Orthopedic surgery in India

Overview: The Greek word 'ortho' means straight and 'pedics' comes from the Greek 'pais' meaning children. For many centuries, orthopedists have been involved in the treatment of crippled children. So over the years, the field has expanded to encompass many subspecialties and the treatment of a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders in patients of all ages. Orthopaedics is a specialty of immense breadth and variety. Orthopedists treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including such common injuries as fractures, torn ligaments, dislocations, sprains, tendon injuries, pulled muscles, and ruptured discs.

What is Orthopedic surgery?

Orthopaedics is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The physicians who specialize in treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system are called orthopaedic surgeons or orthopedists. The orthopedists may perform surgery to restore function lost as a result of injury or disease of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or skin; they are involved in all aspects of health care pertaining to the musculoskeletal system.

Who needs Orthopedic surgery:

Orthopedic surgeries are instrumental in correcting problems that arise in the skeleton and its attachments, the ligaments and tendons. It may also deal with some problems of the nervous system, such as those that arise from injury of the spine. These problems can occur at birth, through injury, or as the result of aging. They may be acute, as in injury, or chronic, as in many aging-related problems.

Types of Orthopedic surgery:

According to applications for board certification from 1999 to 2003, the top 25 most common procedures (in order) performed by orthopedic surgeons are as follows:

• Knee arthroscopy and meniscectomy

• Shoulder arthroscopy and decompression

• Carpal tunnel release

• Knee arthroscopy and chondroplasty • Removal of support implant

• Knee arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

• Knee replacement • Repair of femoral neck fracture

• Repair of trochanteric fracture

• Debridement of skin/muscle/bone/fracture

• Knee arthroscopy repair of both menisci • Hip replacement

• Shoulder arthroscopy/distal clavicle excision

• Repair of rotator cuff tendon • Repair fracture of radius (bone)/ulna

• Laminectomy

• Repair of ankle fracture (bimalleolar type)

Top Orthopedic procedures:

• Knee replacement: Knee replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the patient's knee joint and replaces them with new artificial parts. The operation itself is called knee arthroplasty. Knee arthroplasty has two primary purposes: pain relief and improved functioning of the knee joint. Because of the importance of the knee to a person's ability to stand upright, improved joint functioning includes greater stability in the knee.

• Hip replacement: Hip replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the patient's hip joint and replaces them with new artificial parts. The operation itself is called hip arthroplasty. This type of surgery is done to replace or reconstruct a joint. The artificial joint itself is called prosthesis. Hip prostheses may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or various combinations of these materials. Hip arthroplasty has two primary purposes: pain relief and improved functioning of the hip joint.

• Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty is surgery performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion by realigning or reconstructing a dysfunctional joint. The goal of arthroplasty is to restore the function of a stiffened synovial joint and relieve pain. As a surgical procedure, it is usually performed when medical treatment has not improved function in the affected joint. There are two types of arthroplastic surgery: joint resection and interpositional reconstruction. Joint resection involves removing a portion of the bone from a stiffened joint, increasing the space between the bone and the socket to improve the range of motion. Scar tissue eventually fills the gap, narrowing joint space again. Pain is relieved and motion is restored, but the joint is less stable.

• Shoulder joint replacement: Shoulder joint replacement surgery is performed to replace a shoulder joint with artificial components (prostheses) when the joint is severely damaged by such degenerative joint diseases as arthritis, or in complex cases of upper arm bone fracture. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows the arms to be raised, twisted, bent, and moved forward, to the side and backward. The head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is the ball, and a circular cavity (glenoid) in the shoulder blade (scapula) is the socket. A soft-tissue rim (labrum) surrounds and deepens the socket. The head of the humerus is also covered with a smooth, tough tissue (articular cartilage); and the joint, also called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, has a thin inner lining (synovium) that facilitates movement while surrounding muscles and tendons provide stability and support.

