Knee replacement through cross-linked polyethylene conducted at DMCH

On getting examined by Dr Harpal Singh Selhi, associate professor of Orthopaedics at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

It was decided to operate her for total knee replacement, using the latest polyethylene implant.

According to Dr Harpal Singh, knee replacement surgery is actually a cartilage replacement. The knee itself is not replaced, only the damaged cartilage and bone ends are replaced. Knee replacement implant, the one used in the case of patient Mohinder Kaur, includes a metal alloy on the end of the thighbone and on top of the leg bone with a polyethylene (plastic) between the two. The implant is designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that can prevent painful bone-on-bone contact.

Giving details of the surgery, Dr Harpal Singh said, "The surgery was done by a 15 cm cut in front of the knee. A thin layer of special polyethylene and metal were used to resurface the bone ends in the joint. These prevent the bone ends from rubbing against each other and provide instantaneous relief from pain."

“The usage of this new knee implant helps in bringing early recovery and gives longer life to the artificial knee. Also, the surgery required to insert this implant is not as expensive as compared to the conventional artificial knee," said Dr Harpal.

Meanwhile, a six-day workshop on Cardio Thoracic Nursing concluded on Saturday with an impressive valedictory function at the hospital.

Treasurer of DMCH managing society Satish Sanwalka was the chief guest on the occasion. The workshop emphasised on the use of communication skills by the nursing staff to enhance therapeutic touch with the patients.