India – An Ultimate Destination For Superior Quality & Affordable Knee Replacement Surgeries

Knee problems have become very common nowadays. Most of the people suffer from knee joint problems such as pain, stiffness, inflammation and deformity. These symptoms may be due to severe arthritis in old age, repetitive motion or being in abnormal posture for a long time. 

Everybody would not require knee surgery for the treatment of knee pain. Many patients get relief from medication and exercises. But in some patients knee joint is severely damaged and pain and stiffness becomes so severe that the medication may not be effective. In such cases, knee replacement surgery is considered.

A knee replacement surgery also known as knee arthroplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by the orthopedic surgeons. In this procedure, weight bearing surface of the knee is replaced with a plastic or metal implant in order to relieve the pain and disability.

Today large number of people across the world are in need of knee joint replacement surgery but many of them keep postponing it due to some of the other problems. Some of the common problems faced by the patients is unaffordable knee replacement surgery cost, lack of good facilities, long waiting time, lack of expertise and technology in their native country.  India is among the few countries where knee replacement surgery cost is low and world class facilities and expertise is available. Therefore, India has become one of the preferred destinations for knee replacement surgery for many foreign patients. We offer world class infrastructure combined with experienced joint replacement surgeons, zero waiting time and best-in class nursing care at affordable prices. 

Fortis Healthcare is one of the renowned hospitals in India offering high quality and affordable knee replacement surgery cost.


About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable knee replacement surgery cost. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Some Key Facts About Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement surgery is the process of replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant made up of plastic or metal. It is performed to relive the pain and stiffness in the knee. Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended for older patients suffering from severe arthritis and disability due to arthritis. Other conditions which lead to arthroplasty are trauma, inflammation, disability, infection and stress. It is a significant way of restoring function of knee and improving the quality of life.

Some of the key facts about knee replacement surgery are:

What is the need of knee replacement – Knee replacement surgery is needed to increase the mobility and reduce the pain caused due to arthritis or any injury to the knee joint. After the surgery patients can restore their daily activities and live a better quality of life.

Cost of knee replacement surgery – The cost of knee replacement surgery  varies from country to country depending on the facility and specialists. However India offers world class facilities and affordable knee replacement packages which drives in large number of foreign patients to India every year.

Be wise while choosing your surgeon and hospital – A study conducted in 2004 reported in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery shows that patients undergoing the procedure by surgeons who have performed over 50 knee replacement surgeries in a year are at lower risk of developing complications than those getting the surgery from surgeons who performed 12 or lesser surgeries in a year.

Beware of marketing – In 2008, 63% of the total knee replacement surgeries were carried out on women. The reason could be because women above the age of 50 are at high risk of developing osteoarthritis in knee than men. Some manufacturing companies take advantage of this and promote gender specific knee replacement devices especially designed for women's unique physiology.   

Recovery – A patient is required to stay in hospital for 3 days after the total knee replacement surgery and one day in case of partial replacement. After undergoing total replacement, patient may be asked to stay in a rehabilitation facility for some time. Recovery period differs from person to person. Once the discomfort subsides, patients can start physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is very important otherwise the knees will become stiff. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable knee replacement surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Risks And Benefits of Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed these days. It is an effective way of relieving patients from pain and stiffness in the knee. It is a major surgery having many benefits as well as involves few risks and complications. Let us know what are the benefits and risks involved in knee replacement:

Benefits of knee replcement surgery

Knee replacement can greatly relieve pain, correct deformities and improve muscle strength.
Patients can get rid of disability, instability and restricted mobility of the knee.
Knee replacement improves the quality of life to a great extent by improving the knee joint.
Problems like swelling and stiffness that prevented patient from bending and straightening of the knee are totally alleviated.
Patient can gradually restore their daily activities with a new healthy knee. 

