Veteran actor Sulabha Deshpande has entertained us both on screen and on stage. The intensity with which she portrays a character is known to all of us but few are aware that she was on the verge of ending her professional career because she had osteoarthritis. The actor went in for a computer-assisted knee replacement surgery and is
back at work. Satisfied with the results, Deshpande is now working towards creating an awareness about this disease.
As we all know, human bones undergo constant changes as we grow. An infant has 270 bones which later fuse to 206. But change is not just in a number or size. The bones also undergo fundamental quality changes. The most prominent of these, in the Indian perspective, is the damage caused to the knee joint.
A majority of knee joint sufferers have osteoarthritis (OA). The disease is characterised by damage to the bone cartilage that acts as a natural cushion for the bones. In the later stages of OA, the disease leads to a bone against bone situation and the sufferer has persistent pain. In the advanced stages, surgery is the only solution to the ailment — it provides the desired results and is long lasting.
Precise and predictable
Computer navigation makes the results of knee replacement reproducible. During a computer-assisted surgery (CAS), the surgeon has multiple control options combined with real time navigation. There are tools attached to the machine that ensure the precision of the placement of an implant. Human errors are reduced and the patient is safe in the hands of technology. This is applicable to all kinds of deformities of the knee joint (including extremely bowed or knock knees). In the case of patients who have been operated using CAS there is a reduced need of physiotherapy.
The trouble is that most patients try to diagnose themselves and manage with ointments and crepe bandages. However, the gravity of the situation in most cases is more serious than a patient would expect. A nonchalant approach is what worsens the condition.
Any further delay after the doctor’s advice of surgery could lead to serious trouble and maybe complete loss of movement. Let me hasten to add that the fear of surgery is overrated. Advanced surgical procedures can bring the patient back to motion in as little as a week’s time.
Prevention is the best cure
Every medical practitioner advises that prevention is the best cure. You must ensure the use of knee protection devices while playing sports. Always keep in mind that the knee is a hinge joint and has a basic functionality to move only up and down. So don’t try and twist it in a circular motion like a ball and socket joint (such as a hip joint).
Healthy eating habits also help. Obesity leads to excess strain on the knees which results in wear and tear.
A diet free of excess fats is recommended. Have the proper amount of vitamin C in your diet as it can help in ligament development. Post menopausal women must see a diet specialist to discuss the calcium needs for their body.
The author is a renowned surgeon at Sitaram Bhartia Institute, Delhi