Patna, Jan. 8: Latest advancements in arthroplasty and its pros and cons were the highlights of a discussion organised during a workshop at Mahavir Vatsalaya Hospital today.

Renowned orthopaedics and rheumatologists from across the country had gathered in the capital to participate in a continued medical education programme on arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis.

“Arthroplasty is surgery done to reconstruct or replace a diseased joint. For rheumatoid arthritis, arthroplasty is done to restore function to a joint or correct a deformity. Bones in a joint can be reshaped, or all or part of the joint can be replaced with metal or plastic parts. Recovery following arthroplasty may involve a two-14-day hospital stay. Depending on the joint, rehabilitation may take several weeks to several months,” said Dr Rajeev Gupta, head of rheumatology, Medanta Medicity.

He added that surgeries like arthroplasty does not cure rheumatoid arthritis totally, nor does it cure the disease. “However, if a joint is badly diseased, surgery may provide pain relief and improve function.”

Gupta said: “Arthroplasty is considered when symptoms can no longer be controlled with medicine, injections, physical therapy and exercise. Moreover, when the pain from rheumatoid arthritis can no longer be tolerated. It is also done when patients cannot carry out their daily activities or when the bone is causing severe pain.”

Earlier, while inaugurating the session, health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said scarcity of rheumatologists in the state and in the country was a matter of concern.

“Because of this we are facing difficulty in providing proper care on time to arthritis patients. The continued medical education organised by Postgraduate Orthopaedic Update will immensely benefit bone and joint surgeons as well as patients in the state,” he added.

The scientific programme kicked off with live surgical demonstration of total knee joint replacement of 65-year-old Urmila Singh. Dr A.S. Prasad from Kanpur performed the surgery.

Several other panelists gave presentations on various aspects of rheumatoid disease and total hip and knee joint replacement, especially in rheumatoid joints. Delegates were also given chance to practice surgery on bone models.

City-based orthopaedic Amulya Kumar Singh said the academic programme, which saw participation of over 100 medical professionals and had outstanding local and guest faculty, was a rewarding experience for delegates.