Risks of knee replacement surgery

Like any other surgery, knee replacement surgery also involves some risks and complications. Some of the complications involved in knee replacement are:

Excessive bleeding at the area of incision
Blood clotting in your lung may occur
Blood clotting or deep vein thrombosis in the veins in lower leg
There is a possibility of nearby vessels, bones and nerves getting damaged
Urinary tract infection
There are chances of primary as well as superficial infection
Failure or loosening of the knee implant
Fracture in the bone near the replaced joint during or post surgery
There are many other complications that can subsequently follow after surgery, so it is important to know about them before undergoing the surgery.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable knee replacement surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Introduction to Mini Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery

The anterior approach for total hip replacement surgery has recently emerged as a more feasible alternative to much popular posterior method. Although it was being used to some degree since 1980s, new techniques making it viable using small incision has made it more sought after.

Also known as mini anterior hip replacement surgery , this procedure requires the surgeon to make a 4 inch long incision through the front part of the leg instead of back. It is possible to reach the joint through front entry by separating instead of cutting and then rejoining the muscles. The recovery period and hospital stay is also shorter for the patients undergoing mini anterior hip replacement surgery. The reason is less muscular damage. It is also possible to measure the leg length and implant position through anterior approach. 

As the nature of approach is different, there are lesser but entirely different precautions to be taken to avoid dislocation, which is more common with the posterior approach.

The mini anterior hip replacement surgery gives a better view of hip socket  and retains all muscles. Fluroscopy is needed and no specific implant is required in this procedure. Moreover, patients undergoing mini anterior hip replacement surgery recover faster and have to stay in hospital for a shorter duration compared to other techniques. 

There are some risks and complications involved in mini anterior hip replacement surgery. Patients undergoing this procedure are at higher risk of getting femoral and ankle fractures if the special operating table required is used. Moreover, it involves subsequent complications such as numbness, burning sensation or tingling along the thigh usually referred as lateral femoral-cutaneous nerve damage. The procedure is not recommended for patients who already have metal implants in the hip from prior surgery, have a wide pelvis, are muscular or who are excessively overweight. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable total hip replacement  surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

A Patient Guide to Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

While seeking the surgical weight loss options, the first and foremost question that comes to mind is which procedure is best for me?  Well, one can get the answer only after thorough research on risks and advantages of each procedure  and analysis to know what are the individual risks involved in undergoing the surgery.

Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a new type of bariatric surgery and is gaining much popularity. 

Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy

In laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 5-6 small incisions are made in the abdomen and the procedure is performed with the help of a video camera or a laproscope and long instruments that are inserted through these incisions.

In sleeve gastrectomy, nearly 75% of the stomach is removed leaving a narrow gastric tube. No part of intestine is bypassed or removed in this procedure. It takes around 1-2 hours to complete this surgery. 

How does laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy helps in losing weight?

 Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure. It reduces the size of the stomach significantly and restricts the amount of food intake. However there is no reduction in absorption of nutrients. After this procedure, patients apetite gets reduced. Apart from reducing the size of the stomach, laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy also decreases the amount of ghrelin or hunger hormone produced by the stomach.

When is laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy recommended?

Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been successful for several different types of bariatric patients. This procedure is mostly recommended as first stage procedure for patients having very high BMI (body mass index) or major heart or lung disease. Patients undergoing laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy as the fisrt stage procedure undergo the second stage or gastric bypass 12-18 months later when considerable weight loss has occurred, risk of anesthesia has reduced and liver has reduced in size.

Laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy is also used as a major weight loss surgery for patients with lower BMI.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

How lower back pain can be treated?

Back pain has become a common problem these days and around 80% of the population gets affected by it at some or the other point in their life. There is no particular age to get back pain, however it is more common in people above 35 years of age.

Back comprises of many interconnecting structures such as bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Spine is the main supporting structure of the back and is made up of 24 separate bones known as vertebrae in addition to the bones of coccyx and sacrum. There are discs between the vertebrae acting as shock absorbers and allows your spine to bend.

