Kota's orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan was recently honored at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 in Jaipur, where he was recognized, according to Advance Joint Orthocare, for his contribution to adopting advanced techniques in joint replacement and ligament surgery. The felicitation was presented by actor Sonu Sood's foundation, in appreciation of Dr. Dhillan's work bringing modern orthopaedic care — treatment that once required patients to travel to metro cities — directly to patients in Kota.
For patients across Kota searching for the best knee replacement surgeon in Kota, this recognition adds to a broader picture worth understanding on its own terms: what knee replacement surgery actually involves, when it's appropriate, and what to look for in a surgeon — regardless of any single accolade.
About Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan

Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan practices at Advance Joint Orthocare in Mahaveer Nagar, Kota. He holds an MS in Orthopaedics from PGIMER and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, and completed fellowship training in joint replacement and arthroscopy in Hong Kong, Chongqing, Singapore, and Mumbai, along with training in sports medicine. Before setting up his Kota practice, he served as a senior orthopaedic surgeon at Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi.
His clinical focus covers total and partial knee replacement, hip replacement, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery for ligament and meniscus injuries, shoulder dislocation and Bankart repair, and sports injury management. As an orthopaedic surgeon in Kota, he treats patients dealing with degenerative joint disease, post-traumatic joint damage, and sports-related injuries, offering a full range of orthopaedic services at his clinic.
What the Rising Bharat Summit Recognition Represents

According to the clinic's account of the event, the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 felicitation was awarded specifically for Dr. Dhillan's role in bringing newer joint replacement and ligament surgery techniques to Kota — procedures that historically required patients to travel to Jaipur, Delhi, or beyond. The recognition reflects growing visibility for orthopaedic care available locally, rather than a formal medical-board ranking or government award, and patients are encouraged to weigh it as one data point among several — alongside a surgeon's training, experience, and how a consultation actually goes — rather than the sole basis for a decision.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, relieves pain and restores function in a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or old injuries that progressed into arthritis. The procedure resurfaces the damaged joint with metal and plastic components that mimic natural knee movement.
It is typically considered only after conservative treatments — physiotherapy, weight management, activity changes, medication, or injections — no longer provide adequate relief. The decision is highly individual and depends on the severity of joint damage, pain levels, and how much daily life is affected.
When to Consider an Orthopaedic Evaluation
A consultation with a knee specialist is generally worthwhile when someone experiences:
- Persistent knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or standing
- Stiffness that restricts fully bending or straightening the knee
- Swelling that doesn't settle with rest
- A sense of the knee “giving way” or feeling unstable
- Pain that continues despite medication, rest, and physiotherapy
- Visible deformity, such as bowing of the leg, in advanced arthritis
These symptoms don't confirm that surgery is needed — only a proper examination, typically including X-rays or an MRI, can determine the actual state of the joint and the right treatment path.
Types of Knee Replacement Procedures
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Resurfaces the entire knee joint — the femur, tibia, and often the kneecap's underside. TKR is usually recommended when arthritis affects most or all compartments of the knee.
Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement: Used when damage is confined to one part of the knee. Because it preserves more natural bone and ligament, recovery can sometimes be quicker, though suitability depends entirely on what imaging shows.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: Increasingly available across Rajasthan, robotic systems help surgeons plan precise bone cuts and implant alignment based on a patient's individual anatomy. Patients researching robotic knee replacement in Kota should ask their surgeon directly which cases the technology is used for — it supports the surgeon's technique, not a substitute for surgical experience.
Hip replacement follows similar principles: damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components, typically for advanced hip arthritis, fractures, or avascular necrosis. Patients exploring hip replacement in Kota should expect the same thorough pre-surgical evaluation.
What to Look for When Choosing a Knee Replacement Surgeon
Qualifications and training. Confirm the surgeon's orthopaedic degree (MS or DNB Orthopaedics) and any fellowship training specific to joint replacement.
Surgical experience. Ask how many knee or hip replacements the surgeon performs annually, and their experience with your specific case type.
Hospital infrastructure. Look for a dedicated orthopaedic operating setup, post-operative care, and physiotherapy support.
Communication quality. A good consultation explains your diagnosis clearly, the reasoning behind any recommendation, and realistic expectations — without pressure toward surgery.
Transparency about risks and alternatives. A responsible surgeon discusses non-surgical options first and is upfront that outcomes vary by patient.
Recovery and Long-Term Joint Care
Recovery timelines vary by patient. Hospital stays for joint replacement in India typically range from a few days to about a week, and physiotherapy usually starts within a day or two to encourage early movement.
Most patients move from assisted to independent walking over several weeks, with continued improvement in strength and range of motion over the following months. Return to normal daily activities is often possible within six to twelve weeks, though this depends on the individual, the extent of surgery, and consistency with rehabilitation. High-impact activities may take longer to resume, if recommended at all.
Long-term joint care includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying active within your surgeon's or physiotherapist's guidance, attending follow-ups to monitor the implant, and reporting new pain, swelling, or instability promptly.
The Importance of Individual Diagnosis

No two patients' knees are the same. Two people with similar-looking X-rays may need very different treatment plans depending on pain levels, activity goals, and overall health. This is why a personalised orthopaedic consultation — physical exam, imaging, and a detailed history — is essential before deciding on total, partial, or robotic-assisted surgery.
If you're in Kota dealing with ongoing knee or hip pain, the most useful next step is booking a consultation with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon like Dr. Dhillan at Advance Joint Orthocare, who can properly assess your joint and explain your options in plain terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan honored for at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025? According to the clinic, he was recognized for his role in bringing modern joint replacement and ligament surgery techniques to patients in Kota, reducing the need to travel to larger cities for advanced orthopaedic care.
How do I know if I need knee replacement surgery, or if physiotherapy is enough? Only a physical examination and imaging by an orthopaedic surgeon can determine this. Many patients with early to moderate arthritis manage well with physiotherapy, weight management, and medication for years before surgery becomes necessary, if it ever does.
Is robotic knee replacement better than traditional surgery? Robotic assistance can improve precision in bone cutting and implant alignment, but it doesn't replace surgical skill and judgment. Whether it suits your case is a question for your surgeon.
How long does recovery from knee replacement typically take? Most patients regain independent walking within several weeks, with continued improvement over following months — exact timelines depend on age, health, and rehabilitation adherence.
What's the difference between total and partial knee replacement? Total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint; partial replacement addresses damage confined to one compartment. Suitability is determined case by case through imaging.
Where can I consult Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan in Kota? Dr. Dhillan practices at Advance Joint Orthocare in Mahaveer Nagar, Kota. Patients can book a consultation directly to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.
Sources & Further Reading
- Advance Joint Orthocare — Rising Bharat Summit 2025 recognition
- Advance Joint Orthocare — About
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo) — patient education on knee replacement
- Indian Orthopaedic Association — general information on joint replacement surgery
Digital Sources –
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/joint_ligaments_specialist/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jointandspinecare/
linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-durga-shankar-dhillan-1b712a252?originalSubdomain=in
Website – https://advancejointorthocare.com/
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