Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore performed a first of its kind hip replacement surgery in Karnataka on a 23-year-old patient suffering from Avascular Necrosis of hip joint using Latest Delta Motion technology.

The team of experts headed by Dr J V Srinivas, Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon implanted a ceramic-on-ceramic instrument which lasts a three times longer than regular hip replacement and also has a greater flexibility.

Earlier replacements used to wear out after certain period and therefore the patients had to undergo revision surgery which is major undertaking with severe bone loss, tissue damage, prolonged recovery and also huge financial burden on the patients.

Commenting on the case, Dr J V Srinivas, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Fortis Hospitals said “Earlier when a young patient suffering from hip arthritis was advised for restricted activities or undergo hip fusion which would limit his mobility. This in turn loses his precious early part of his productive life. Hip replacement surgeries were not advised as the prosthesis available had limited life span. Now with the advent of un-cemented total hip replacement with ceramic on ceramic articulation (delta motion), these younger patients can undergo hip replacement with normal hip movements and normal life style without the fear of repeat surgery as these implants have longer life than regular prosthetic hip(at least 3 times).”

Anand P, the 23-year old man had the problem of Avascular Necrosis, a disease that stops circulation of the blood to the hip joints. He started experiencing discomfort in his hip joint at the age of 18 and was diagnosed with arthritis of hip secondary to perthe’s disease of childhood. He had developed shortening of affected leg. This not only hindered his work but also affected his lifestyle He came to Fortis Hospitals where its experts recommended implanting the latest ceramic-on-ceramic joint using Delta Motion Technology. As the surgery was minimally invasive, there was minimal bone loss and better fixation and the patient recovered and was discharged early. He is completely pain relieved and his limb length on both sides is equal.

Conventional implants used metal on plastic technology and the plastic component used to wear after certain period and this was a great limiting factor. Once it wears the patients have to undergo a revision surgery. Flexibility is another issue the regular implants did not allow full normal movement like sitting cross legged, squatting or kneeling for prayer and if somebody attempts it they would have dislocation of joint

The new technology has a ceramic-on-ceramic implant giving it maximum mobility with reduced dislocation chances and prolonged life. The cost of the new technology is only slightly higher than the conventional one which does not bar the patient on thinking over the same financially. The implants are so flexible patients can carry out jobs involving maximum stretch of the joints, stated Dr Srinivas.

The Delta Motion Hip technology is now a preferred form of joint implant for arthritis and Avascular Necrosis for younger patients. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post injury cases can also go for this surgery.