Date:01/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/01/stories/2007070155190500.htm

Tamil Nadu

Gitanjali Medical Center

Arthritis is one of the most common disabling diseases found in general population. Arthritis means inflammation of joints, there are various types, most common are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and Gouty arthritis.

Arthritis will cause destruction of cartilage and deformity of joints causing permanent disability, if detected and treated early we can prevent permanent damage to the joints.

Knee Replacement Surgery is a boon to patients with severe knee arthritis. Recent advances in surgical technique and implant design has given remarkable result. Patient gets immediate pain relief.

In knee replacement surgery we prepare the worn out cartilage from lower end of thigh bone (Femur) and upper end of leg bone (Tibia) and replace it with artificial implant made of Titanium or Cobalt- Chromium alloy and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWP).

Patient is made to walk very next day after the surgery. With in a month they will be able to do normal routine day to day activities. Various designs are available with High Flex Knee Replacement design one can squat and sit cross leg.

When two knees are affected it is always better to do one knee at a time there is high risk of pulmonary embolism when two knees are replaced at one sitting.

Correct selection of patients, good preoperative assessment of patient and meticulous surgical technique will give excellent surgical result and good quality of life to patients suffering from severe knee arthritis. Dr Anand Rengasamy MS Ortho.