Orthopaedic surgeries soar at NIMS: Knee replacements up from 80 to 470 in 2023

Hyderabad: The orthopaedic department of the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) has witnessed a significant increase in the number of joint replacements and specialised orthopaedic procedures.

“Total knee replacements, once averaging 75 to 80 surgeries annually, have skyrocketed to an impressive 470 surgeries in the past year,” said Dr Nagesh, head of the orthopaedic department at NIMS.

Economical than private hospitals

Paying patients seeking joint replacements at NIMS benefit from the institution’s affordable healthcare. Highlighting the cost difference, Dr Nagesh said, “The rise in paying patients seeking joint replacements at NIMS is notable, the cost at private hospitals being between Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs per knee compared to a more economical Rs 1.5 lakhs at NIMS.”

“The cost of a knee replacement in a government hospital is Rs 65,000 and four times more in a private facility,” he added.

Additionally, Dr Rajesh Malhotra, head of AIIMS orthopaedics division, said, “More than 2.5 lakh people undergo total knee replacement (TKR) in India every year, 2.5 times the number of such procedures conducted annually about five years ago.”

Room for improvement in diagnosis, treatment

Despite the cost-effectiveness, concerns have been raised about the perceived lack of standards in preoperative evaluation and postoperative care.

Dr Nagesh acknowledged the need for improvement in postoperative follow-up and personalised care and said, “If the government provides private insurance to NIMS, corporates may experience a shortage of patients.”

NIMS: Hub for Orthopaedic Specialties

NIMS has established itself as a hub for various orthopaedic specialities. Dr Nagesh emphasised the institute’s leadership in complex scoliotic surgeries stating, “NIMS has conducted the highest number of complicated scoliotic surgeries, including limb preservation surgeries for ortho-oncology cases.”

The cost-effectiveness of surgeries at NIMS is evident, with Dr Nagesh expressing gratitude for government health schemes, saying, “As much as 90 per cent of cases were done under Aarogyasri Telangana and CMRF (Chief Minister’s Relief Fund) with no extra cost to patients.”

Speaking about the future of healthcare in Telangana, Dr Nagesh envisioned enhanced facilities at NIMS, including improved ambience in operation theatres and wards, special paying rooms, a well-equipped postoperative ICU, and a seamless supply of implants.