The Mumbai-based Wockhardt Hospitals recently demonstrated latest advances in surgical treatment of orthopaedic and spine ailments through a live Workshop.

The unique feature of the workshop was the introduction of B-Twin Spinal system, an Expandable Inter-vertebral Device (EID) for Lumbar spine Fusion - a new generation treatment for lower back pain arising mainly out of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), which causes instability of the spine and thereby affects movement of patients.

"The introduction of B-Twin spinal systems enables us to perform the procedure through minimally invasive technique which reduces post operative pain and instability," said Dr. Ram Chaddha, Consultant Spine Surgeon from Wockhardt Spine Centre.

The disc located between vertebrae, acts as a buffer, sustaining our weight and impacts caused while walking, running, lifting objects etc, which makes vertebral disc implantation procedure a boon for patients with these ailments, he added.

Another recent technique, which was showcased at the workshop, was Articular Surface Replacement (ASR), Dr. Kaushal Malhan, a Joint Replacement and Resurfacing specialist said, "Surface Replacement Arthoplasty which is also known as hip resurfacing is a bone conserving hip surgery that allows a normal lifestyle to patients of end stage hip joint disease. The hip joint may need to be replaced with an artificial joint when it gets badly and irreversibly damaged."

In India, this condition commonly occurs secondary to conditions like vascular necrosis, ankylosing spondylosis, infection, childhood hip problems and injury which are generally seen in a younger age group.

The EID is made from an alloy consisting of metals like cobalt, chromium and molybdenum. The product is imported and priced at Rs 1 lakh after import. The cost of operation is in the range of Rs 1.65-1.75 lakh.

Before the introduction of ASR, conventional hip replacements usually consisted of a long metal component that was fixed into the thigh bone articulating with a polyetherne cup cemented into the pelvis. Common problems associate d with this were, extensive bone loss, increased risk of dislocation, inability to squat or sit on the floor with risk of dislocation, and reduced range of movement and sporting activities, early revision surgery etc.

ASR or hip resurfacing involves replacing only the diseased bone. Preservation of bone at the time of operation and less stress shielding makes it easy to revise this if needed. The large size provides a very stable joint and close to normal hip sensation. This technique addresses almost all the problems that a conventional hip replacement creates.