One can feel back pain as tension, stiffness or soreness in their lower back. This pain is generally known as non specific back pain and oftenly subsides on its own within few days.

Lower back pain treatment

People suffering from back pain can find self help measures a great way of treatment. If the pain is severe then they should consult a doctor. Doctors will prescribe suitable medicines and physical therapies which can help in lower back pain treatment. If the doctor finds a major cause of back pain they will refer the patients to back pain specialist for specific treatments.

Self-help measures

There are various ways which can be done to treat lower back pain. Stay active and carry out your normal activities as you can. This helps in faster recovery and removes the chances of chronic pain and disability. Do not lift heavy objects and twist your back until the pain is relieved. Application of cold or hot packs on the affected area helps in relieving pain.

Medication

One can take over the counter medicines such as paracetamol or aspirin or anti inflammatory medicines to relieve severe back pain. There are also some gels, ointments or lotions containing pain killers  available which can treat lower back pain. In case you do not get relief consult your doctor.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy are very helpful in lower back pain treatment.It involves exercises, posture advice and massage. The session generally lasts about 6-12 weeks.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable patient care services. We are a leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Injuries and Conditions Causing Hip Pain in Women

The hip joint is one of the largest joint in human body that facilitates a larger range of motion while bearing the weight of the whole body. It is made up of ball and socket joint. Hip pain is a common problem occuring in women. There are many causes of hip pain and identifying the right one is the key to receiving the best treatment.

Hip pain is generally caused inflamed or strained tissues such as tendons and it often subsides within a few days. Some specific conditions causes long term hip pain. Hip pain can be experienced in the groin area, down the front of the leg and in the knee. Sometimes knee pain is the symptom of hip pain.Let us know what are the major conditions that causes hip pain in women:

Arthritis – Osteoarthritis is one of the major reasons causing chronic hip pain in women. It is the wearing and tearing of the ball and socket joint with age.

Hip fractures – Hip fracture is very common in old age women, particularly those suffering from osteoporosis or low bone density. Symptoms of hip fracture are pain while striaghtening, standing and lifting your legs.

Hernia – Inguinal and femoral hernias in the groin area oftenly referred as sports hernias causes frontal hip pain in women. Pregnant women are more susceptible to get inguinal hernias due to the increased pressure on the abdominal wall.

Bursitis and tendonitis – Hip muscles are connected to the joint through numerous tendons. Strenous activities or overuse of these tendons can cause  inflammation. Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the most common causes of tendonitis at the hip joint particularly in runners. Bursitis is another common reasons of hip pain in women.

Gynecological issues can cause hip pain in women. Bursitis, arthritis or tendonitis can not only be assumed as the cause of hip pain. Based on the age and other health issues, the hip pain can be caused due to some other reasons as well. Endometriosis is a condition which causes pelvic tenderness and is described by some women as hip pain.

Treatment of hip pain is based on the diagnosis. The hip pain caused due to overuse or sports injuries  can be usually treated with rest, heat and anti-inflammatory medicines.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable total hip replacement  surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Details About Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is an age related disease also referred to as a disease of aging. It occurs as a result of repeated daily stress on the spine and other major and minor injuries occuring occasionally. For many people degeneration of disc occurs gradually and is not a problem. However, in few cases, it eventually turns into chronic, severe and debilitating discogenic pain. Pain caused by a damaged intervertebral disc is generally referred to as discogenic pain.

Some people may suffer from degenerative disc disease without experiencing any symptom. While some may experience intense symptoms of degenerative disc disease that makes it difficult for them to perform their daily activities.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease

Some of the common early symptoms include pain in the back that radiates to buttocks and upper thighs. Numbness or tingling in the foot or leg is also a symptom. Many patients feel that pain in severe while sitting. The reason is that discs bear more weight when the body is sitting. 

