In the present times of the Covid pandemic many surgical procedures have been affected. Whenever we talk about Total Joint Replacement surgery there are a lot of questions that are raised in the mind of the average patient. Dr. Sachin Bhat is a Consultant Trauma & Joint Replacement Surgeon at the SRV Group of Hospitals having its hospitals at Goregaon, Chembur & Dombivli. He has over 15 years of experience and has carried out many Complex Fracture and Complex Joint Replacement surgeries. He specializes in Minimal Invasive surgeries.

• How has the Covid Pandemic affected the knee replacement surgeries ?
  The Covid pandemic has affected all planned surgeries and more so replacement surgeries as there are high chances of cross infections to the operating room personnel. But as we have learnt the various ways the Covid infection spreads we have been able to start surgeries as we go ahead.
• What precautions do you take for this purpose ?
  When we do the preoperative check up of patients for the surgery, we do a RTPCR test couple of days before the date of surgery. We also carry out a CT scan of the chest to be doubly sure for the presence of Covid Infection. We take utmost care in the operation theatre as well including use of PPE kits and respirator masks for the operating room personnel. General Anesthesia is avoided and only a spinal anesthesia is preferred.
• What are the factors that cause arthritis ?
  Many factors that increase the incidence are obesity or increased weight, lack of exercises, lack of walking, and muscle weakness. Many other immunological diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis also cause this.
• What is the right time for surgery ?
  The right time for surgery is when you have pain from walking a few meters or if the knee deformity has started, don’t wait too long once the knee starts to getting deformed or deshaped the more you wait the more will be the morbidity after surgery and you will require more physiotherapy. The right age usually is after the age of 50.
• What are the newer techniques that you follow ?
  I carry out Minimal Invasive techniques, the patient gets admitted on the morning of surgery and is operated on. He is made to stand and walk in the evening. The next day the knee bending and sitting on a chair is started and the patient is sent home on the 3rd day. But this can be done in select patients. All my patients walk on the same day of surgery.