KOCHI: This is one super specialty that has not got the deserved attention in Kerala but needs special attention considering its otherwise impressive health profile, says Dr Ashok N. Johari about the super specialisation of pediatric orthopedics and spine surgery. From Mumbai and attending the 61st National Conference of the Indian Orthopaedic Association ‘IOACON-2016’ being held here, Dr Johari says that this is more surprising considering the fact states like Maharashtra and Gujarat have identified the importance of the discipline.
“Down south, Manipal, Vellore and Bangalore are places where it has got deserved attention. The discipline is important because if congenital deformities are corrected early, that person can be given quality life in the rest part. It is easier doing surgeries while when one is a child by modifying growth of the affected part,” said the pediatric orthopedic. He said that the discipline covers people from 0-18 years.
“Altogether there are 400 million children in the country and five percent of them face some kind of disability from birth which means 20 million. Accidents, tumours and infections add another 1-2 percent taking the numbers up to 25-30 million. However, there is only one pediatric orthopedic for half a million children which is grossly inadequate. The general orthopedics are generally focused on trauma cases and since majority of children afflicted are poor, the discipline is not financially lucrative also for professionals,” says Dr Johari. He said that physical congenital deformities come with cerebral palsy and polio. “Other cases include dislocation of hips, club foot, foot not formed properly, crooked spine, bow legs, knock knees, one leg being short, bone not forming properly and tightening of limbs. These can happen as the child grows as well. Infection affects joint bones leading to deformities,” Dr Johari said.
Osteoarthritis a major concern: Middleton
One of the gravest challenges that India has to address is the disease burden of osteoarthritis in its population. Data indicate that osteoarthritis as the most common joint disease affects more than 15 million adults every year. By 2025 it is estimated that the endemic disease would severely affect the life and movement of 6 crore Indian people, said Dr. Robert Middleton, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hip Replacement Specialist, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, UK. He was addressing the 61st national conference of the Indian Orthopaedic Association 'IOACON-2016' at Le Meridien Convention Centre Kochi, on Thursday.
Studies also estimate that the disease burden is increasing in the age group of 30-50 years and is very high in people above 60 years of age. Women are more prone to osteoarthritis with 80 % females above sixty affected, he added. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of joints particularly the knee and the hip joints. The cartilage lining of the joint wears away leading to pain and stiffness at the joint and makes it difficult to bend the knee or rotate the hip. It becomes hard to walk.
"In acute cases, bones in the joint rub against each other causing severe pain. Increasing age, damage due to physical stress, joint injury, excess body weight, weak muscles supporting the joints and genetic factors are considered to be the most common risk factors of osteoarthritis," Dr. Robert Middleton said. Proper low-impact exercises like stretching, swimming and cycling can strengthen the muscular support of joints, he added.
