Page 73 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

CONDUCTING SURGERY
TO REPLACE ONLY
THE WORN-OUT SURFACE
OF THE KNEE.

This time, we are providing readers
with additional clarification from
“Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vajara Wilairat”, a
surgeon specialising in knee and hip
joint surgery and a consulting physician
at the Orthopaedic Center, Sukumvit
Hospital. He has been treating the elderly
patient, “Khun Praman”, who suffers
from degenerative knees, bowed legs,
and severe pain, preventing him from
leading a normal life. “Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Vajara” explained the situation with the
following x-ray results:

“...After conducting a physical examination
and x-rays, we diagnosed the patient with After the surgery, the elderly patient was able to move his legs, bend
end-stage osteoarthritis, evident from the his knees, and walk within a day. He had the opportunity to return
bowed appearance of the legs and the to his normal movement abilities in about three to four weeks, and
inward twisting of the leg tips due to bone-on-bone contact. The with diligent knee exercises as recommended by the doctor, for an
cartilage surface was completely worn away, primarily due to even speedier recovery.
age-related deterioration and extensive knee usage without proper
care. While medication can alleviate knee pain, the patient had
already exhausted medicinal options without achieving relief. DOCTOR ADVISES THE FOLLOWING KEY
Consequently, we recommended knee replacement surgery to PRINCIPLES TO EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF
address the condition. Knee replacement surgery can be performed YOUR KNEE JOINTS.
using various techniques and technologies. In this case, the entire “Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vajara” shared valuable advice on “principles for
knee joint, including the cartilage on the articular surface, was prolonging knee joint life and preventing osteoarthritis,” stating:
replaced. The patient was informed that Sukumvit Hospital employs
advanced surgical technology utilising a computer system. This “Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vajara” emphasised that knee osteoarthritis can result
method reduces blood loss and enhances accuracy, minimising from various factors, including genetics, high body weight, and past
wound injury and promoting faster recovery. Unlike traditional accidents. He advises individuals with high body weight to manage
surgeries that require wide incisions and insertion of a metal rod their health and engage in knee-strengthening exercises. Painkillers
into the bone cavity, which often led to significant blood loss and or muscle relaxants can also help, as prevention can delay the
slow recovery due to swelling, the computerised knee replacement deterioration process. While some degeneration is inevitable, taking
surgery involves a more precise and less invasive approach. preventive measures can enhance quality of life. When surgery
becomes necessary, there’s no need to fear it due to advancements
in medical technology. For example, the use of titanium mixed with
high-friction plastic for artificial knee joints now offers a lifespan
of 20-30 years, resulting in less pain and smaller wounds, allowing
patients to return to a happy, active life.”

SUKUMVIT HOSPITAL

1411 Sukhumvit Road
(Ekkamai BTS)
Prakanong Nua, Wattana,
Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Before the procedure, a thorough physical and general health Tel: 02 391 0011
examination is conducted, including checks of the heart and vascular Email:
systems. Patients are also instructed on pre-surgery and post-surgery info@sukumvithospital.com
practices to ensure a smooth recovery. This modern technique does www.sukumvithospital.com
not compromise the long-term efficiency of the artificial knee joint,
offering patients improved outcomes and faster rehabilitation.”
Concluding, “Khun Praman’’ underwent knee replacement surgery
at the Orthopaedic and Joint Disease Center in Sukumvit Hospital.
With “Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vajara” utilising modern surgical technology
and supported by a skilled medical team, the surgery took just over
an hour.