ARTHRITIS CRIPPLING THE YOUNG

Arthritis has emerged as the most common ailment in the country and around 65 crore populations will suffer from the disease by 2013. When you think of arthritis you think it affects only the elderly. Contrary to this misconception, arthritis these days is found increasingly among the younger population. However, age is not a factor for arthritis; it can affect young and old alike. Higher levels of stress coupled with modern lifestyles are increasing the incidence of arthritis. Today in Punjab alone there would be close to 25lakh arthritis patients and the number is increasing rapidly. There are more than five lakh patients with advanced arthritis of which 50,000 require immediate surgery. The hard fact is that arthritis is not fatal. But the cruel fact is that arthritis cripples the patient for life. In other words, arthritis is progressively degenerative disorder, which becomes increasingly painful if it strikes one at an early age. Think twice while relishing those greasy paranthas, makhan and ghee. These not only add extra pound to your waist, but also to the pain you feel while squatting and sitting. The computer navigation system provides greater accuracy and precision in joint replacement. Also with computer navigation, the surgeon knows how ones components are doing while bending stretching etc. With this technique, no blood is lost during and after surgery. The computer navigation also ensures increased longevity of the replacement. The surgery reduces most of the pain and allows one to walk long distances, climb stairs, stand for a long time and do low impact activities comfortably. It is not just the surgical techniques that have improved over the last few years; the survival periods of implants have also gone up. At present, the survival time for an implant in a

patients joint is about15 years. The designs of these implants have also evolved with high performance implants being the new mantra. The latest generation high flex implants is an advanced design available today to meet the needs of the demanding population. High flex implants offers bone preservation, retaining most of the vital natural bone, tissue and ligaments, thanks the bio mechanical design advancements due to the software design simulator and other technological advancements. With people now being affected by arthritis as early as 30 years of age, especially in urban settings it has now become a serious cause for concern. In the west there is a growing awareness of bone diseases. Australia, for instance, has put osteoporosis on its list of national priority disease. While such moves are yet to take place in our country, the positives are that awareness levels are increasing and so is the availability of latest techniques and implants. NIKHIL MEHTA ROLL no. 23