Degenerative disc disease generally refers to a combination of spinal problems that begins with damage to the disc and gradually spreads to remaining parts of the spine.

Treatment of degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease can be treated by occupational or physical therapy, medications, special exercises, stem cell therapy, reducing weight and surgery.

Non surgical treatment options

With the help of proper lifting techniques, frequency and severity of pain can be reduced to a greater amount. Since reclining or kneeling is less painful than sitting, patients can learn how to position themselves so that pain is relieved. Patients should lift weight without bending their body. Steroids, NSAIDs and muscle relaxers may be helpful in relieving the pain.

Surgery is recommended when all other options have failed.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Techniques

The experience of people undergoing lumbar surgery varies from good to excellent results after the surgery. Some people may get significant relief from pain and restore the funcional movement and strength of their back allowing them to sit, walk, drive and perform their normal activities more easily.

The lumbar spine surgery is a lengthy procedure and takes one to eight hours. There is significant improvement in some patients immediately after the procedure. However, strengthening of weak muscles and soft tissues takes a longer period and requires exercise and physiotherapy. Patients may have to attend comprehensive rehabilitation program for several months to receive complete benefits.

Let us know what are the commonly used lumbar spine surgery techniques:

Lumbar decompression surgery is usually performed from the back throught the following techniques:

Laminotomy – A small incison is made in the lamina to reach disc material through the spinal canal. Laminotomy is usually conducted during a lumbar Minimal Access Spine Technology (MAST) procedure.

Foraminotomy – Foraminotomy is performed when disc material or bone spurs push against the nerve and comes out of the foramen. This procedure makes the foramen opening larger to relieve nerve compressions.

Laminectomy – In this procedure, a part or the entire lamina is removed. Laminectomy is carried out to relieve the compression on spinal cord or reach the disc from the back. It is oftenly used for the treatment of lumbar stenosis -  where the spinal canal becomes narrow due to arthritis.

Discectomy – This refers to surgical removal of the entire part of a disc. Discectomy can be done from the posterior through the abdominal cavity to access the spine.

Facetectomy – In this procedure the facet joint is removed partially or completely. It is carried out to relieve nerve root compression or to reach the disc space.

Lumbar spine surgery is one of the most successful procedures performed by the spine surgeons these days. However, spine surgery for the treatment of lumbar degeneration is carried out only if all other non surgical treatments have failed.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care. 

Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon – Which is Better for Spine Surgery?

While considering spine surgery, one of the most common question that comes to mind is which one to choose, an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon? For majority of spine surgeries, both neurosurgeons and specially trained orthopedic surgeons can be considered. Let us know similarities and differences between the two :

Earlier spine surgery was the primary responsibility of neurosurgeons only but in last 20-25 years with the development in the field of spine surgery, both orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon can specialize in spine surgery. Thus for most of the spine surgeries both the surgeons are equally qualified. 

Neurosurgeons

Neurosurgeons are the Medical Doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine and graduated in a 5-6 year residency program specialized on the surgical treatment of neurological diseases. They are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders of spine, brain, spinal cord, nerves,intracranial and intraspinal vasculature. Some neurosurgeons are specialists of brain surgery exclusively.

Orthopedic Surgeons

Orthopedic surgeons are Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who have graduated in a residency program designed for the treatment of musculoskeletal related conditions. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of almost all kinds of bone and joint related disorders such as arthritis, spinal disorders, sports injuries, bone tumors, trauma, total joint replacement and hand injuries and deformities.

Some orthopedic surgeons exclusively take up practice on spine surgery while some on other joint related disorders.

Both orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon should have completed fellowship training in order to perform most of spine surgery.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering state-of-art infrastructure facilities and qualified doctors and surgeons. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Details About Cervical Spine Surgery

Most of the people who undergo cervical spine surgery are reported to experience good to excellent results after the surgery. Majority of people get significant relief both in the neck and radicular pain in the arm and shoulder. Cervical spine surgery is performed to restore the normal activites of day to day life.

