PUNE: Indian arthritis patients wait too long for the surgery which can affect their quality of life. Delay in surgery can make the operation and recovery harder for the patient,” said Dr Ryan M Nunley, a renowned Hip and Knee orthopaedic surgeon from Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. He was in the city for a workshop, where he interacted with media persons.
“Indian patients wait too long with severe arthritis before they see an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss surgery options. When they wait this long, they have had a significant reduction in their quality of life,” Nunley said, adding that from his interactions with Indian physicians he came to know that patients are afraid of surgery, even though this is one of the safest means to relief from the aliment.
“While total hip and total knee replacement surgeries are some of the most successful procedures in reducing pain and disability, the successful outcome is dependent upon multiple factors and achieving adequate wound closure is critical to ensure success without drainage, hematoma, or infections, which are catastrophic disasters if or when they occur,” said Dr Nunley.
BURDEN OF ARTHRITIS
Dr Narendra Vaidya, Founder and Managing Director, Lokmanya Hospital shared that in India, the burden of arthritis is very huge.
“There are a lot of patients who were supposed to be treated much earlier but still, they are not operated due to various reasons which include financial affordability which is one thing, second, the most important thing is the lack of knowledge and awareness and apprehension for joint replacement. Now joint replacements in India are progressively increasing and the trend will continue on a positive side and more patients will be benefited,” said Dr Vaidya.
WOUND CLOSURE
Dr Nunley said that wound closure is important because it protects the body from the outside contamination.
“Wound closure is the critical step that helps ensure the skin heals quickly and seals off the body from the outside world to prevent infections,” said Dr Nunley.
Dr Nunley further added there is evidence available to educate surgeons that wound closure is important and not all surgical wound closure techniques are the same.
“Using sutures that are robust enough to ensure strength during the early period of wound healing and sutures that create a watertight closure can prevent or eliminate drainage and hematoma formation which also helps to prevent infections,” Dr Nunley said.
ADVANCED TECH
Speaking on the advancements in technology and its benefit to the patients, Dr Neeraj Adkar, Medical Director, SaiShree Hospital, shared that proper wound closer is extremely important for a successful outcome in joint replacement surgery.
“With the advancement in technology, newer devices help surgeons achieve watertight closure, which ultimately helps in reducing chances of infection. Also, these devices help in reducing pain associated with staple removal for patients, which indirectly helps patient in the post-operative phase,” said Dr Adkar.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Indian patients wait too long with severe arthritis before they see an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss surgery options, said renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ryan M Nunley.
