Bhubaneswar, July 29 (UNI) Doctors at KIMS Super Speciality Hospital in Bhubaneswar have successfully performed total knee replacement (TKR) surgery on both knees of an 87-year-old woman, reportedly the oldest female patient in eastern India to undergo the procedure, KIMS sources said today.
The patient had been suffering from severe knee arthritis for over 15 years and had been bedridden for the last five.
Though she had been advised surgery earlier, she was reluctant due to common fears among elderly patients — such as the risks of failure or potential disability following surgery.
As her condition deteriorated to the point where she could neither walk nor carry out daily tasks, her family consulted Prof. Dr. Basant Kumar Behera, a joint replacement specialist at KIMS.
Considering her age and pre-existing conditions — including diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and a heart ailment, doctors decided to perform the surgery in two phases, with a three-month interval to minimize risk.
The first surgery on her right knee was conducted on April 7, followed by the left knee on July 21. Both procedures were performed successfully using advanced techniques designed to reduce pain and complications.
Dr. Raj Mohan and his anaesthesia team administered spinal anaesthesia with a nerve block, keeping the patient comfortable throughout both surgeries. Remarkably, she was able to walk with support just one day after each operation.
With continued physiotherapy, the patient made steady progress and was discharged in stable condition five days after her second surgery, with no complications reported.
Doctors at KIMS emphasized that while joint replacement surgeries in patients over 80 are often considered high-risk, modern advancements in surgical methods, anaesthesia, and post-operative care have significantly improved outcomes.
“There is no fixed age limit for knee replacement. The decision depends on the patient’s overall health, mobility, and the severity of pain,” said Dr. Behera.
“With the right approach and modern technology, elderly patients can regain their independence and live pain-free.”
Experts estimate that approximately 30 percent of Indians over the age of 50 suffer from knee arthritis, and about 1 percent of them could benefit from knee replacement surgery.
However, many delay treatment due to fear and misconceptions, often until they become immobile.