Cervical spine surgery is done to relieve the pressure on a spinal cord or nerve caused due to a bone spur, bulging disc and narrowing of the spinal canal.

These conditions may cause symptoms like arm pain, neck pain, tingling or numbness in the hand or arm, tingling or numbness in the leg or foot, weakness in the leg, foot, arm or hand, bladder or bowel problems and difficulty in walking.

Different types of cervical spine surgery

Discectomy

In this procedure a part or the entire bulging disc known as disc herniation, is removed to relieve pressure on the nerve root or the spinal cord. This procedure is usually performed on the anterior or front side of the neck but in some cases it can be done from the posterior side.

Laminectomy

In this cervical spine surgery, a piece of bone that forms part of the spinal canal known as lamina is removed to relieve pressure on spinal cord or spinal nerve. This procedure is performed from the posterior or back side of the neck. The objective of discectomy or laminectomy is to relieve the pressure from one or more nerves to help reduce pain and weakness. Sometimes both can be done at the same time.

Foraminotomy

This procedure is generally performed along with a discectomy or laminectomy around the spinal nerve called as foramen. The foramen is enlarged to remove pressure on the spinal nerve.

Fusion

Fusion is generally performed to to make your neck more stable. It is carried out at the same time as a corpectomy or discectomy. Fusion is done to refill the space between the vertebrae with a piece of bone. This piece of bone may be taken from hip or otherwise a substitute bone material can be used.

Corpectomy

In this type of cervical spine surgery, one or more bones in the spinal column can be removed along with the discs next to them. The space left can be filled with bone through fusion. This is an extensive procedure and patient will have a longer recovery period.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care. 

Definition, Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Canal Stenosis

The symptoms of central canal stenosis include stiffness, pain, numbness, muscle weakness, cramping in the neck or back. Some patients may not experience any symptom at all while in some symptoms may gradually worsen over time. 

Central canal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the central or spinal canal. This condition is also known as canal stenosis or spinal stenosis or central stenosis.

It can occur due to various spinal conditions that cause inflammation and enlargement of the spinal component. Most of these conditions occur as a result of natural aging process. Movement and gravity put continous pressure on the neck and back and stimulates bone to strengthen itself by depositing additional bone. Other factors leading to central canal stenosis are congenital spinal stenosis, environmental stress and spinal tumors. 

Diagnosis of  central canal stenosis

As there are many spinal conditions having similar symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose it accurately. Thorough medical examination and diagnostic testing is required to arrive at the conclusion. Diagnosis of central canal stenosis can be done through:

MRI
X-ray
CT scan
Going through patients complete medical history
Physical examination to test strength and reflexes
Blood tests
Bone scan

Treatment of  central canal stenosis

After the central canal stenosis is diagnosed accurately, your GP or back specialist will chalk out a proper treatment plan for each patient. In some cases, surgery may be prescribed. Minimally invasive technique is also available nowadays to conduct the procedure which requires  smalle incision and faster recovery period than traditional spine surgery. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Patient's Guide to Risks Involved in Spine Surgery

Complications are involved in any surgery. However, it can be major or minor depending on the type of surgery. If it is a spine surgery, then there could be some very complications. There may be risk of pain and impairment following the surgery which may require another surgery. These complications related to the surgery should be discussed with your surgeon before the procedure. Let us know what are the complications involved in spine surgery. 

General complications that can occur after spine surgery include anesthesia complications, blood clots, bleeding, lung problems, dural tear, persistent pain and infection.

Anesthesia complications

Only few patients report problems from anesthesia. These complications may occur due to reactions to the drugs used, problems with anesthesia or other medical conditions that patient may have. Anesthesia can interfere with the functioning of the lungs and create problems with lung infections. Patient may experience vomiting and nausea which can be treated with medicines. 

