Dr.Venkatachalam has started using navigation or computer assisted surgery ( CAS) for knee replacement in India
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
New address for blog
The kneeindia.blog has a new address now, http://www.kneeindia.com/blog/index.php
Users are requested to read the new posts there.
Users are requested to read the new posts there.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Treatment abroad- Medical tourism to India- Orthopedic knee surgery
There is great news for young patients with knee arthritis considering India for medical tourism. This is the introduction of the Oxinium knee an implant meant for longer survival and tolerability.
The Chennai knee surgery center of Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam offers high quality knee replacements, hip resurfacing at affordable costs for international patients
The Chennai knee surgery center of Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam offers high quality knee replacements, hip resurfacing at affordable costs for international patients
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
English Pensioner's bilateral knee replacements in India
English pensioner preferred Indian Orthopaedic surgeon Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam for bilateral hi flex knee replacements rather than wait for his turn in the NHS.
Contact Ken on his UK mobile shown in the video
Contact Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam at akvenkat@gmail.com
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Nigerian Prince's medical treatment in India
A Nigerian traditional ruler underwent medical treatment with Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam and enjoyed tourism in India. Here he praises the doctor and hospital.
Visit http://www.kneeindia.com
Sunday, July 27, 2008
UK Pensioner gets double knee replacements in India
http://www.prlog.org/10094640-uk-pensioner-selects-indian-orthopedic-surgeon-for-knee-replacements-abroad.html
E mail- akvenkat@gmail.com
akvenkat15@hotmail.com
www.kneeindia.com
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Knee replacement in young patients
Total knee replacement in young patients
Total knee replacement is generally performed in older patients. For the first time in India, a new prosthesis for young patients will be introduced. This prosthesis made of a wonder material called Zirconium, a ceramic coated metal ensures longer survival of the prosthesis after implantation. The introduction of this prosthesis will hopefully encourage more number of young and middle aged Indians and Westerners to undergo knee replacement in India.
Advantages of Zirconium
1) The significant advantage of Zirconium knee implants is that it is considerably harder. On testing it lasts 85 times longer in tests that simulate the stresses inside the actual knee.
Additional advantages are scratch resistance.
2) When it is wet, ceramic can glide smoothly along plastic, making for smoother motion than with metal-on-plastic. As a result, the Oxinium total knee replacement will not generate the quantity of plastic wear debris that cobalt chrome will, and the implants should last considerably longer.
Zirconium is one of the six most biocompatible elements know to man. So, your immune system will more easily tolerate your new implant.
3) Lastly, patients who are allergic to nickel, the metal most often used in the current implants, cannot currently receive total knee replacements. The ceramic implant, however, can be implanted safely in patients with nickel allergies, since it uses a zirconium alloy with no nickel. Implants made of Oxinium have been implanted in larger number of patients in the UK Australia and the US with great success.
Who would benefit most from an Oxinium (zirconium) total knee replacement?
Three types of patient have been identified as the "best" candidates for an Oxinium total knee replacement.
"Younger" patients: Because Oxinium knee implants offer significantly less wear compared to cobalt chrome implants, they are expected to last considerably longer. In the past, orthopedic surgeons have advised patients less than 65 years of age to wait to have knee replacement surgery because the life span of the cobalt chrome knee implants is only 10-15 years. Now, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who previously would not be a candidate for a total knee replacement because the Oxinium knee implants should last much longer. Therefore, a patient under the age of 65 who has advanced arthritis of the knee no longer has to suffer for years until he reaches an appropriate age for total knee replacement surgery.
"Active" patients: Patients, who desire to return to an active lifestyle, including sports, dancing, gardening, or other strenuous activities, may also benefit from an Oxinium knee replacement. As a result of their high activity level, this patient population will put more "wear and tear" on their knee replacement, which can cause the implants to wear more quickly. An Oxinium knee is better able to tolerate this high activity level and last longer that the traditional cobalt chrome knee.
Metal allergy patients: Because Oxinium is one of the most biocompatible materials known to man, it is the only choice for patients who exhibit metal allergies. Patients who have needed total knee replacement surgery, but could not tolerate the cobalt chrome implants due to their nickel content, can now have the surgery they need to return to an active lifestyle without the fear of an allergic reaction.
The first patient will be a middle aged Housewife with osteoarthritis.
Whereas normal knee prostheses cost about 80,000 rupees, this new prosthesis may cost about 1. 25 lakhs, but it is comparable to the best in its category. The higher cost will be offset by the longer survivorship of the implant.
A Total knee package at Chettinad health city is available for Indians and foreigners with normal and long life prostheses at affordable costs.
Visit http://www.kneeindia.comE mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Please see You tube video http://youtube.com/watch?v=L_-nzQN_MxY
Total knee replacement is generally performed in older patients. For the first time in India, a new prosthesis for young patients will be introduced. This prosthesis made of a wonder material called Zirconium, a ceramic coated metal ensures longer survival of the prosthesis after implantation. The introduction of this prosthesis will hopefully encourage more number of young and middle aged Indians and Westerners to undergo knee replacement in India.
