Press Coverage

• The hospital restores natural knee movement in 65-year-old suffering with severe pain and restricted knee mobility
• Triathlon Knee uses natural knee kinematics to provide mobility up to 150 degree.

Doctors at Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, achieved path-breaking success in restoring the natural movement of the knee of a 65-year-old woman, using Triathlon Knee Replacement (TKR) technology. With the achievement, the hospital has become the first centre in Bihar to successfully perform the surgery, which is based on the single radius design that ensures smooth, natural movement.

Manjulika Prasad (name changed to protect privacy), was suffering from severe knee pain when came to the hospital. The excruciating pain was accompanied by stiffness, deformity and limited joint movement, which also restricted her daily activities. Following a detailed examination, Prasad was counselled by Dr Nishikant Kumar, Consultant Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Paras HMRI, Patna, who suggested that she undergo knee replacement surgery using TKR technology.

“Often with age, knee joints tend to lose their shock-absorbing ability. The knee is a hinge joint that bears the weight of our entire body and absorbs the impact of movement. However, with age and regular activity, the tissues wear out, thereby causing osteoarthritis. The wear and tear on the tissue causes immense pain and restriction in movement. In such cases, total knee replacement surgery has proven to be a boon,” said Dr Kumar.

Talking about the technology, Dr Kumar says: “Triathlon Knee Replacement is a very advanced technology as it is designed to mimic a natural knee’s circular motion. It is based on the principle of natural knee kinematics (straightening and bending). This enables the patient to experience natural knee movement, with a smooth and stable motion, and greater mobility up to the extent of 150 degrees.”

“With the evolution of 3D imaging technology and a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the knee, it was discovered that during active range of motion, the knee rotates in a circular and not an oval pattern. Triathlon thus mimics natural knee kinematics,” added Dr John Mukhopadhaya, Director Orthopedics, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna speaking on the mechanism of the new technique.

The Triathlon Knee Replacement is used worldwide to help patients with knee problems. “Studies have shown that the evolutionary design of Triathlon knee has helped patients recover faster, experience better stability and enjoy a long-lasting implant (up to 30 years or more). This is because Triathlon is designed to require 57% less effort from the quadriceps muscle when moving the knee,” explained Dr Kumar.