Iraqi woman undergoes intricate knee surgery

Recognised for delivering exceptional patient care, Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital recently announced a rare bilateral total knee replacement surgery performed in a single session on a 65-year-old lady from Baghdad, Iraq. Zainab Salen Mohammed Hasan – a morbidly-obese lady with a BMI of 44.5, weighing 100 kg – had difficulty in walking, eventually suffering severe back pain. She was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis (Stage 4), wherein patients experience pain and discomfort in moving their joints

Speaking about her life-changing experience, Zainab said, "I had consulted many doctors but after consulting Dr Rajeev Sharma at Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital, I consented to undergo Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. I am extremely grateful to Vimhans Nayati for putting me back on my feet."

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for progression of knee osteoarthritis. Since Zainab was in Class 3 (high-risk) obese category, her obesity made it a rare case. Moreover, she had comorbid symptoms such as diabetes and hypertension.

Commenting on the demanding single-session surgery, Dr Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Chairman – Institute of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Arthroplasty at Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty, said, "In Zainab's case, excess weight exerted extra pressure on her hips and knees, causing faster deterioration of the joint cartilage. Besides, weak bones made the fixation of implants unmanageable. To ensure the benefits of this surgery last longer, backed by an improved range of motion, we used a mobile-bearing joint that can last up to 20-25 years. Furthermore, we have restored the joint anatomy and limb alignment. Now, both her legs are straight with full movement of knee joints, ensuring she walks easily."

Given the expanding need, Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital has a special Pain Management Programme for such cases, involving minimally-invasive surgery, including techniques such as careful handling of tissues, small cuts, special surgical techniques, injections and other select medical treatment for making the patient comfortable after surgery.

Considering the country's growing need for Total Knee Replacement, Niira Radia, Chairperson – Nayati Healthcare and Research Pvt Ltd, stated, "Our endeavour is to provide world-class healthcare to our patients to ease their suffering that too in the most humane way. In our hospitals, we make sure that they are built around the finest medical team; the most advanced equipment; and, of course, around patients."