Two recent cases have highlighted the rise of Pune as a burgeoning destination for more accessible knee replacement surgeries. Nalini Gangavane and Rashmi Pednekar,both suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA),made strong recoveries after being operated upon by Dr Narendra Vaidya,the executive medical director of Lokmanya Medical Foundation. Gangavane had been suffering from RA for the past 18 years and had been bedridden from past three years,due to severe pain in the knee. Her finger bones,hip joints and knees were completely inflamed,rendering her immobile. 38-year- old Rashmi Pednekar,a beautician by profession,had a similar story to tell. Diagnosed RA+ in 1995 following acute pain in the shoulders,Pednekar underwent treatment in various renowned hospitals in Mumbai. But the pain-killers and steroids only worsened her condition. The joints of other parts of her body started stiffening,making movements painful. The fingers of her hands and legs became crooked. Steroids led to an increase in body fat,which further hindered mobility. By 2006,she was forced to leave work and was bed-ridden. After numerous consultations with several doctors and trials of alternative medicinal options,both found little respite. Rescue came in the form of Dr Narendra Vaidya,who performed a total knee joint replacement surgery in April this year. With the help of post-surgery physiotherapy sessions and moral support from the doctors,Gangavane and Pednekar were able to stand on their feet again. The doctors I went to in Mumbai had lost all hope. They suggested surgery as an alternative,but gave no guarantee,says Rashmi. A knee replacement surgery in Mumbai costs approximately three lakh rupees just for the operation,whereas in Pune the total cost of the surgery,including other charges,is approximately two lakh. The cost difference and easy commutation is rapidly transforming Pune into one of the most preferred destinations for such planned surgeries. Rashmi's case was a complicated one and I am happy she is able to walk again. I receive many such cases of arthritis from different parts of the country,where a knee replacement surgery can resolve the miseries of the person. Unfortunately,awareness about the disease itself is low. Treatment at the right time can avoid such suffering," says Dr Vaidya,who has performed 1200 such operations in the past five years.
