In a new approach to fix joint fractures, doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Hospital here have used an arthroscope (tiny, specially-built camera) to examine a broken ankle.
This is the first time such a surgery has been done in Delhi, claim the doctors at the hospital.
“In this new technology (arthroscopy), a tiny camera is used to examine inside the broken joint. This helps the doctor understand internal damage. Usually, we simply align the bone so it sets; we do not really look at the cartilage damage, a likely complication due to the fracture. In the latest procedure, we open up the joint and send in an arthroscope to understand any other damage,” said Dr. Maninder Singh, senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
Cartilage damage
In the earlier procedure, after the doctors had fixed the broken bone, the patient would often complain of recurring pain.
After several months, the doctor would realise that there was damage to the cartilage as well.
By then, it would be difficult to treat the injury and the pain would become a lifelong problem.
The arthroscope-assisted ankle fracture fixation method gives the best possible outcome, said Dr. Singh.
According to a note issued by the hospital, understanding the importance of the surgery and the effect it is bound to have on patients, the Indian Spinal Injuries Hospital has subsidised the rate of arthroscopy.
This will encourage more and more patients to opt for this procedure when they come in with ankle fractures.
Surgery success study
Within the Foot & Ankle Unit, it has become the protocol to do the arthroscopy.
The hospital is now carrying out a study on the level of success of the surgery, again one of the first in the country.
“Once we know the extent of the damage to the cartilage, we can take suitable action, such as shaving off any tiny shards of cartilage, so that it does not float around the joint and cause immense pain. Sometimes, the extent of breakage is so great that it needs a microfracture. This is a surgical technique wherein holes are drilled into the underlying bone in order to stimulate cartilage regrowth. The body’s own stem cells will grow into new cartilage,” said Dr. Singh.
