Knee replacements now last longer with affordable ‘Golden Knee’ implants

• “The “golden knee”, is a total knee replacement (TKR) implant which has a ‘Bionic Gold’ surface
• The surface prevents direct contact with the base material of the implant and the surrounding tissues
• A Golden Knee Replacement surgery takes around one hour only”

New Delhi, August 21, 2018:

With growing incidence of Osteoarthritis in India, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals organized a press briefing today on the occasion of World Senior Citizen Day. The press meet was conducted in order to explain the importance and benefits of ‘Golden Knee’ implants, and how they can especially benefit senior citizens. The briefing was addressed by Dr. (Prof) Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Dr Vaishya did the first ‘Golden Knee’ implant surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals on 26^th May this year. Since then he has successfully performed around 25 golden knee implant replacements.

Addressing the media Dr Raju Vaishya said, “About 80% of the population above 65 years of age suffers from osteoarthritis. It is a disease which causes cartilage degradation resulting into pain in major joints, especially in knee joint. Globally it ranks eighth in all diseases and covers around 15% proportions among all musculoskeletal problems. The incidence of the disease increases with age and generally affects women more frequently than men. Moreover, the problem is more commonly found in those who are obese and thus, lifestyle has inadvertently led to an increase in those suffering from this painful condition.”

Talking about the several benefits of Golden Knee implants, Prof. Vaishya stated, ‘Golden Knees’ are the advanced version of total knee replacement implants (prosthesis) which provides the best solution to people suffering from Osteoarthritis. In this, the implant has a ‘Bionic Gold’ surface which prevents direct contact with the base material of the implant and the surrounding tissues. It also reduces the release of particles and ions due to wear and therefore almost eliminates the chances of metal allergy. As the surface of this metal is smooth, it causes less friction thereby increasing the life of the joint to 30 – 35 years which in normal implants lasts up to 15-20 years.

“The ‘Bionic Gold’ surface is made by a fully biocompatible titanium niobium nitride (TiNbN) surface coating on metallic implant components. This coating presents as metallic, light golden yellow (golden) appearance whereby the coating forms a firm bond with the implant,” further added Dr Vaishya.

One of the patient Premlata Jain after the surgery said, “I was in really bad condition when I consulted the doctors at Indraprastha Apollo hospitals. I could barely walk myself. Doctors told me that I will have to undergo a total knee transplant surgery for my treatment. They suggested me for a ‘golden knee’ implant which was a total new concept for me but doctors explained me the benefits of the implant. Having trust in the doctor’s expertise here, I underwent the Golden Knee Implant. I am really grateful to Dr Vaishya for treating me. It’s totally because of him that I am able to walk properly today.”

Now the ‘golden knee’ implants are only marginally expensive than the routinely used implants, in India. These are therefore affordable by the most patients requiring total knee replacement. With these implants, the patients get ‘High Flexion’ ability i.e. they can even squat, kneel and climb stairs with ease and comfort,” concluded Dr Vaishya.