The emphasis these days is on leading active lives. To live life to the fullest we need to be mobile. That’s why, worldwide, there has been a tremendous increase in Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries.

A key element in a replacement surgery is the prosthesis or artificial joint that is used. The choice of joint and its precise placement goes a long way in affecting the mobility of the patient and the longevity of the joint. An ideal joint is one that ensures maximum mobility and longest longevity.

In the world today there are more than 500 different types of joints available for joint replacement. Joints vary is design, in the material they are made of, in shape and size, in cost and so on. Different manufacturers offer their own range of joints.

One size does not fit all

Internationally Orthopaedic Surgeons work with manufacturers to customize joints for patients and hence there are as many different types of joints as the number of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

In India, they decide what joints the Indian surgeon should use and market them here.

Often, most of the designs that are available in India have been phased out in the West or the designs are not very popular there. These joints are sold cheaply in this country. They are not the top-end products.

The surgeons are well aware that you cannot use the same design for every patient. (different types of disease of the joints require different types of joints).

Young people will require joints which are made of material that will last long. Old people may not require such a joint. Young people stress their joints by running, jogging and playing. The joints of young people will require more mobility. Even economics decides the types of joints the surgeon has to use.

Thus the surgeon selects the best joint for the patient based on age, bone compatibility and quality, future activity, associated medical problems and lifestyle.

It’s important that the surgeon should have freedom of choice in the selection of the type of joint that has to be used for replacement and not be restricted to a certain manufacturer.

The wider the array of joints to choose from, the greater the likelihood of finding the ideal joint for the patient.