Kolkata : For a 55-year-old thalassemia patient, the New Year signifies a remarkable milestone of restored mobility and a pain-free life, achieved through a successful knee replacement surgery under the expert care of Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata. The patient had undergone her first successful knee replacement surgery in 2023. Encouraged by the positive outcome, she returned for a second surgery in November 2024, once again placing her trust in Dr. Chakraborty. Despite several comorbidities, including severe anemia, chronic organ complications, and an increased susceptibility to infections due to thalassemia, she successfully underwent a knee transplant. Advances in medical care have significantly enhanced the life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with thalassemia, enabling her to surpass the typical prognosis and thrive.
For patients with thalassemia, the challenges posed by their health condition can significantly complicate even routine procedures. According to a study by Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), the mortality rate during orthopedic procedures is elevated due to complications such as severe anemia, significant blood loss and increased susceptibility to infections. Additionally, thalassemia patients often have compromised bone quality and marrow function, making them more vulnerable to fractures during surgery.
This was precisely the challenge faced by the patient who underwent a knee replacement in 2023, where thalassemia-related complications resulted in a proximal tibial fracture, a break in the upper shinbone near the knee joint. Despite this setback, the surgical team skillfully managed the fracture using screws alongside the knee implant, leading to a successful recovery. However, the progressive nature of thalassemia and the strain on the knee necessitated a second replacement surgery just a year later.
In November 2024, building on the experience from the previous procedure, the orthopedic team employed refined techniques tailored to the patient’s complex needs. This meticulous approach not only minimized the risks but also facilitated an exceptional recovery, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by thalassemia.
Sharing insights on the case, Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, explained, “Thalassemia often leads to excessive blood loss during surgery, posing a significant challenge. To address this, we employed advanced surgical techniques, including soft tissue dissection, to effectively minimize blood loss. This technique, which involves the careful removal of soft tissues such as muscles, fat, or connective tissue to access underlying structures, helped maintain the patient’s hemoglobin levels. The levels dropped only marginally from 8.5 to 8.2, eliminating the need for a postoperative transfusion. By successfully managing these complications, the knee replacement surgery was completed in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, ensuring a smooth recovery. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day and has already resumed normal activities.”
The patient is now expected to remain free of knee-related issues for the next two decades, significantly improving her quality of life. However, ongoing management of her thalassemia, including regular hematologist consultations and periodic blood transfusions, remains essential.
Congratulating the team, Ashish Mukherjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, said, “This milestone underscores Fortis Hospital Anandapur’s commitment to tackling complex medical challenges and delivering exceptional care. It highlights our dedication to achieving life-changing outcomes for even the most high-risk patients.”
