Doctors at KIMS Super Speciality Hospital here have successfully performed total knee replacement (TKR) surgery on both knees of an 87-year-old woman, the oldest female patient in Odisha and Eastern India to undergo such a procedure. The patient had been suffering from severe knee arthritis for over 15 years and was bedridden for the last five.
Despite being advised surgery earlier, she was hesitant due to common fears among the elderly — that surgery might not be successful or could lead to further disability.
Her condition worsened to the point that she could no longer walk or manage daily tasks, prompting her family to consult with Prof. Dr. Basant Kumar Behera, an expert in joint replacement surgeries at KIMS.
Given her age and existing health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and a heart condition, the doctors decided to conduct the surgery in two phases with a three-month gap to ensure her safety.
The first surgery on her right knee was performed on April 7 and the second on her left knee on July 21. Both were carried out successfully using modern techniques that minimized pain and risk. Dr. Raj Mohan and his anaesthesia team used spinal anaesthesia with a nerve block, ensuring the patient remained comfortable throughout the procedures.
The patient was able to walk with support just one day after each surgery. With regular physiotherapy, she made steady progress and was discharged in stable condition just five days after her second operation, without any complications.
Doctors at KIMS highlighted that while joint replacement surgeries in patients over 80 years are often considered high-risk due to age-related health issues, advancements in surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and post-operative care have made these procedures safer and more effective.
“There is no fixed age limit for knee replacement. The decision depends on the patient’s overall health, mobility, and severity of pain. With the right approach and modern technology, elderly patients can regain independence and live pain-free,” said Dr. Behera.
The case serves as a message to many elderly individuals suffering from arthritis. Experts estimate that about 30 percent of people over the age of 50 in India experience knee arthritis, and around 1 percent of them could benefit from knee replacement surgery. Yet, due to fear and misconceptions, many delay treatment until they become immobile.
KIMS Super speciality hospital is a well-equipped hospital with advanced technology to carry these procedures with minimal risk. Both surgical and Anaesthesia teams are well experienced to provide safe surgery to these elderly patients.
