Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

MIOT unveils artificial joints having long-term durability

— Photo: S. R. Raghunathan

briefing: Prithvi Mohandas, consultant hip surgeon, MIOT Hospitals with a patient during his presentation on “Joint for Life - Myth or Reality" in Chennai on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: MIOT Hospitals on Wednesday announced the launch of a family of artificial joints with long-term durability, high flexion and bone-bonding attributes that could address the hip and knee replacement needs of Indian patients in younger age groups.

MIOT’s research on biomaterials, as well as the unique characteristics of the hip and knee in Indian patients, has resulted in a protocol that uses titanium bone and socket implants with fortified ceramic-on-ceramic bearings.

The research involved collaboration between MIOT’s Global Centre for Ideal Joints and top-notch institutions in the U.S. and the U.K. “The implants which possess the advantages of high flexion, bio-compatibility and durability are ideal for the growing number of younger Indians requiring total hip or knee replacement,” MIOT managing director P.V.A. Mohandas told a press conference.

An analysis of patient profiles at the hospital indicated that almost 30 per cent of all joint replacement patients were under 40 years of age, and roughly 20 per cent were accident survivors.

Titanium scores over its biomaterial predecessors in eliminating most of the problems that had challenged orthopaedic surgeons attempting total hip replacements in the past. The flip side to the metal-on-metal route taken during the early days of implantation and the stainless steel-polyethylene fitments was the generation of debris and loosening of the fitments over time, while chromium cobalt made clear its lack of affinity for the bone.

Once the biomaterial was determined, the next challenge involved getting implant devices suited to the anatomical character and shape of the joint in the Indian population. “After a detailed analysis, we hit upon a range of 12 sizes on a scale of 0-6, with mid-sized versions in between,” said Prithvi Mohandas.

The minimally invasive surgery techniques developed parallel to the efforts at finding the perfect artificial joint led to a considerable refinement of the implant procedure. The patient benefits now include a relatively painless session, less blood loss and reduced hospital stay and attendant costs.

Considerable thought also went into analysing bone reactions during the post-implant phase, Dr. Prithvi said. An analysis of data involving 16,000 patients indicated that the most common Indian ailments requiring hip replacement surgery were Ankylosing spondylitis, Avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and fracture of the neck of the femur.

“Titanium is the best biological bonding material we have as of now. But, Tantalum is the new star in the making and could soon be the material of choice for replacement procedures,” Dr. Prithvi said.

Addressing the launch function of “Joint for Life,” N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said the hospital had set a great example in producing a positive outcome from research and technology and reinforced the belief that medicine was the noblest of professions if it was guided by ethics.

The fundamental problem in developing countries that had world-class medical expertise but a dearth of physical and social infrastructure was the confinement of such benefits to islands of excellence.

The challenge was to make the medical benefits accessible and affordable to a larger section of the population, he said.

MIOT has floated “Sumeka,” an initiative to raise funds for performing implants for underprivileged patients.

Mariam Ram, managing director, TnQ Books and Journals, launched the MIOT newsletter “Maruthuva Vivekam” in English, Tamil and Hindi. The booklet gives an insight into the surgical procedures involving hip and knee replacements and features case studies.

MIOT consultants C. Lenin, A. R. Kesavan and Trevor Nair spoke.

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