Common Orthopedic Conditions:

• Conditions of the Knee:

o Tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Blown Out Knee)

o Arthritis of the Knee

o Meniscal Cartilage Tear

o Various Runners' Conditions Affecting the Knee

o Limited Cartilage Defects of the Knee

• Shoulder arthroscopy and debridement

• Lumbar spinal fusion

• Repair fracture of the distal part of radius • Low back intervertebral disc surgery

• Incise finger tendon sheath

• Repair of ankle fracture (fibula) • Repair of femoral shaft fracture

• Repair of trochanteric fracture

• Conditions of the Shoulder o Bursitis o Impingement Syndrome o Rotator Cuff Tear o Shoulder Separation o Shoulder Dislocation

• Conditions of the Hip o Bursitis of the hip o Avascular Necrosis o Arthritis of the Hip

• Others conditions include: o Elbow Pain and Problems o Fibromyalgia o Foot Pain and Problems o Fractures o Hand Pain and Problems o Low Back Pain o Neck Pain and Problems o Osteoporosis o Paget ’s disease of the Bone o Scoliosis o Soft-Tissue Injuries

Preparing for the surgery:

A patient is usually referred to an orthopedic surgeon by a primary care physician, emergency room physician, or other doctor. Prior to any surgery, candidates undergo extensive testing to determine appropriate corrective procedures. Tests may include x rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), myelograms, diagnostic arthroplasty, and blood tests. The orthopedist will determine the history of the disorder and any treatments that were previously tried. A period of rest to the injured part may be recommended before surgery is undertaken. Surgical candidates undergo standard blood and urine tests before surgery and, for major procedures, may be given an electrocardiogram or other diagnostic tests prior to the operation. Individuals may choose to donate some of their own blood to be held in reserve for their use in major surgery such as knee replacement , during which heavy bleeding is common.

After surgery:

As with any surgery, there is always a risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Risks specifically associated with orthopedic surgery include inflammation at the site where foreign materials (pins, prostheses, or wires) are introduced into the body, infection as the result of surgery, and damage to nerves or to the spinal cord.

Results:

Thousands of people have successful orthopedic surgery each year to recover from injuries or to restore lost function. The degree of success in individual recoveries depends on an individual's age and general health, the medical problem being treated, and a person's willingness to comply with rehabilitative therapy after the surgery. Abnormal results from orthopedic surgery include persistent pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area, surgical wound infection resulting in slow healing, and incomplete restoration of pre-surgical function.

Advance Orthopedic procedures:

Torn labrum repair surgery: The procedure for torn labrum repair surgery is very complex and it requires experienced surgeons to perform such kind of surgery. The labrum is a type of cartilage found in the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint where the arm meets the body. Tears of the labrum near the biceps tendon attachment (SLAP lesions) may be just trimmed or may need to be reattached to the top of the socket. The best way to do this is with arthroscopic surgery since this area is difficult to reach with an open operation through a large incision. Using the arthroscope and small incisions for other instruments, the labrum can be re-attached to the rim of the socket using either sutures or tacks. Generally patients get recovered very fast and they are discharged the same day.

Podiatry Surgery:

is designed to ensure continued functionality of the foot and ankle areas. Patients, who complain of joint and ligament problems, as well as those with congenital deformities, are offered a plethora of surgical solutions that fix bones, muscles, and joints. Certain podiatric surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgery, while others perform full reconstructions.

Why Orthopedic surgery in India:

Of late, India has become a favorable destination for various Orthopedic surgeries. The reason behind this paradigm shift is because of its infrastructure and technology which is virtually equivalent to those in USA, UK and Europe. India has some of the best hospitals and treatment centers in the world and some truly superior facilities, with almost zero patients wait list. The hospitals and orthopedic medical centers have state of the art facilities, equipped with state of art infrastructure and latest technology. Hospitals adhere to international standards of clinical care, safe environment, medication safety, respect for rights and privacy, international infection control standards.

The panel of Indian orthopaedic surgeons are highly qualified, having the experience of thousands of Joint replacement surgeries - both primary and revision surgeries of the hip, knee, shoulder as well as Uni-Compartmental Knee replacement. They are trained and worked in some of the best centres in England, USA & Europe. They have a good success rate and are world renowned medical professionals known to cater service both India and abroad.

