Fortis Hospital Seshadripuram has opened a dedicated arthritis clinic and the clinic is first in the network of 28 hospitals in the country. The healthcare major has also launched the 'Fortis Exclusive Total Knee Replacement Surgery Package'. Under the package, the surgery will be done at an affordable price of Rs 1.15 lakh which is almost half the cost of regular surgery.

Across the country, the knee replacement surgery cost varies from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh. The knee replacement product has been sourced by a leading German based company. The cost component of the implant varies between Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. High quality implants can provide the much needed flexibility to the patient." We are offering an imported German made implant at a competitive rate. We will add new programs to meet increasing patient We have been able to offer it at Rs 1.15 lakh going by our muscle power with the vendor because of the volumes. The low cost will bring much needed relief to the patients. Knee replacements are crucial for the patient as it improves the quality of life," Dr Simmardeep S Gill, COO Fortis Hospital, told Pharmabiz.

Total Knee Replacement is a high end procedure that requires expertise and equipment for a good success rate. The demographic profile is suggestive of the fact that there was an urgent need for such a facility as around 20 per cent of the Indian population is under risk category, he added.

The high-end surgical unit has a dedicated operation theatre, a state of art ICU and a Physiotherapy department to deal with post operative rehabilitation. A dedicated clinic from Monday to Saturday with special timings, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm is also being introduced. This unit will be managed by renowned orthopaedic experts.

The Hospital is equipped to conduct high end surgical procedures to provide relief to patients suffering from severe knee pain, chronic knee inflammation, knee deformity and stiffness. Under this procedure, damaged parts of the knee joints are replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis).

The procedure allows patients to return to normal productive life which is beneficial not only to the patients but also to their family members, apart from giving them relief from pain.

According to Dr Anand Chavan, senior orthopaedic consultant, Fortis Hospital, "The age group susceptible to arthritis (45 to 65yrs) is on the rise and increasing number of patients are opting for Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR). Nowadays, people suffer from major joint problems because of the sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrient intake and improper postures while performing routine work. Sportsmen and workers involved in excessive physical work along with people who get afflicted with joint infections may develop arthritis of the joint."

The clinic was inaugurated by Dr V S Acharya, home minister of Karnataka. Dinesh Gundu Rao, MLA Gandhinagar announced the affordable package.