Secunderabad Apollo Hospitals Arthritis Awareness Walk

Persons with Hip & knee replacement join the walk against Arthritis, to spread the message - ‘Arthritis is curable & conquerable’

Mr. Kripanand Tripathi Ujela, Special Secretary, Govt. of AP, flags off the walk

Hyderabad, October 11, 2012: APOLLO HOSPITALS – Secunderabad, organised ‘Join the walk against Arthritis,’ with total hip and knee replacement patients walking a small stretch from Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad on the eve of ‘World Arthritis Day’ (October 12th, 2012), on Thursday at Secunderabad. The walk organised to spread the message - ‘Arthritis is curable & conquerable’, was flagged off by Mr. Kripanand Tripathi Ujela, IPS, Special Secretary – Home, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Mithin Aachi, Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Secunderabad and Dr. A.Y. Chari, former DME were present on the occasion.

Arthritis is a crippling disease which is painful, depressing and prevents free mobility. It comes due to age, obesity or lifestyle. When medical therapy fails in such patients, Total Joint Replacement is the only and best option.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kripanand Tripathi Ujela, said arthritis is a painful ailment crippling an otherwise active individual. This can impact the person physically and psychologically. However, today’s medical science with its rapid strides has presented options of cure and such individuals can be their normal self, following their daily routine. Several of those participating in the walk here are as active as they would have been in their younger days.

Total joint Replacement is a surgery performed on patient’s knees or hip, which are damaged due to arthritis. This damage can be age related, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout etc. Patients who are not able to walk due to severe pain, who have severe deformity in their knees and in whom medical treatment has failed are appropriate candidates for the total joint replacement surgery.

According to Dr. Mithin Aachi, over 50 lakh patients suffer from arthritis in Andhra Pradesh of which 5 lakh need surgery, but last year only 5000 could undergo a knee replacement , the others continue to endure pain and lead a life of misery. It is to educate such patients, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad organised this walk with the message - ‘Arthritis is curable & conquerable’. Total Knee Replacement technology in the treatment of joint replacements has undergone tremendous changes over the past few years. Usually this surgery is required for patients in the age group of 55-75 years. Today, Minimally Invasive Surgery is the gold standard form of surgical approach and the new Ceramic based Total Knee Replacement implants are durable and are therefore known as ‘30 year’ knee.

Minimally Invasive Surgery involves minimal scar, negligible blood loss and pain after surgery. This ensures that the patient gets back to work fast, infection rates are low and the outcomes are better. The new ceramic implants with the Zirconium coat reduce friction and offer less wear and tear.

Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad has accomplished 100% accurate results devoid of infection through minimally invasive surgical technique, points out Dr Aachi.

The way forward in Total Knee Replacement is the Custom Fit Total Knee Replacement. This exciting new form of surgery involves unique set of instruments designed for the patient undergoing surgery. These custom made implants are developed after taking an MRI of the patient and reconstructing a computer image of the individual joint. This offers better fit, lesser operating time, at a marginally higher cost, he adds.