Orthopedic Surgery in India is available at various hospitals in the following cities with latest amenities and state-of-art-facilities.

Mumbai Hyderabad Kerala

Delhi Pune Goa

Bangalore Nagpur Jaipur

Chennai Gurgaon Chandigarh

Low cost: Significant cost differences exist in India when it comes to orthopedic surgery. India is not only cheaper but the waiting time is almost nil. This is due to the outburst of the private sector which is comprised of hospitals and clinics with the latest technology and best practitioners.

Procedure USA ($) Singapore($) UK($) India ($)

Spine surgery with implants 43,500 14,000 27,000 6,500

Spinal Fusion 32,000 20,000 24,000 5,500

Hip replacement 42,500 14,000 24,000 6,300

Knee Replacement 33,000 13,000 22,000 5,700

Orthopedic Surgery Patients Testimonial:

Mr. Uche, Nigeria Shoulder Surgery

The entire team of Tour2india4health was so professional and caring that I have not seen elsewhere in my life. I got the best medical care during my cheap cost shoulder replacement in India at an orthopedic surgery hospital of Hyderabad. The doctor and the medical staff used the latest medical technology during my medical treatment and I really appreciate it.

Mr. Soji Omotunde, Nigeria Total Hip Replacement Surgery

I am Mr. Soji Omotunde. I am a Nigerian citizen from Lagos. Recently I got my orthopedic surgery in Delhi, India. The hospital where I got my orthopedic surgery in Delhi, India was mind blowing. It was state of the art. It was the kind of hospital that one would find in the Western countries. I would definitely recommend India to all my friends, back home in Lagos

Mr. Sultan Popal, Afghanistan Laser Spine Surgery India

I am Mr. Sultan Popal from Afghanistan. I got my spine surgery under orthopedic spine surgeons of India. I am highly grateful to my medical service providers I came to know about Tour2India4Health group through a friend. I immediately called them up and discussed everything. I got a very good response from them. They were very supportive and encouraging. They chose a highly experienced orthopedic spine surgeon for my surgery. I got my surgery at a reasonable price. I am glad that I came across Tour2India4Health Group. They made everything very easy for me.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Knee replacement surgery also known as knee arthroplasty is procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. It may be performed for other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The procedure has been proven to help individuals return back to moderately challenging activities such as golf, bicycling, and swimming. Total knees are not designed for jogging, or sports like tennis and skiing (although there certainly are people with total knee replacements that participate in such sports). Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had Total Knee Replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function.

Knee Replacement Surgery Candidates A person would be considered a candidate for knee replacement if there is:

• Daily pain • The pain is severe enough to restrict work, recreation and ordinary activities of daily living

• Significant stiffness in the knee

• Significant instability (constant giving way) of the knee • Significant deformity (knock-knees or bow-legs) that hinders normal function of the knee

• Damage from arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis

Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery: Knee replacement surgery is recognized as a miracle of modern surgery. Most orthopedic experts consider replacement to be the best method of handling arthritis in the knee. Knee replacements have literally put hundreds of thousands of Americans back on their feet and allowed them to enjoy their golden years.

Knee Replacement Surgery Preparations:

• If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking changes blood flow patterns, delays healing and slows recovery.

• If you drink, don't have any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.

• Ask your doctor for pre-surgical exercises. If you are having hip or knee replacement surgery, doing exercises to strengthen your upper body will help you cope with crutches or a walker after surgery.

• Your primary care physician or an internist will conduct a general medical evaluation several weeks before surgery. This examination will assess your health and your risk for anesthesia. The results of this examination should be forwarded to your orthopaedic surgeon, along with a surgical clearance.

• Shortly before your scheduled surgery, you will probably have an orthopedic examination to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions.

• You may need to take several types of tests, including blood tests, a cardiogram, a urine sample and a chest X-ray. • Advice your surgeon of any medical conditions you have and of all the medications you are taking. You may need to

stop taking certain medications or your surgeon may recommend substitute medications until your surgery. Medications such as corticosteroids, insulin or anti-coagulants will need to be managed before and after surgery.