Advantages of Zirconium
1) The significant advantage of Zirconium knee implants is that it is considerably harder. On testing it lasts 85 times longer in tests that simulate the stresses inside the actual knee.
Additional advantages are scratch resistance.
2) When it is wet, ceramic can glide smoothly along plastic, making for smoother motion than with metal-on-plastic. As a result, the Oxinium total knee replacement will not generate the quantity of plastic wear debris that cobalt chrome will, and the implants should last considerably longer.
Zirconium is one of the six most biocompatible elements know to man. So, your immune system will more easily tolerate your new implant.
3) Lastly, patients who are allergic to nickel, the metal most often used in the current implants, cannot currently receive total knee replacements. The ceramic implant, however, can be implanted safely in patients with nickel allergies, since it uses a zirconium alloy with no nickel. Implants made of Oxinium have been implanted in larger number of patients in the UK Australia and the US with great success.
Who would benefit most from an Oxinium (zirconium) total knee replacement?
Three types of patient have been identified as the "best" candidates for an Oxinium total knee replacement.
"Younger" patients: Because Oxinium knee implants offer significantly less wear compared to cobalt chrome implants, they are expected to last considerably longer. In the past, orthopedic surgeons have advised patients less than 65 years of age to wait to have knee replacement surgery because the life span of the cobalt chrome knee implants is only 10-15 years. Now, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who previously would not be a candidate for a total knee replacement because the Oxinium knee implants should last much longer. Therefore, a patient under the age of 65 who has advanced arthritis of the knee no longer has to suffer for years until he reaches an appropriate age for total knee replacement surgery.
"Active" patients: Patients, who desire to return to an active lifestyle, including sports, dancing, gardening, or other strenuous activities, may also benefit from an Oxinium knee replacement. As a result of their high activity level, this patient population will put more "wear and tear" on their knee replacement, which can cause the implants to wear more quickly. An Oxinium knee is better able to tolerate this high activity level and last longer that the traditional cobalt chrome knee.
Metal allergy patients: Because Oxinium is one of the most biocompatible materials known to man, it is the only choice for patients who exhibit metal allergies. Patients who have needed total knee replacement surgery, but could not tolerate the cobalt chrome implants due to their nickel content, can now have the surgery they need to return to an active lifestyle without the fear of an allergic reaction.
The first patient will be a middle aged Housewife with osteoarthritis.
Whereas normal knee prostheses cost about 80,000 rupees, this new prosthesis may cost about 1. 25 lakhs, but it is comparable to the best in its category. The higher cost will be offset by the longer survivorship of the implant.
A Total knee package at Chettinad health city is available for Indians and foreigners with normal and long life prostheses at affordable costs.
Visit http://www.kneeindia.comE mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Please see You tube video http://youtube.com/watch?v=L_-nzQN_MxY
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT FOR NIGERIAN MINISTER IN INDIA
http://www.prlog.org/10077944-nigerian-ex-minister-prefers-indian-orthopedic-surgeon-for-total-knee-replacement.html
Visit http://www.kneeindia.com
Visit http://www.kneeindia.com
Sunday, April 13, 2008
New Hospital affiliation
I am now affiliated to the Chettinadu health city Chennai.
E mail id is akvenkat@gmail.com
http://www.kneeindia.com
E mail id is akvenkat@gmail.com
http://www.kneeindia.com
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery in India UK patient testimonial
A British lady who underwent bilateral knee replacements in Chennai talks about her positive experience. She had High flex minimially invasive bilateral knee replacements.
To get an appointment for knee replacement e mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com and akvenkat@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Total knee replacement in young patients
Video shows a young Dutch patient, a candidate for total knee replacement understand the issues involved in the decision making process.
Many young patients afflicted by advanced knee arthritis are now opting for a TKR rather than suffer in silence.
To make an appointment for a knee replacement E mail akvenkat@gmail.com
or akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Pensioner flies to India for knee op because he 'didn't trust NHS after bungled surgery' | the Daily Mail
Pensioner flies to India for knee op because he 'didn't trust NHS after bungled surgery' the Daily Mail
E mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com to contact the surgeon
visit www.kneeindia.com for more information
E mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com to contact the surgeon
visit www.kneeindia.com for more information
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Knee replacement video- Patient story in Tamil
A South Indian lady describes her bilateral Hi flex knee replacements by http://www.kneeindia.com orthopedic surgeon Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam. E mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Nigerian woman gets new ’knees’ of life
एक नाइजीरियन महिला का दोनों गुटने का ऑपरेशन चेन्नई मे डॉ। अ.क.वेंकताचालम, प्रमुख शल्य चिकित्सक ने किया। वह गुथ्नों की दर्द से बड़ी परेशां थी और अपने व्यापर को चला नही पाई थी।गुटने का बद्लिकरण बहुत सफलाथापूर्वक होने के बाद वह अपने देश लौटने के लिए तैयार हैं।
यदि आप डॉ से सम्पर्क करना चाहते हैं टोह उन्हें इस पते पर ए मेल भेज सकते हैं. akvenkat@gmail.com
akvenkat15@hotmail.com
और जानकारी पाने के लिए, इन website देखिए
www.kneeindia.com
www.hipsurgery.in
Nigerian woman gets new ’knees’ of life( Woman's knee replacements)
By By G B Vanamali
With her left knee bent like ''C'' and the right ike ''K,''
Ejike Eunice (70) of Nigerian orgin had not been able to
focus on her textile business for the last two years
suffering as she was from 'wind swept deformity' due to
osteoarthritis.
