"We had three major challenges before we decided to go ahead with the surgery. Firstly, control of her Sickle cell disease - Rebecca had 93% 'haemoglobin S' (HbS). Subjecting her to trauma of a major surgery like joint replacement, associated blood loss and stress would have precipitated a life threatening sickle crisis. To reduce her HbS to about 30% we had to perform an exchange transfusion. Exchange transfusions involved removing blood with HbS and replacing it with fresh blood of compatible donors. It took about five days to restore the HbS to a safe level, after which she was ready for surgery.

Secondly, there was the challenge of doing a shoulder and hip replacement at same time. Thirdly, when doing a joint replacement on very young patient it is important to perform a joint replacement surgery which would give her a long lasting and better quality of life."

After proper examination we decided to go ahead with the replacement of right hip and shoulder. A decision was taken to use an 'uncemented hip replacement' of a robust construction, which has a potential to last a lifetime. A ceramic bearing was chosen for this hip which again will never wear out.

Dr. Bhonsle used a minimally invasive approach to replace Rebecca's right hip whereby the hip joint was reached by minimal disruption with just a 4 inch cut. Because of avascular necrosis the bone quality was very hard and difficult to prepare, but it was achieved using careful and specialized instrumentation. Uncemented prosthesis was securely implanted and a ceramic bearing was fitted. Rebecca's hip was ready to use. Similar minimal invasive approach was taken to the shoulder joint. Cemented shoulder prosthesis was selected and secured.

Rebacca was able to walk on the 2nd day of her surgery. Following the surgery her pain has gone completely. She had a speedy recovery and was able to get back to her normal course of life within few weeks of the surgery.

SOURCE Fortis Hospitals Limited