Bleeding

There could be unexpected bleeding following the spine surgery. Surgeon has to move the abdominal aorta and large vessels going to the legs out of there way while performing spine surgeries through the abdominal cavity.

Blood Clotting

Blood clotting or thrombophlebitis is the common problem occuring in many surgical procedures. Blood clots are formed in the large veins of the calf which may continue growing and reach upto the veins of the thigh and in few cases into the pelvis veins. It is very important to prevent blood clotting. Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs may hinder normal flow of blood from legs to the heart. This results in swelling and pain in the affected leg. The risk of developing blood clot should be prevented in any type of surgery. This could be done through mechanical and medical ways. Mechanical measure involves improving the blood flow and medical process involves use of drugs to slow down the clotting process.

Dural Tear

The spinal cord and spinal nerves are covered by a watertight sac of tissue called as dura mater. A tear can occur in this covering during spine surgery. If it noticed during the surgery, tear can be simply repaired. If unnoticed, tear will not heal and will continue to leak spinal fluid which can create problems like spinal headache, spinal meningitis, etc.  

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Patient Guide to Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion is a procedure in which bone graft material is placed between adjacent vertebrae to help bone growth that fuses together the two structures. The procedure can be performed through minimally invasive surgical approach for candidates who are suitable for it.

When is Spinal Fusion Recommended?

 Spinal fusion may be recommended to treat a number of conditions. These are – correction of deformity such slippages or spinal curves, treatment of a fractured bone, treatment of instability, relieve pain from painful motion and treatment of cervical disc herniations.

Spinal fusion is usually suggested only after traditional treatments have failed. There are several factors to be considered before recommending this procedure including the problem to be treated, patient age, health, lifestyle and expected level of activity after the surgery.

How is Spinal Fusion Done?

There are many surgical methods and procedures, but all of them require placing a bone graft material between vertebrae. The bone graft can be either taken from patient i.e autograft or from a bone bank I.e allograft or a synthetic bone substitute known as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).

The spine may be accessed either from the anterior side, posterior side or the sideways to position the graft. The surgeon may adopt more than one approach as well depending on the necessity. Patients should discuss fusion approach options in detail with their surgeons and depend on their judgement to understand which one is best for them.   

Traditional Spinal Fusion Vs Modern Approach

Traditionally, spinal fusion is performed as an open procedure in which an incison is made, bands of muscle is stripped and muscle and tissue are retracted for a clear view of the spine and to reach the vertebrae easily for implantation.

Traditionally, autograft is the most commonly used graft material. However, removing bone from the patient's iliac crest or pelvis is very painful. This unnecessary procedure is not required in allograft but healing is not as predictable as in autograft. BMP induces patient's own bone cells to make more bone.

Modern spinal fusion process uses less invasive surgical techniques like muscle dilation which makes the highly invasive posterior fusion method unnecessary in most of the cases.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Prevention of Cardiac Diseases

Building up of atheroma – a fatty deposition on the inner linning of arteries is the cause of large number of cardiac diseases. There are some lifestyle factors that can be adopted to minimize the risk of developing atheroma. These are no smoking, less consumption of salt, eating healthy foods, regular physical exercise, maintaining optimum weight and waist size and moderate consumption of alcohol.

Your cholestrol and blood pressure level also play important role. Everyone above the age of 40 should undergo a cardiovascular health risk chek up. If some has a high risk of getting a cardiac disease, medication to lower cholestrol level and high blood pressure is usually prescribed.

Different cardiac diseases caused by atheroma

Different type of cardiac diseases caused by atheroma are heart attack, angina and heart failure. Heart conditions such as heart valve problems and congenital heart problems are not generally included in cardiac disease.

Lifestyle factors that can prevent cardiac diseases

Quit Smoking

The risk of experiencing a stroke and getting other diseases generally increases with smoking. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of developing cardiac diseases.

Physical activity

People with a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to getting cardiac diseases compared to those who are physically active. Moderate physical activity of 30 minutes everyday is sufficient to gain health benefits.   