The 'obese' grandmother settled in Togu of West Africa
had to take the help of a walking stick for her knees
started bending more and more.
All this until she came in a wheel chair to the
Bharathiraja Speciality Hospital in the city on Novemeber
19. Now, after successfully undergoing Double Minimally
Invasive Bilateral Gender-specific Hi-flex Knee
Replacements, the first African woman to undergo such a
procedure in the hospital, a beaming Ej ike Eunice is all
set to ''walk'' out of the hospital by the end of this
month, without any assistance.
Talking to UNI, Hospital Consultant Or thopaedic Surgeon
A K Venkatachalam, who performed the unique surgery over
two sessions lasting about two and half hours each, said
she was suffer ing from what was termed in medical parlance
as 'wind swept deformity' for the last ten years.
Ejike Eunice's knees started bending progressively over
the years. Though she approached several hospitals in
Africa, they could not help as she was told there was no
standard cure besides citing exorbitant treatment costs.
Dr Venkatachalam said the procedure involved an incision
of only 4-5 inches unlike a conventional procedure where it
could be as long as eight inches.
This approach spared cutting through the thigh muscles
and hence there was less post-operative pain and blood
loss besides early recovery.
''It is more difficult to do and takes slightly more
time than a conventional knee replacement . But the end
results are more gratifying to the patient ,'' he added.
He said the 'gender-specific knee solution' was the only
one of its kind built to suit the female anatomy
accurately. Problems of over size and patellar tracking
have been eliminated from the older prosthesis in this new
knee implant .
The added advantage of the gender-specific knee was it
allowed high flexion or greater knee bending. The user can
sit cross-legged and squat on the floor.
The total cost came to nearly Rs 3.5 lakh whereas in
western countries a similar surgery could cost 6,000 US
dollar per knee, he claimed.
Franca, the patient 's daughter, said the hospital
provided very good treatment and and expressed confidence
that her mother could walk out of the hospital on her own
without the walking stick, and concentrate on her textile
business back home.
The woman, who was under post-operat ive care, was likely to be discharged by the end of this
month.
Ejike Eunice (70) of Nigerian orgin had not been able to
focus on her textile business for the last two years
suffering as she was from 'wind swept deformity' due to
osteoarthritis.
The 'obese' grandmother settled in Togu of West Africa
had to take the help of a walking stick for her knees
started bending more and more.
All this until she came in a wheel chair to the
Bharathiraja Speciality Hospital in the city on Novemeber
19. Now, after successfully undergoing Double Minimally
Invasive Bilateral Gender-specific Hi-flex Knee
Replacements, the first African woman to undergo such a
procedure in the hospital, a beaming Ej ike Eunice is all
set to ''walk'' out of the hospital by the end of this
month, without any assistance.
Talking to UNI, Hospital Consultant Or thopaedic Surgeon
A K Venkatachalam, who performed the unique surgery over
two sessions lasting about two and half hours each, said
she was suffer ing from what was termed in medical parlance
as 'wind swept deformity' for the last ten years.
Ejike Eunice's knees started bending progressively over
the years. Though she approached several hospitals in
Africa, they could not help as she was told there was no
standard cure besides citing exorbitant treatment costs.
Dr Venkatachalam said the procedure involved an incision
of only 4-5 inches unlike a conventional procedure where it
could be as long as eight inches.
This approach spared cutting through the thigh muscles
and hence there was less post-operative pain and blood
loss besides early recovery.
''It is more difficult to do and takes slightly more
time than a conventional knee replacement . But the end
results are more gratifying to the patient ,'' he added.
He said the 'gender-specific knee solution' was the only
one of its kind built to suit the female anatomy
accurately. Problems of over size and patellar tracking
have been eliminated from the older prosthesis in this new
knee implant .
The added advantage of the gender-specific knee was it
allowed high flexion or greater knee bending. The user can
sit cross-legged and squat on the floor.
The total cost came to nearly Rs 3.5 lakh whereas in
western countries a similar surgery could cost 6,000 US
dollar per knee, he claimed.
Franca, the patient 's daughter, said the hospital
provided very good treatment and and expressed confidence
that her mother could walk out of the hospital on her own
without the walking stick, and concentrate on her textile
business back home.
