The Chennai-based Centerpulse has decided to set up a Joint Replacement Learning Centre at the Department of Orthopedics at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for the upcoming surgeons of India and SAARC countries to learn the latest techniques here.

The Joint Replacement Surgery Unit at the Civil Hospital, headed by Dr Haresh P. Bhalodia, has performed over 2,000 joint replacement surgeries or Arthroplasty since first such operation here in 1994.

Centerpulse president and general manager, K. Senthilnathan, intended to equip the Centre with all the essential requirements and make available latest developments in this field of speciality to make it a unique center of its kind in India.

In keeping pace with the latest international trend, the Joint Replacement Surgery Unit here has introduced 'Unicondylar Arthroplasty' - the technique of surgery that requires changing only part knee joint for early osteoarthritis knees.

Briefing media persons about the latest technique, Dr Bhalodia said the first Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty (UKR) was performed here on July 3, 2002. Since then 20 more UKRs have been performed. He took around the media persons around the post-operative ward.

He claimed UKR is less invasive, consumes less time and is more affordable than Total Knee Replacement (TKR). The patient gets immediate relief from pain after operation and can walk on the third post-operative day.

Dr Bhalodia said that the Centre would set up an International Fellowship in Joint Replacement Arthroplasty in August 2003 as part of the Indian Arthroplasty Association.

He said the Centre is now equipped with electronic tourniquet, pulse lavage, image intensifier for guided surgery etc. A Pneumatic Drill alone cost Rs 9 lakh and is just one of several such instruments. The Centre has tied-up with Cadila Healthcare to introduce Vircon technology to disinfect Operation Theatres keeping them ready for the next operation within an hour.

Dr Bhalodia acknowledged an unflinching support from the Superintendent of the Civil Hospital, Dr Anil Chadda, for improving theatre condition, centralized air-condition, granting funds for implants, sanctioning costly antibiotics and for setting up a Bone Bank to preserve bones at minus 60 to minus 80 degrees Celsius. The Bone Bank is particularly helpful for Joint Replacement 'Revision' Surgery, some times necessary 10-12 years after surgery due to re-fracture in the same place, development of new complications or due to the expiry of the life of implant, he said.

Dr Bhalodia said that the 3,000-bed Civil Hospital Complex is one of the biggest hospitals in Asia, providing free treatment to poor patients or at nominal cost to others. The cost of UKR here is Rs 45,000-50,000 as against Rs 70,000-80,000 elsewhere.