New Delhi: Gilded knee implant replacement is fast catching up, not as a mark of luxury but for better outcomes. Indraprastha Apollo happens to be the first hospital in India to introduce golden knee implants. Such replacements last longer and are affordable as well. Gilded implants are especially good for senior citizens.
Dr. (Prof) Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, turns out pioneer of gold standard knee replacement. He did first gilded knee replacement in Apollo in May and since then, in barely 3 months, the number has reached to whopping 25. In a press conference on World Senior Citizen day (August 21), Dr Vaishya briefed about the benefits of golden knee implants.
Underlining several benefits of Golden Knee implants, Prof. Vaishya said, ‘Golden Knees’ are the advanced version of total knee replacement implants (prosthesis) which provides the best solution to people suffering from Osteoarthritis. In this, the implant has a ‘Bionic Gold’ surface which prevents direct contact with the base material of the implant and the surrounding tissues. It also reduces the release of particles and ions due to wear and therefore almost eliminates the chances of metal allergy. As the surface of this metal is smooth, it causes less friction thereby increasing the life of the joint to 30 – 35 years which in normal implants lasts up to 15-20 years.’
‘The ‘Bionic Gold’ surface is made by a fully biocompatible titanium niobium nitride (TiNbN) surface coating on metallic implant components surface coating on metallic implant components.This coating presents as metallic, light golden yellow (golden) appearance whereby the coating forms a firm bond with the implant,’ added Dr Vaishya.
Dr Vaishya said gilded knee implants especially benefit senior citizens. As India is staring at a huge senior citizenry in times to come, a large number of them would need knee replacements. As golden implants are affordable and give better outcomes, they are bound to be rule rather than exception.
About 80% of the population above 65 years of age suffers from osteoarthritis. It is a disease which causes cartilage degradation resulting into pain in major joints, especially in knee joint. Globally it ranks eighth in all diseases and covers around 15% proportions among all musculoskeletal problems. The incidence of the disease increases with age and generally affects women more frequently than men. Moreover, the problem is more commonly found in those who are obese and thus, lifestyle has inadvertently led to an increase in those suffering from this painful condition.’
Premlata Jain, who underwent golden knee implants, said, ‘I was in really bad condition when I consulted the doctors at Indraprastha Apollo hospitals. I could barely walk myself. Doctors told me that I will have to undergo a total knee transplant surgery for my treatment. They suggested me for a ‘golden knee’ implant which was a total new concept for me but doctors explained me the benefits of the implant. Having trust in the doctor’s expertise here, I underwent the Golden Knee Implant. I am really grateful to Dr Vaishya for treating me. It’s totally because of him that I am able to walk properly today.”
The ‘golden knee’ implants are only marginally expensive than the routinely used implants, in India. These are therefore affordable by the most patients requiring total knee replacement. With these implants, the patients get ‘High Flexion’ ability i.e. they can even squat, kneel and climb stairs with ease and comfort.