The woman, who was under post-operat ive care, was likely to be discharged by the end of this
month.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Zimmer female knee replacements for Nigerian lady in India
A 70 year old Nigerian lady settled in Togu, West Africa underwent bilateral Zimmer Gender solutions High flex knee replacementS in Chennai, India by Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam, Orthopedic surgeon.
She had severe "wind swept"deformities as shown here and these were corrected by soft tissue release and bone grafting.
visit http://www.kneeindia.com/ or e mail akvenkat@gmail.com for an appointment . call 00 91 9282165002
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Knee replacement video- patient story
Bilateral gender knee replacement patient story hi flex knee from Chennai knee surgery centre
For an appointment e mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Call 00 91 9282165002
Friday, August 10, 2007
80yearold Goes All The Way To India For A New Knee (from Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
80yearold Goes All The Way To India For A New Knee (from Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
For a knee surgery appointment please call the hospital at 00 91 44 28345301
E mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
or akvenkat@gmail.com
Chennai Knee surgery centre.
For a knee surgery appointment please call the hospital at 00 91 44 28345301
E mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
or akvenkat@gmail.com
Chennai Knee surgery centre.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Gender specific Hi flex knee replacements for American lady
Video shows American dance teacher ecstatic after bilateral gender specific hi flex knee replacements. Mail the surgeon at akvenkat@gmail.com
Chennai hospitals are the favorite for medical tourism.
Bharathiraja hospital 00 91 44 28345301 to fix an appointment with the surgeon.
Monday, August 06, 2007
3d animation of a knee replacement
This animation shows the different steps involved in a knee replacement or resurfacing.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Gender solutions hi flex knee replacement in Chennai knee surgery centre for American lady
Photo shows an incision of 4 inches on the right knee of this American patient who underwent bilateral gender specific hi flex knee replacements by Dr.Venkatachalam at the Chennai Knee surgery centre.
Email akvenkat@gmail.com
akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Less invasive incision for Gender specific knee replacement in India
The Gender specific knee is implanted through a small incision of only 4- 5 inches. Women in need of a TKR can e mail akvenkat@gmail.com and akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Video of Knee replacement patient testimonial in Telugu
KneeIn this video a patient narrates his experience of a high flex minimally invasive knee replacement by Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam of www.kneeindia.com at the Bharathi raja hospital Chennai
E mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Gender specific knee replacement- Patient testimonial India
KneeA Bengali lady speaks about her Gender specific High flex knee replacement at the Bharathiraja hospital Chennai. Surgery was performed by Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam
To get an appoinmtent for your knee surgery e mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Video of Gender specific knee replacement in India
An Indian lady compares her experience with the Gender specific knee replacement and a non gender knee in her other leg.
Knee
For Gender specific knee replacements e mail akvenkat@gmail.com & akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Bharathiraja hospital,Chennai
www.kneeindia.com
KneeFor Gender specific knee replacements e mail akvenkat@gmail.com & akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Bharathiraja hospital,Chennai
www.kneeindia.com
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Gender knee implant image
Gender knee implant compared with normal Nex gen LPS implant.
To seek an appointment please e mail akvenkat@gmail.com
First Gender specific knee in South India
Dr.Venkatachalam performing the first gender specific knee replacement in South India.
To schedule an appointment please e mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Friday, May 04, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Gender specific solution High flex knee replacement
KneePhoto of Indian woman who underwent the first Gender specific solution knee replacement in India by an Indian Orthopedic surgeon. Surgery performed by Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam, of www.kneeindia.com
For an appointment please e mail akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Bone sparing High flex knee replacements for American Church official
KneeThis video shows an American patient recover rapidly from bilateral knee replacements at Chennai. Surgery performed by Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam, E mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Knee surgery recovery video
To book an appointment for your knee replacement e mail akvenkat@gmail.com, akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Call 00 91 9282165002
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
American Church official bids goodbye to knee arthritis in Chennai
KneeA 55 year old American Church official from the headquarters of the Episcopal church in New York, USA bid goodbye to his knee pain after bilateral knee replacements at the Bharathiraja hospital in Chennai. DR.Venkatachalam performed less invasive bone preserving High flex knee replacements for him. It was complete relief for the patient as he had exhausted all other modes of pain relief. He was not eligible for Total knee replacements back home in the US as he had not crossed the age limit of 60 years for free medicare.
For an appointment for knee surgery, please e mail akvenkat@gmail.com or call 00 91 9282165002.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Recovery after successful knee surgery video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw2N9P0LBacThis video shows the recovery process involved after a total knee replacement or resurfacing. Sequential Bilateral knee replacements were performed at the Bharathi raja hospital by DR.A.K.Venkatachalam for a Britisher from Greece.
Recovery consists of assisted active exercises, cycling, weight training, gait training, semi squats.
Complete recovery takes about three months to get full knee bending.
For an appointment for knee surgery email at akvenkat@gmail.com or akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Recovery consists of assisted active exercises, cycling, weight training, gait training, semi squats.