Reduce your weight

The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is high for people who are overweight. The health risk of obesity is mostly seen when the extra fat is deposited in the tummy instead of on the hips and thighs.

Take healthy diet

A healthy diet helps in controlling obesity and reducing the cholestrol level. Include large portions of fruits and vegetables in your food. Most of the meals should include starch-based foods. Do not consume much fatty food.

Thus one can reduce the risk of developing cardiac diseases by taking over the above given healthy lifestyle factors.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best heart hospital offering state-of-art infrastructure facilities and qualified doctors and surgeons for treatment of cardiac diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.  

A Patient Guide to Brain Tumor

There are many symptoms of brain tumor and majority of them can also be diagnosed in people who do not suffer from this disease. Therefore, some people ignore the signs when first noticed without understanding that they can cause cancer. Being aware of the common symptoms of brain cancer can help those patients who experience these symptoms so that they can undergo proper diagnosis to know if it is cancerous or not. 

Some of the common brain tumor symptoms are:

Headaches
Depression
Sensory (touch) and motor (movement control) loss
Seizures
Hearing loss
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT, or blood clot)
Vision loss
Fatigue
Endocrine dysfunction (hormone/gland changes)
Behavioral and cognitive (thinking) changes

 These symptoms depend on the size, type and location of the brain tumor as well as the treatments adopted. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and other treatments all have the capability to develop new symptoms as they function to lower the effect of the tumor. 

Diagnosis of brain tumor

A number of tests are done to help doctors diagnose brain tumor. These tests can also confirm the type of tumor. Some tests are performed to initially diagnose the tumor and later employed to see the progress – if the tumor has reduced in size, has disappeared, remains the same or has changed in some way. Follow up care is needed for years or even for lifetime in few cases. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable treatment for various diseases. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Details About Total Hip Replacement Surgery

A total hip replacement surgery is the process of replcing entire hip joint with an artifical joint called prosthesis. The hip joint or ball and socket joint is formed where thigh bone or femur meets the hip bone or pelvis. The hip joint also comprises of cartilage, tendons, ligaments and lubricating fluid.

Total hip replacement surgery is performed to restore pain-free range of movement and functioning of a damaged hip joint. It is generally performed when a hip is damaged by injury, arthritis or other hip problems.

Total hip replacement is a major surgery involving potential risks and complications. There are less invasive treatment options and patients should go for a second opinion before considering a total hip replacement surgery.  

Types of total hip replacement

Different types of total hip replacement surgeries are -

Cemented Replacement – In this procedure a special surgical cement is used to join the prosthesis to the bone. It is mostly suitable for older people who are less active and people with weak bones.

Uncemented Replacement – In this procedure a prosthesis with a special coating is used that encourages bone growth in the prosthesis. Uncemented replacement requires longer recovery period because bone takes time to grow and get attached to the prosthesis. The patient experiences thigh pain due to the bone growth in the initial months post surgery. This procedure is generally performed for younger and more active people.

Hybrid Replacement – This is a combination of both cemented and uncemented prosthesis. In hybrid replacement, the femur of the prosthesis is cemented and the pelvic part is uncemented.

A hip replacement surgery is suggested by doctors for treatment of a variety of conditions of the hip. It is considered only when conservative treatment options have failed.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable total hip replacement  surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.

Understanding Total Hip Replacement

 

 

Total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty is considered as one of the most valued developments in the field of orthopedics. The procedure is performed to relieve pain and restore hip functions whose hip joints are damaged by arthritis. It also allows patients to restore their daily activities such as walking and a pain free life. Total hip replacement is considered when when cartilage becomes totally worn out and the affected bone shows spurs and different irregularities which causes pain and disability. In this procedure, hip ball and socket joint are replaced with artificial implants. 

