After a certain age, people generally avoid undergoing surgery, as the chances of recovering from any illness or surgery diminish with age. However, doctors at Fortis Hospital in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj have achieved a remarkable feat by performing knee replacement surgery on a 97-year-old woman, making her the oldest Indian to undergo the procedure. Resham Devi had been living independently in an ashram in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, for the past 30 years and was suffering from severe osteoarthritis. A few years ago, she sustained a fracture and bone dislocation in her left hip due to a fall. Initially, she received conservative treatment due to her fragile health. However, the lack of flexibility in her hip and advanced osteoarthritis in both knees severely restricted her mobility. After consulting with doctors, Resham Devi decided to undergo knee replacement surgery.

Overcoming the Challenges

Upon admission to the hospital, the woman was experiencing significant difficulty while walking and severe pain in both knees and her left hip. To prepare for surgery, she underwent six months of physiotherapy, including teriparatide injections, and calcium and vitamin D supplements to strengthen her bones. Despite these measures, she continued to face challenges in performing daily tasks and remained dependent on others. Considering her age and the complexity of the case, Dr Dhananjay Gupta, Director of Orthopaedics department, initially recommended replacing one knee and suggested considering the other knee after about three months. However, the patient expressed her desire to have both knees replaced simultaneously.

Preparation and Procedure

After undergoing thorough blood, liver, kidney, and heart tests, along with an anaesthesia assessment, she underwent successful knee replacement surgery on both legs. She is now able to walk with the help of a walker, indicating the surgery went successful.

The Significance of Mobility in the Elderly

Dr Dhananjay Gupta acknowledged the challenging nature of the case due to the patient’s advanced age. “Mobility problems in elderly patients are strongly associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and general deterioration in health. Physical mobility is important for the elderly as it helps maintain the health of bones and muscles as well as the heart and respiratory systems.”

The Importance of Seeking Treatment

Dr Gurvinder Kaur, Facility Director at Fortis, highlighted Resham Devi’s case as an inspiration, demonstrating that age should not be a barrier to seeking treatment. “Resham Devi’s case is a testament to the fact that age should not be a barrier to seeking medical treatment. We are happy that we were able to help her regain her mobility and improve her quality of life.”

Takeaway Points

This case showcases the following key takeaways:

• Age should not be a barrier to seeking medical treatment. Even at advanced ages, individuals can benefit from surgery to improve their quality of life.
• Thorough preparation and assessment are crucial for older patients undergoing surgery. Pre-operative evaluation and management of underlying health conditions can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Mobility is essential for the overall well-being of the elderly. Maintaining physical activity and addressing mobility issues can help prevent further health complications.
• Access to specialized medical care can make a significant difference for older patients. Skilled surgeons and dedicated healthcare teams are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.