Complete recovery takes about three months to get full knee bending.
For an appointment for knee surgery email at akvenkat@gmail.com or akvenkat15@hotmail.com
Monday, February 05, 2007
Total knee replacement surgery video of patient story
A Briton describes his painlees total knee replacement surgery in India at the knee surgery center Chennai.
For an appointment e mail akvenkat@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
LPS flex Knee replacement for women video
In this candid interview, a Bengali lady describes her comfortable experience after a High flex total knee replacement in Chennai. Many Bengali patients will feel reassured by her comments.
The accomanying photo shows the deep knee bend achieved post operatively in a woman. More examples of women after knee replacements are seen. Women require a special type of prosthesis which is to be introduced in Chennai next month.
To make an appointment for a knee replacement e mail akvenkat@gmail.com.
akvenkat15@hotmail.com.
Call 00 91 9282165002
Monday, January 29, 2007
Story of British patient Successful Knee replacement in India
A 64 year old Briton underwent a totally painless High flex total knee replacement while he was fully awake at a Chennai hospital. You can listen to his story of successful bilateral knee replacements in this video. The surgeon Dr.Venkatachalam performed this High flexion knee replacement after the anesthetist had administered a continuous Femoral block as seen in this picture. The patient was fully awake throughout the procedure and was able to do a straight leg raise and bend his knee fully after the procedure.
Innovations like these are welcome by patients as they suffer no side effects of anesthesia like nausea, vomitting, urinary retention, constipation.
You can listen to the patient's experience about his surgery in this audio testimonial
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Arthroscopic surgery knee video or knee arthroscopy video
email-akvenkat@gmail.com
call 00 91 9282165002
Accompanying video shows arthroscopic surgery performed at the Knee surgery centre. Knee anatomy is visualised and a Microfracture procedure is carried out.For arthroscopic Knee surgery email akvenkat@gmail.com
call 00 91 9282165002
Monday, January 01, 2007
Correcting Bow legs by High tibial ostetomy (Genu Varus)
These x rays demonstrate the correction of the bow leg deformity in the leg bone of a 29 year old lady with Bilateral Genu varus. A wedge of bone has been removed and the osteotomy fixed with a plate and screws. The clinical photo after six weeks shows good correction of the deformity on the left side.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Total knee replacment video of British patient in India
>Watch this video of a British patient settled in Spain. Observe the Pre op gait, careful pre op planning, execution and deep knee bending achieved on the table in this High flex knee replacement. Contact 00 91 9282165002 or mail akvenkat_19@yahoo.com for an appointment for knee surgery.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Bilateral knee replacements for Kenyan grandfather in Chennai
This 67 year old Somalian citizen, a resident of Kenya had bilateral knee replacements for grossly damaged and osteoarthritic knees. He had severe flexion contactures as seen in the pre op photo to the left and this was corrected after surgery.
For Bilateral knee replacements under one anesthetic, please contact 00 91 9282165002 or e mail akvenkat@gmail.com
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Pre Op planning for a total knee replacement
Accompanying x ray shows careful pre op plannning for a total knee replacement which allows the surgeon to choose the right size of the prosthesis.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Deep Knee bending for climbing stairs
Lady with bilateral knee replacements climbing stairs on 5th Post Op day. Visit www.kneeindia.com for more information on cost effective bilateral High flex knee replacements or mail the surgeon at akvenkat@gmail.com.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Watch Video of Total knee replacement
here
Hit the Play button
Video shows advantages of the High flex knee replacement with a fixed bearing knee.
For appointments or quote on knee replacement e-mail me at akvenkat@gmail.comknee replacement video
Oxford Knee replacement video India
Watch Video of Partial knee replacement here
Hit the Play button or symbol
This video shows how a patient returns to normal function within a week after bilateral Oxford mobile bearing partial knee replacements.
For an appointment to have your knee surgery, mail me at akvenkat@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Bilateral Knee replacements with High flex knee
The above oicture shows a lady sitting cross legged three months after bilateral High flex knee replacementA double knee replacement using the Nex gen High flex knee was performed on this 68 year old houssewife for osteoarthritis. Knee expert Dr.Venkatachalam performed the operation at a private hospital in Chennai.
Citing that bilateral replacements were pioneered by him in the city since the last few years, Dr.Venkatachalam, said that the procedure had several advantages. Firstly it involved only one hospitalisation for the patient with bilateral knee disease. There was only one recovery, anesthesia and one surgery. Off course the whole exercise is a lot more economical than having two knees operated upon separately.
The Pre op condition of the patient is most important as he or she should be fit to undergo prolonged anesthesia and surgery.
People suffering from Rheumaotid arthritis are greatly benefitted by bilateral Knee replacements as their misery of wheel chair confinement comes to an end with the surgery.