Total hip replacement is recommended to treat various conditions like end stage hip arthritis and hip trauma. It is a successful procedure giving excellent outcomes in the long run. There have been continuos improvement in the surgical procedure since it was first performed in 1960 which has continuously improved the hip function and overall durability of the surgery.

Various studies on total hip replacement shows that 20 years after surgery,  90% or more implants are still working and for above 30 years, it is 70%. This implies 20 years after the surgery, the implants of 9 out of 10 patients is still functioning and will not require another surgery and 30 years after surgery, 7 out of 10 patients will have a functioning implant.

In total hip replacement, an incision is made near the hip joint and the tendons, muscles and joint capsule are removed from the joint to expose the femoral head. Then the head and neck of the femur are taken out and the acetabulum is also removed. The femoral stem is then fitted inside the femur channel. Next, a ball is carefully fitted to the end of the femoral stem. Lastly, the hip joint is rejoined and all the tissued around that area are repaired.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable total hip replacement  surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care. 

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplant also known as stem cell transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant is the process of replacing diseased or damaged cells with healthy non cancerous stem cells. This procedure is usually performed when normal stem cells in the bone marrow are destroyed by cancer treatment. It is also used when there are very low chances of treatment with chemotherapy.

Basically bone marrow transplant is of two types and the type of procedure given to a child depends on the diagnosis.

Autologous – Autologous bone marrow transplant is the process where bone marrow of the patient is used. The blood cells or bone marrow are collected, frozen and then thawed when required for reinfusion. Autologous transplant is performed for patients suffering from solid tumors like Hodgkin's disease, neuroblastoma and brain tumors.

Allogenic – Allogenic transplant is conducted when blood cells or bone marrow is received from some donor instead of patient. The donor can be related, unrelated or cord blood. This transplant is performed for patients suffering from lymphomas and lukemia.

When the doctor decides that bone marrow transplant is the most suitable treatment for a child they will explain entire procedure including the risks involved to the parents in detail. Different tests will be performed to ensure that the child is healthy to tolerate the effects of transplant.  

The child is then given preparative treatment called conditioning before the transplant procedure. This includes giving high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The purpose and type of conditioning depends on the diagnosis and may include -

Removal of cancer
Suppressing immune system in order to allow new cells to be accepted
Make space in the bone marrow to allow new cells to grow

After conditioning process, stem cells are transmitted through the catheter inserted in the chest through a large vein. The transplanted blood cells will then flow through the blood stream to the bone marrow to start making RBCs, WBCs and platelets. This may take around 14-30 days for sufficient amount of blood cells specially WBCs to be formed so that body can fight against the infection.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering state-of-art infrastructure facilities and qualified doctors and surgeons . We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care. 

Details About Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy surgery has transformed the way joint injuries were treated. Earlier orthopedic injuries were treated through extensive surgery involving large incisions, longer recovery period and a hospital stay.  But now with the help of arthroscopic surgery, it has become easy to diagnose and treat joint problems.In this procedure arthroscope, a small fiber-optic viewing instrument made of a tiny lens, video camera and a light source is used.     

The surgical tools used in arthroscopic surgery are very small measuring only 3-4 mm in diameter but appear much bigger through an arthroscope. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision of about ¼ inch known as portal. 2-3 incisions are made for portals. They are also used to insert surgical instruments. These incisions leave very small scars which are mostly unnoticeable.

Due to direct access to most of the joint and small incision sites, surgeon can diagnose and surgically treat a wide array of joint problems including arthritis and ligament tears. For example, arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat any region of the knee. Infact, it is not only restricted to the knee. Arthroscopy of ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hip are also common.

Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions like damaged joint lining, torn cartilage, torn ligament, arthritis and damaged knee cap. Some of the advantages of arthroscopic surgery are faster healing, smaller incisions, shorter recovery period and less scarrs. This surgery is usually conducted on an outpatient basis and patient can return home on the day of the procedure itself.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable arthroscopic   surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.