Knee replacement patients sashay down ramp, perform bhangra

Kuldip Bhatia

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Ludhiana, June 14

Patients, who had underwent a joint replacement surgery, danced to the beat of bhangra and also walked the ramp to display a sea change in their life at a programme organised by Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali here today.

The programme of dance, music and other cultural activities saw the participation of more than 350 patients and their children.

Several persons who underwent knee and hip replacement surgery came forward to express their gratitude to orthopedic surgeon Dr Manuj Wadhwa, who is a global record holder in joint replacements.

Avinash Rai Khanna, MP (Rajya Sabha), presided over the function, while Sandeep Dogra, vice-president, operations, Max Hospital and Kanwaljeet Soi, chairman, Road Safety Council Punjab, were also present.

Nearly two dozen leading personalities of the region were honoured for their outstanding contributions in the field of social change.

In a unique ramp show held as a part of the celebrations, vibrant and enthusiastic knee and hip replacement patients sashayed down the ramp in an exhibition of quality of life despite knee replacement.

In the presence of their sons and daughters, the patients, some of whom had undergone knee replacement as recently as two months, exhibited grace and style on the ramp.

The highlight of the function was a lively and colourful bhangra performance by post-joint replacement patients. Their children and audience joined them to celebrate the event.

Dr Wadhwa said: “We try to change the way patients and their families think about and experience joint replacement surgery and develop a comprehensive programme that is structured around the fundamental principles of wellness. Innovative programmes are developed to improve outcomes and provide a superior experience for individuals having hip or knee replacement surgery. On the top of it all, we do not see our patients as being sick.”

Talking about the advent of female specific knee implants in the country, Dr Wadhwa said: “As more and more women have knee replacement surgeries, it is becoming apparent that traditional knee replacements, while highly successful in alleviating pain, may not feel or move like your own natural knee.”

“Women’s knees tend to be narrower than a man’s because their pelvis is wider. We now have a knee that is designed to accommodate those differences and this knee replacement shaped to fit a women’s anatomy.”

A performer came all the way from abroad

Balwant Jassal, who was one of the performers at the function came from Singapore for the event. Her daughter Harjit Sethi, was glad to see her mother dance to the tune of bhangra. She said initially it was sad to see her mother not being able to move around easily.

“But post joint replacement, her life changed. My mother came last week and she has all the energy to dance and perform today,” Harjit said.