Citing that bilateral replacements were pioneered by him in the city since the last few years, Dr.Venkatachalam, said that the procedure had several advantages. Firstly it involved only one hospitalisation for the patient with bilateral knee disease. There was only one recovery, anesthesia and one surgery. Off course the whole exercise is a lot more economical than having two knees operated upon separately.
The Pre op condition of the patient is most important as he or she should be fit to undergo prolonged anesthesia and surgery.
People suffering from Rheumaotid arthritis are greatly benefitted by bilateral Knee replacements as their misery of wheel chair confinement comes to an end with the surgery.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Squatting knee or High flex Total knee replacement -Indian Lady squatting after 3 months
Only the High flex knee or sqatting knee allows full function in activities like deep knee bending, kneeling, squatting, praying etc. The Rotating platform knee cannot achieve 155 degrees of bending. South Indians Hindus, Muslims and Christians are very thankful for the full function allowed by a High flex knee.For a quote on High flex Knee replacement please send me mail at akvenkat@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Can your Knee replacement achieve this?
This 67 year old Doctor is the first patient to undergo a High flexion Knee replacement in India. The surgery was performed by DR.A.K.Venkatachalam, consultant Orthopedic surgeon of www.kneeindia.com. Six months after the surgery he has regained full flexion and offers prayers five times a day. In his words he can drive, walk, kneel fully and pray.To achieve this, the patient should be willing to participate in aggressive physio.
Kindly see post " First high flex knee replacement " also.
If you want more details or a quote for any Knee surgery, you can mail at akvenkat@gmail.com
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Is knee arthritis inevitable with aging?
This is the common perception of Knee Osteoarthritis in India where Primary Hip Osteoarthritis is rare. However in the recent past, it has been realized that not only are the elderly at definite risk of Osteoarthritis but many more of the middle aged and even young. Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of joint disease (arthritis) and is a leading cause of disability in older individuals in India and many countries. It is the common perception that wear and tear inevitable with aging alone leads to Osteoarthritis, but this is not the whole truth. As we shall see not only the elderly, but others are also vulnerable to Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) in peripheral joints, most frequently involves the knee joint, and the disease may affect one or more of the three compartments of the knee. The knee joint acts to transfer force from the thigh muscles to the leg to move the body. Loads exerted on the surfaces of the knee during normal daily activities are two to seven times the body weight. It is therefore no wonder that the knee is so vulnerable to wear and tear (Osteoarthritis). Osteo-arthritic changes in the joint decrease the effectiveness of load transfer during these activities. Overall health is impaired and Knee OA has been to shown to account for more limitations in walking, stair climbing or other daily activities than any other disease. The form of the disease in the elderly is called primary osteoarthritis whereas the affliction of the young and middle aged is called Secondary osteoarthritis. Let us take a look at the risk factors for developing secondary osteoarthritis, which encompasses other age groups of people in the general population.
These are of two categories, General or systemic and local risks.
General risks
Evolution
Man along with two more mammals, the Elephant and the bear are the only animals to have straight knees. Evolutionarily straight knees are invaluable to minimize energy expenditure during walking so that the body does not tilt from side to side as it would do if the knees were bent in a two legged creature. The price or side effect of the erect posture is weight transmission occurring through the inner half of the knee joint. Therefore the inner half of the knee is susceptible to wear in the normal course of time.
Genetic factors
These play a major role in a generalized form of the disease known to affect some communities and families. Research is on to identify the exact genetic location that increases the susceptibility to OA.
Diet
Many degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis are the result of tissue damage from “Free Oxygen radical” attack. Normal cartilage cells are known to reduce free radicals. Anti oxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E have the potential to protect against such tissue damage. It was found in a study that people consuming High amounts of Vitamin C have a 60- 70 per cent reduction in risk for progressive OA. High vitamin C intake levels were also found to be associated with a reduced risk for knee pain according to the same study.
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone mineralization. Results from the above study show that high levels are protective against progression of disease.
Bone mineral density
About three decades ago surgeons removing the head of the upper end of the thigh bone from elderly patients with hip fractures in the operation of partial hip replacement, observed that the end bone rarely showed arthritic changes. Since then, many studies have confirmed the inverse relationship between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. Currently research is on to determine if the medicines prescribed for Osteoporosis such as Calcitonin and Bisphoshphonates prevent the x- ray changes of OA and prevent cartilage breakdown.
Female hormonal deficiency (estrogen)
The incidence of Knee OA increases in Post menopausal women suggesting that estrogen deficiency might be a risk factor and that post menopausal women are more susceptible to osteoarthritis. Despite the obvious correlation, more research is needed to understand the relationships between bone mineral density, estrogen and OA. As females are the preponderant sex to suffer from OA knees, Female specific Knee implants or Prostheses have been developed for a Total knee replacement as the majority of people (two thirds) undergoing a knee replacement are women.
