An increasing number of people in Qatar suffering from arthritis are now opting for the sophisticated knee replacement surgery, say experts at the Al Ahli Hospital.
The hospital over the past one year successfully conducted 20 total knee replacement surgeries, according to Dr Emmanuel Tolessa, head of its Orthopedics and Traumatology department.
To raise public awareness about the treatment, the hospital is organising a Total Knee Replacement Exhibit and Symposium at its premises on Thursday. The exhibition will take place from 4pm to 6pm followed by the symposium from 7pm to 8pm.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tolessa said total knee replacement had been found to be very effective for people suffering from severe joint pain, mostly resulting from arthritis.
“Arthritis is the major cause of joint pain on the knee and the hips. We suggest surgery as the last option when physiotherapy and medication fail to give relief from pain. Surgery can help such patients lead a normal life and even engage in physical activities,” said Tolessa.
Dr Abdul Azim A W Hussain, medical director at Al Ahli Hospital and Richard Forbes Robertson, an expert from the UK were also present at the press conference. Robertson will give a speech on total knee replacement surgery at the symposium.
Tolessa said obesity is one of the risk factors that can lead to arthritis. Besides primary arthritis, there is the secondary arthritis resulting from injuries. Arthritis is a disease related with ageing and women is more prone to the illness.
Incidence of arthritis is lower in the Gulf region, compared to the Western countries, mainly because youngsters constitute the major chunk of the population. However, the high prevalence of obesity in the region can lead to a future rise in the cases, he added.
He said about 250,000 people undergo joint replacement surgeries in the US every year. In Qatar, more people are now opting for such surgeries with increased awareness.
The number of hip replacement surgeries conducted by the Al Ahli Hospital is higher than the knee replacement surgeries.
In a few weeks after a total keen replacement surgery the patient would be able to walk normally and climb stairs, without depending on pain killers or crutches. The survival rate in 98 per cent of the surgeries is minimum 15 years.
“The purpose of the exhibition and the symposium is to raise public awareness on knee replacement surgeries. Several private companies will showcase their products used in implants at the exhibition. The symposium will discuss the outcome of the surgeries conducted at our hospital. It will help us learn from the experience and expertise of the distinguished speakers,” said Tolessa.
The Peninsula
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