About Doctor

Dr. Mrinal Prakash

MBBS, MS, DNB Orthopaedics

Fellowship in Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery

Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine

Fellowship in Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

Known for his warm, approachable nature and clear, friendly communication, he ensures that every patient feels heard, understood, and supported throughout their treatment journey. Dr. Mrinal is a highly trained and compassionate orthopaedic surgeon with a deep commitment to patient care. He takes time to explain diagnoses and treatment plans in detail, empowering patients to make informed decisions. He believes that surgery is only one part of healing — for him, recovery truly begins after the procedure. That’s why he places strong emphasis on post-operative rehabilitation, working closely with each patient to help them regain full function and return to an active life.

Know More Book Appointment
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Publications
  • Author of Book

Education & Fellowships

Dr. Mrinal Prakash is well-trained with strong academic qualifications and advanced fellowships in orthopaedics.

  • MBBS, MS, DNB Orthopaedics
  • Fellowship in Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery
  • Fellowship in Revision Joint Replacement Surgery
  • Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
  • Fellowship - Depuy (Johnson & Johnson) Arthroplasty
  • Diploma - FIFA (Switzerland)
  • Certification - Mako Stryker Robotic Arthroplasty (USA)
  • Certification - MRCS A (England)
  • Certification - AO Trauma (Switzerland)
  • Certification - Trauma (Technische Universität München, Germany)

Experience & Previous Organizations

Dr. Mrinal Prakash brings extensive surgical experience from leading hospitals and institutes.

  • More than 12 years of experience
  • More than 6000 trauma surgeries performed
  • More than 4500 joint replacements performed
  • More than 2500 knee arthroscopy performed
  • KIMS – Sunshine Hospitals, Hyderabad
  • Bombay Hospital, Mumbai
  • BJ Government Medical College, Pune

Research & Publications

Dr. Mrinal Prakash has contributed to renowned medical journals with impactful orthopaedic research.

Author of Books

Dr. Mrinal Prakash has authored evidence-based clinical guides for orthopaedic practice and learning.

  • Peri-prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) – Evidence Based Concise Clinical Guide
    Prevention of PJI
FAQs

Guides & Answers

Who needs a joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery is recommended when severe joint damage (usually from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury) causes persistent pain and disability despite non-surgical treatments.
If you:

  • Struggle with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting
  • Experience pain even at rest or during the night
  • Have tried medicines, physiotherapy, and injections without relief, it might be time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon.

Early consultation can prevent worsening deformity and ensure better recovery outcomes.

How is the recovery after joint replacement surgery?

Most patients can walk with support within 24–48 hours after knee or hip replacement surgery.

  • First 2 weeks: Focus on wound healing and basic mobility inside the house. Walk with walker support.
  • End of 1st month: Supervised home physiotherapy builds strength, improves range of motion.
  • 1st - 2nd month: Most patients resume normal activities like cooking in the kitchen, going for walk in the park, get back to office.

Commitment to post-surgery rehabilitation plays a major role in long-term success.

Does it hurt after joint replacement surgery?

Modern techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, regional anaesthesia, and multimodal pain management, greatly reduce post-surgical discomfort.

Most patients report that post-surgery pain is less than the arthritis pain they experienced before the procedure — and it improves steadily with rehab.

In my personal cases, I stop all injectable antibiotics and analgesics (pain killers) 48 hours after surgery. Patient get discharged from the hospital 48-72 hours after surgery, once they are comfortably walking.

Role of robotics in joint replacement surgery?

Robotic-assisted joint replacement allows for more precise implant positioning, better alignment, and customized planning based on a patient’s anatomy.
Benefits include:

  • Faster recovery
  • Reduced soft tissue damage
  • Potentially longer implant life

Robotics is a tool — not a replacement for the surgeon’s skill. Always choose a surgeon with specialised training in robotic and conventional joint replacement techniques.

How long does a knee or hip replacement last?

Modern implants last 15–20 years or more with proper care.
Factors affecting lifespan include:

  • Age and activity level
  • Weight
  • Quality of surgery and rehabilitation
  • Avoiding high-impact activities

Joint Replacement

Arthroscopy & Sports Injury

What should you do immediately after a sports injury?

Follow the R.I.C.E. protocol:

  • R – Rest: Stop playing to avoid further injury.
  • I – Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours to reduce swelling.
  • C – Compression: Use an elastic bandage to support the injured area.
  • E – Elevation: Keep the injured limb raised above heart level.

When to see a doctor immediately:

  • Visible deformity
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Severe swelling or bruising
  • Persistent pain beyond 24 hours

Early orthopaedic evaluation helps prevent chronic ligament or cartilage damage.

Do all knee ligament tears need surgery?

No. Not all ligament tears require surgery.

  • Partial tears (e.g., mild MCL, partial ACL injury) and certain type of Meniscus tears often heal with rest, bracing, and physiotherapy.
  • Complete tears like ACL ruptures in active individuals usually need surgical reconstruction, especially if they want to return to sports.

Factors to consider:

  • Multiple episodes of Instability, give way sensation.
  • Partial tear in people with high-demand jobs.
  • Feeling of discomfort / lack of confidence while playing sports, dancing, running, stairs walking.
  • Pain and locking of the knee days after the injury.

In young athletes, delaying surgery for unstable ligament injuries can lead to more damage over time.

What’s the recovery like post ACL surgery?

Recovery after ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction depends on the surgical technique, the patient’s overall health, and their commitment to rehabilitation.

Typical recovery timeline:

  • Week 1–2: Focus on swelling control, gentle bending/straightening of the knee, and walking with crutches.
  • Weeks 3–6: Gradual return to full weight-bearing, improving knee range of motion, and starting strengthening exercises.
  • Months 3–6: Advanced strengthening, balance training, and sport-specific drills.
  • Month 6 onwards: Return to non-contact sports if strength and stability are fully restored. Contact sports may need 9 months of recovery and rehabilitation.

Will avoiding ligament surgery lead to early arthritis?

Yes — in many cases, untreated ligament injuries (especially ACL or PCL tears) can lead to joint instability, causing repeated episodes of the knee giving way.
This instability increases wear on the cartilage and meniscus, accelerating joint degeneration and leading to early-onset osteoarthritis.

Who is at risk:

  • Young athletes resuming sports without treatment
  • People with high-demand jobs requiring twisting/kneeling
  • Patients ignoring recurrent swelling or instability

Local context: In active communities like Mumbai and Thane, untreated ligament injuries in younger years often present as severe arthritis by the age of 40–45.

How to avoid sports injury in young athletes?

Preventing sports injuries starts with education and proper training.

Key tips:

  • Warm up & cool down: Dynamic stretches before play, static stretches after.
  • Proper technique: Coaches should teach safe movement patterns for each sport.
  • Cross-training: Avoid overuse by playing multiple sports rather than specialising too early.
  • Protective gear: Use sport-specific shoes, guards, and helmets.
  • Listen to your body: Pain is a warning sign — rest and get evaluated early.
Book a Consultation Now