Local risk factors
Obesity
Increased body weight contributes to the increased load transmitted across the weight bearing knees by a factor of three to seven times the body weight and leads to accelerated wear of the articular cartilage. The relationship between obesity and Osteoarthritis is stronger for bilateral than unilateral disease and is greater in women than men. Since the load transmitted to the knees varies between three to seven fold the body weight, one fold reduction of weight leads to a three to seven fold decreased pressure on the knees. In addition the knee alignment may affect the impact of body weight on the knee joint. Knees with bow legs are more stressed by body weight resulting in more severe inner compartment arthritis.
Physical activity
There is no evidence that participation in light or moderate levels of physical activity (walking, running, dancing, cycling, gardening, and outdoor sports) throughout the life cycle will increase an individual’s risk of developing knee OA. This means that even middle aged people can safely participate in these activities without risk of developing osteoarthritis.
However participation in high intensity contact sports is strongly linked to development of knee OA in elite athletes. Many tennis players, runners, professional soccer players are more likely to suffer from knee arthritis and Patello-femoral OA than age matched controls.
Occupational activity
Men in occupations that require repetitive overuse of the knee joint for example, carpenters, painters, miners, dock workers have an increased risk of developing knee OA. Crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and lifting heavy loads all cause abnormal joint loading across the knee joint and lead to cartilage damage. The risk factors are similar in both men and women.
Injury
Several studies in Europe and America have confirmed that knee injury is a strong predictor for the development of knee OA. Most Knee injuries involve the ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament and ACL rupture is often associated with meniscal damage or a tear in the medial collateral ligament. ACL injuries occur after two wheeler accidents, domestic and outdoor accidents. Both ACL deficiency and meniscal rupture are strongly linked to early degenerative arthritic changes. Although at present it is not clear to what extent the common operation of ACL reconstruction can delay the onset of arthritis, some studies show that early ACL reconstruction with meniscal preservation and not menisectomy provides the greatest protection. A poor outcome after knee injuries is seen in patients who have undergone a partial or total menisectomy an operation which is commonly performed by surgeons. Meniscal suture and Meniscal transplant are ways to protect against osteoarthritis. The former operation is available but the later is yet to kick off from early teething problems. A meniscal transplant facility was announced in Chennai last year but supply of grafts has not been forthcoming.
Mechanical environment of the knees
It is easy to comprehend how any joint or bearing can wear out quickly by understanding what happens to your car tyres if the alignment and balancing is not perfect or if the pressure is more or less. The treads on the overloaded portion of the tyre wear out more. The same analogy applies to the knees. Knees which have a bend like the one shown in the picture will wear out faster. Increased joint laxity an accompaniment of age contributes to OA.
Muscle strength
It is a well known observation that people with OA have weakness of the quadriceps muscles. It was assumed that decreased muscle strength is the result of disuse atrophy secondary to knee pain; however it has been noted recently that many patients with asymptomatic knee arthritis have weak muscles. Therefore it makes sense to develop the thigh muscles to prevent arthritis or ameliorate the symptoms after its development, but is to be noted that increasing muscle strength will not arrest progression of the disease.
In summary Knee Osteoarthritis once considered an inevitable consequence of aging is now recognized to be multi-factorial, resulting from the interaction of a variety of general and local factors like age, genetic predisposition, obesity, trauma and mechanical properties of the joint. The traditional surgical treatment of OA “a total knee replacement” is the best long term cost effective solution. However other operations like an osteotomy to correct the alignment of the bones around the knee, ACL reconstruction, cartilage surgery, medications are available to different affected groups of patients. They will not condemn the patient to developing Osteoarthritis in earlier age and become a candidate for a total knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis (OA) in peripheral joints, most frequently involves the knee joint, and the disease may affect one or more of the three compartments of the knee. The knee joint acts to transfer force from the thigh muscles to the leg to move the body. Loads exerted on the surfaces of the knee during normal daily activities are two to seven times the body weight. It is therefore no wonder that the knee is so vulnerable to wear and tear (Osteoarthritis). Osteo-arthritic changes in the joint decrease the effectiveness of load transfer during these activities. Overall health is impaired and Knee OA has been to shown to account for more limitations in walking, stair climbing or other daily activities than any other disease. The form of the disease in the elderly is called primary osteoarthritis whereas the affliction of the young and middle aged is called Secondary osteoarthritis. Let us take a look at the risk factors for developing secondary osteoarthritis, which encompasses other age groups of people in the general population.
These are of two categories, General or systemic and local risks.
General risks
Evolution
Man along with two more mammals, the Elephant and the bear are the only animals to have straight knees. Evolutionarily straight knees are invaluable to minimize energy expenditure during walking so that the body does not tilt from side to side as it would do if the knees were bent in a two legged creature. The price or side effect of the erect posture is weight transmission occurring through the inner half of the knee joint. Therefore the inner half of the knee is susceptible to wear in the normal course of time.
Genetic factors
These play a major role in a generalized form of the disease known to affect some communities and families. Research is on to identify the exact genetic location that increases the susceptibility to OA.
