Delhi doctors perform first ankle replacement surgery

New Delhi: A ray of hope for millions of arthritis patients in India, a private hospital in Delhi has performed a unique, first time in India, ankle replacement surgery to cure rheumatoid arthritis - a condition causing joint inflammation.


Popularly known as Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR), the hospital is the first in India to conduct the surgery, which has been prevalent in the West for nearly three years.

“STAR implant is a new un-cemented technique for ankle replacement. It uses new instrumentation, where it promises quick recovery and is even better for young patients who suffer joint injury due to accidents," SKS Marya, chairman and chief surgeon, Max Insititute of Orthopedic and Joint Replacement, told IANS. 

"Patients can completely recover in three months. In case of patients between 25-40 years of age, the recovery time will be between 6-7 weeks. Till recently, we have had techniques that required cemented instrumentation. STAR implants will offer better mobility than other conventional techniques to patients," Marya added.

Patients of arthritis had only options like 'joint fusion surgery' and 'clean up of joints' to relieve them of ankle pain. STAR costs around Rs 200,000 with a durability of around 15 years. Patients are usually advised not to squat after the operation.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the capsule around the joints (synovium) secondary to swelling (hyperplasia) of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of fibrous tissue (pannus) in the synovium. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints.
About 1% of the world's population is afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis, women three times more often than men. Onset is most frequent between the ages of 40 and 50, but people of any age can be affected. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.

Rheumatoid arthritis in India

According to data available, nearly seven million people in India suffer from rheumatoid arthritis that initially affects the small joints. Due to lack of awareness and proper treatment available, the condition affects the mobility of the person.