L J Ravi Bengaluru: Narayana Health City marks medical milestone with a first-of-its-kind Ankle Replacement surgery in Bengaluru
A Medical First of its kind in Bengaluru: How Narayana Health City’s breakthrough surgery helped 64-year-old woman walk pain-free aguin
Advancing Orthopedic Care in India: The surgery marks a milestone in making advanced ankle treatments accessible to more patients
Narayana Health City has achieved a remarkable medical milestone by successfully performing Bengaluru’s first-of-its-kind Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) surgery, offering new hope for patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis. The surgery, led by Dr. Shekar Mudramalah, Orthopedic Surgeon and Foot & Ankle Specialist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, performed on a 64-year-old woman who had been struggling with intense pain and restricted mobility for years.
This groundbreaking procedure marks a new era in orthopedic care, proving that advanced treatments once considered rare in India can now be performed successfully, enabling patients to regain pain-free movement and an improved quality of life.
A Life-Changing Surgery That Restored Movement
The patient, once an active woman, had been forced to cut back on her daily activities due to severe arthritis in her left ankle. Over the years, the pain worsened, and she began limping, unable to walk without discomfort. While multiple doctors suggested ankle fusion-a procedure that would relieve pain but permanently stiffen the joint-she wanted an option that would allow her to move freely again.
Upon learning about Narayana Health City’s expertise in advanced orthopedic procedures, she consulted Dr. Shekar Mudramaiah, who specializes in foot and ankle surgeries. Recognizing her desire to regain mobility, he recommended Total Ankle Replacement, a complex but highly effective surgery that replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant, allowing the patient to walk pain-free with natural movement.
However, performing this procedure in India comes with challenges. The specialized implants required for the surgery are not available locally and had to be sourced from the USA and the Netherlands after securing necessary approvals from the Drug Control Authority of India. Despite these hurdles, the team at Narayana Health City ensured everything was in place for the landmark procedure.
A Pioneering Moment for Bengaluru
A few months back, the patient underwent Bengaluru’s first-of-its-kind Total Ankle Replacement surgery at Narayana Health City. The operation was a resounding success, and her recovery has been exceptional.
Within a day, she was able to start moving with support.
Two weeks later, her surgical wound had healed completely.
At six weeks, she began walking independently.
Post-surgery, she is back to her normal routine, pain-free and active.
