears, wear, or deficiency, allows surgeons to restore the knee’s natural cushioning and biomechanics without removing the joint itself. By preserving the knee’s original anatomy, patients often achieve better mobility, improved stability, and a more natural gait compared to traditional replacement options.
The meniscus is a critical shock absorber in the knee. When damaged or worn out, it can trigger chronic pain, swelling, and progressive cartilage loss. Conventionally, many such patients either lived with the pain or eventually fell into the TKR pathway.
Meniscus replacement offers a powerful alternative by restoring the joint’s natural movement pattern, reducing pain caused by bone-on-bone pressure, protecting the cartilage, and supporting long-term mobility and flexibility. This allows patients to return to active lifestyles more confidently. Dr. Maichand explains that preserving the meniscus means preserving the knee’s biological function, something a mechanical implant cannot fully replicate.
A More Empowered Patient Journey
One of the biggest impacts of Dr. Maichand’s approach is patient empowerment. Instead of presenting TKR as the inevitable solution, he provides patients with a range of options tailored to their age, activity level, and long-term mobility goals.
Patients who undergo meniscus replacement often report:
- Faster rehabilitation timelines
- More natural movement compared to artificial joints
- Better agility for everyday activities
- Greater confidence in knee function
For many active individuals, athletes, and younger patients, this can mean preserving the freedom to walk, run, squat, or climb stairs without the limitations imposed by traditional knee replacement.
Increasing Accessibility in India
Dr. Maichand is also recognized for making advanced meniscus-preserving procedures more accessible in India. Through patient education, community outreach, and surgical innovation, he is bridging the gap between high-end global techniques and local patient needs.