Diet
Many degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis are the result of tissue damage from “Free Oxygen radical” attack. Normal cartilage cells are known to reduce free radicals. Anti oxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E have the potential to protect against such tissue damage. It was found in a study that people consuming High amounts of Vitamin C have a 60- 70 per cent reduction in risk for progressive OA. High vitamin C intake levels were also found to be associated with a reduced risk for knee pain according to the same study.
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone mineralization. Results from the above study show that high levels are protective against progression of disease.
Bone mineral density
About three decades ago surgeons removing the head of the upper end of the thigh bone from elderly patients with hip fractures in the operation of partial hip replacement, observed that the end bone rarely showed arthritic changes. Since then, many studies have confirmed the inverse relationship between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. Currently research is on to determine if the medicines prescribed for Osteoporosis such as Calcitonin and Bisphoshphonates prevent the x- ray changes of OA and prevent cartilage breakdown.
Female hormonal deficiency (estrogen)
The incidence of Knee OA increases in Post menopausal women suggesting that estrogen deficiency might be a risk factor and that post menopausal women are more susceptible to osteoarthritis. Despite the obvious correlation, more research is needed to understand the relationships between bone mineral density, estrogen and OA. As females are the preponderant sex to suffer from OA knees, Female specific Knee implants or Prostheses have been developed for a Total knee replacement as the majority of people (two thirds) undergoing a knee replacement are women.
Local risk factors
Obesity
Increased body weight contributes to the increased load transmitted across the weight bearing knees by a factor of three to seven times the body weight and leads to accelerated wear of the articular cartilage. The relationship between obesity and Osteoarthritis is stronger for bilateral than unilateral disease and is greater in women than men. Since the load transmitted to the knees varies between three to seven fold the body weight, one fold reduction of weight leads to a three to seven fold decreased pressure on the knees. In addition the knee alignment may affect the impact of body weight on the knee joint. Knees with bow legs are more stressed by body weight resulting in more severe inner compartment arthritis.
Physical activity
There is no evidence that participation in light or moderate levels of physical activity (walking, running, dancing, cycling, gardening, and outdoor sports) throughout the life cycle will increase an individual’s risk of developing knee OA. This means that even middle aged people can safely participate in these activities without risk of developing osteoarthritis.
However participation in high intensity contact sports is strongly linked to development of knee OA in elite athletes. Many tennis players, runners, professional soccer players are more likely to suffer from knee arthritis and Patello-femoral OA than age matched controls.
Occupational activity
Men in occupations that require repetitive overuse of the knee joint for example, carpenters, painters, miners, dock workers have an increased risk of developing knee OA. Crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and lifting heavy loads all cause abnormal joint loading across the knee joint and lead to cartilage damage. The risk factors are similar in both men and women.
Injury
Several studies in Europe and America have confirmed that knee injury is a strong predictor for the development of knee OA. Most Knee injuries involve the ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament and ACL rupture is often associated with meniscal damage or a tear in the medial collateral ligament. ACL injuries occur after two wheeler accidents, domestic and outdoor accidents. Both ACL deficiency and meniscal rupture are strongly linked to early degenerative arthritic changes. Although at present it is not clear to what extent the common operation of ACL reconstruction can delay the onset of arthritis, some studies show that early ACL reconstruction with meniscal preservation and not menisectomy provides the greatest protection. A poor outcome after knee injuries is seen in patients who have undergone a partial or total menisectomy an operation which is commonly performed by surgeons. Meniscal suture and Meniscal transplant are ways to protect against osteoarthritis. The former operation is available but the later is yet to kick off from early teething problems. A meniscal transplant facility was announced in Chennai last year but supply of grafts has not been forthcoming.
Mechanical environment of the knees
It is easy to comprehend how any joint or bearing can wear out quickly by understanding what happens to your car tyres if the alignment and balancing is not perfect or if the pressure is more or less. The treads on the overloaded portion of the tyre wear out more. The same analogy applies to the knees. Knees which have a bend like the one shown in the picture will wear out faster. Increased joint laxity an accompaniment of age contributes to OA.
Muscle strength
It is a well known observation that people with OA have weakness of the quadriceps muscles. It was assumed that decreased muscle strength is the result of disuse atrophy secondary to knee pain; however it has been noted recently that many patients with asymptomatic knee arthritis have weak muscles. Therefore it makes sense to develop the thigh muscles to prevent arthritis or ameliorate the symptoms after its development, but is to be noted that increasing muscle strength will not arrest progression of the disease.
In summary Knee Osteoarthritis once considered an inevitable consequence of aging is now recognized to be multi-factorial, resulting from the interaction of a variety of general and local factors like age, genetic predisposition, obesity, trauma and mechanical properties of the joint. The traditional surgical treatment of OA “a total knee replacement” is the best long term cost effective solution. However other operations like an osteotomy to correct the alignment of the bones around the knee, ACL reconstruction, cartilage surgery, medications are available to different affected groups of patients. They will not condemn the patient to developing Osteoarthritis in earlier age and become a candidate for a total knee replacement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)