The Orthopedics Department at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) has set a new standard by performing around 400 major orthopedic procedures monthly.
Over the past two years, NIMS has seen a remarkable fivefold increase in orthopedic surgeries, from routine knee replacements to advanced spinal surgeries, establishing itself as a primary referral center for patients across three states.
Each month, the department performs approximately 60 knee replacements, 20 hip replacements, and eight complex spinal surgeries for scoliosis each spinal procedure lasting up to 10 hours.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, different from the spine's natural front-to-back curve. Though typically mild and symptom-free, it can sometimes cause back pain and affect posture. This condition is often diagnosed during adolescence, with treatment options including physical therapy, braces, and, in severe cases, surgery.
The department also handles about 40 orthopedic oncology cases monthly, each requiring four to five hours. Specialized surgeries in pediatric orthopedics, arthroscopy, and Ilizarov ring fixation add to the caseload, along with complex trauma cases that often need collaboration with other departments, such as vascular and plastic surgery, according to Dr. Cherukuri Nagesh, Head of Orthopedics at NIMS.
Ilizarov apparatus is an external device used in orthopedic surgery to help lengthen or reshape damaged bones in the arms or legs. It is often used to treat complex fractures, open bone breaks, and cases where bones don't heal properly on their own. The device can also correct leg deformities, adjust differences in leg length, and help heal bones that haven’t fused together. It is a valuable tool for preserving the limb and treating difficult bone conditions.
Affordable Care
Dr. Nagesh noted that NIMS’s affordable pricing attracts patients from across the region. For example, scoliosis surgeries that cost ₹8 to ₹10 lakh at corporate hospitals are available for about ₹1 lakh at NIMS. Knee replacements, typically priced at ₹3-5 lakh in private hospitals, are conducted for under ₹1.5 lakh.
Many corporate hospitals now refer complex polytrauma and neglected cases to NIMS, with five to six emergency cases transferred each evening. With a nearly 100% success rate and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, NIMS has become the preferred choice for patients seeking high-quality orthopedic care at affordable rates.
Last year alone, NIMS performed 90 of the 100 scoliosis surgeries done across Hyderabad and handled 90% of hip arthroplasties in the region.
Impressive Figures Each year, NIMS orthopedic surgeons perform nearly 5,000 surgeries, many requiring complex, multidisciplinary approaches. Joint replacements account for approximately 800 cases annually, spinal surgeries for 85, and orthopedic oncology cases for around 400. The team also performs 300 arthroscopy procedures, 25 endoprosthesis surgeries, and provides 100 artificial limbs annually, Dr. Nagesh added.
(Input from various sources)
Rehash/Josna Lewis