Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 9, 2024 12:17 PM IST
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During the surgery, metal and plastic parts are used to 'cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap'. (Photo: Freepik)
In marriage, couples often promise to be together in sickness and in health. For this elderly couple from Hyderabad, it turned out to be true. Struggling with severe knee osteoarthritis, the couple decided to undergo a surgery together and set a benchmark for love, showing the world what it looks like to stay strong as a team in the face of adversity. The surgery purportedly took place 'sequentially' in the 'same stretch of admission', doctors said. It provided them with immediate relief from discomfort, walking difficulties, and pain. After the procedure, the patients regained mobility fully and are now able to carry out their daily activities without restrictions. Read on to find out more.
The 80-year-old patient C V Shastry and his 75-year-old wife C Bhagyalakshmi had been experiencing knee pain and walking problems for 15 years. They tried various things and even consulted numerous doctors to undergo 'conservative measures of treatment' including several injections to the knees. Unfortunately, all of their endeavours failed. Then, their son -- who is a banking professional in Navi Mumbai -- reached out to doctors at Medicover Hospitals. The patients were treated by Dr Deepak Gautam, consultant joint replacement and director of orthopedic disciplines at Medicover, and his team.
When the couple arrived at the hospital with their son's support, their clinical condition and X-ray reports indicated they were 'ideal candidates' for knee replacement surgery.
According to hopkinsmedicine.org, knee replacement -- also known as 'knee arthroplasty' or 'total knee replacement' -- is a surgical procedure that treats knees damaged by arthritis. During the surgery, metal and plastic parts are used to 'cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap'. This mode of treatment may be considered for a patient with severe arthritis issues, or a knee injury.
"Age is an independent risk factor for such surgeries, but there was no other option left. Luckily, despite the husband being an octogenarian and the wife being a septuagenarian, they had little [comorbidities] with 'controlled blood pressure and sugar levels', which gave the anaesthetist confidence," Dr Gautam said.
The doctor added that the couple underwent successful surgeries and were able to get discharged the same day. They got out 'hand-in-hand' and were able to walk the following morning.
Dr Jayashree Venkatesan, consultant anesthesiologist, pointed out that anesthesia is a 'risky job' -- putting the patient to sleep and giving temporary paralysis to legs. "Geriatric age groups pose immense risk, as patients have comorbidities, reduced function of almost every organ, post-operative pain, and healing and rehabilitation concerns. Regional anesthesia like epidural, spinal anesthesia, and nerve blocks help to maintain the homeostasis during surgery and reduce postoperative pain. They also help with physiotherapy, and early rehabilitation and discharge," the doctor said.
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