10th February 2023, New Delhi: In a rare feat, doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Shalimar Bagh performed a successful revision total knee replacement surgery on a 92-year-old man, making him one of the oldest people in India to undergo revision total knee replacement surgery.
The nonagenarian underwent a revision total knee replacement surgery, 17 years after his first surgery, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh under the care of Dr Palash Gupta, Director- of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement and his team.
Revision surgery is required when knee replacement no longer functions correctly.
Mr Satya Swarup at the age of 75, in 2005, had undergone knee replacement surgery post which his knees were functioning well. However, in the last 2 years, he complained of acute pain and progressive swelling in his knees which was impacting his mobility. Mr Satya Swarup then came to Dr Palash Gupta, Director- Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
After investigation and evaluation, Dr Palash Gupta explained to the patient that he required total knee replacement surgery as the implant life had expired. Initially, the patient and the family were hesitant to undergo the procedure considering his age and all associated co-morbidities which are usually present at this age, but since he was in disabling pain, he agreed to go ahead with the surgery.
Elaborating, Dr Palash Gupta, Director– of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said: “Revision surgery at this age is unheard of in India. This was quite a complicated surgery as the
patient was 92 years old and had co-morbidities but thanks to the team and resources available to
us at Max Shalimar Bagh, it was a success. The very next day of the operation, he was able to
stand up and even walk”.
Revision surgeries are always a challenge because they are much more complicated as blood loss, tissue loss and bone loss had to be avoided to make the surgery successful and lasting. The surgeon should be well experienced in revision surgeries as these are very uncommon.
The patient also commented, “At 92, I never thought I’d have the strength and courage to undergo knee surgery, but I did it and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. All of this is possible because of Dr Palash and his team of dedicated staff that has taken the utmost care of me during this difficult time in my life. ”
The patient was regularly monitored during his stay in the hospital and was discharged 5 days after the surgery.