Vikram Hospitals now sees that advanced technology, new implant designs and improved surgical techniques making total knee replacement as one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures.

Currently, Indian hospitals perform over 200,000 joint replacement surgeries annually. Healthcare providers estimate at least an additional 50,000 surgeries per year making India a destination of choice for advanced medical treatment.

In a recent development, Vikram Hospital performed an advanced navigated knee replacement surgery on a 75 year-old patient from abroad. For over 6 years, the patient was unable to perform his normal activities due to severe pain in both his knee joints and right shoulder which immobilised him.

According to the team of doctors led by Dr. Chethan Nagraj, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, and Specialist in Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy, Vikram Hospital Bengaluru, the patient’s both knees where bent by 70 degree .

“Considering the complexity of his condition, we performed a bilateral total knee replacement first and plan to do shoulder replacement after 3 months. He had gross deformity in both his knees and so performing total knee replacement was a challenge and adequate preparation and precautions had to be taken”, said Dr. Nagraj.

The bilateral knee replacement surgery aided by computer navigation allows patients to walk on the same day. The patient experiences substantial pain relief and speedy restoration of function which will last for at least 15 to 20 years in 90 per cent of patients. Knee replacements can be a simple surgery at an expert hand. With a properly functioning knee, the patients also reduces the risk of several diseases. The onset of pain stalls physical activity which also aggravates hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, he said.