Sheela Devi became the first person to undergo a wrist –joint transplantation in India after her wrist bone was destroyed by arthritis.

A five member team led by Dr Vikas Gupta and Dr Ashok Rajgopal at Fortis hospital, Vasant Kunj, implanted the artificial joint in a one –and-a half hour long surgery on April,30th. It was a day care surgery; 65-year old Devi was admitted in the morning and discharged in the evening.

“Her Wrist joint was substantially damaged. She had severe pain and restricted wrist movement because of arthritis. We replaced the damaged bones and the cartilage and implanted ceramic joint between the forearm and the wrist to give her a pain free life,” said Dr Vikas Gupta, who conducted the surgery.

“By doing this wrist surgery, we have now covered the entire gamut of joints,” Added Dr Rajgopal, Director, orthopedics at Fortis.

So far, shoulder, knee, hip, fingers, elbow, ankle and toss have been transplanted in the country.

“I haven’t heard of wrist-joint being replaced any where in the country before. This surgery falls in the rare category because of many conditions, including high cost,” said Dr Kamraan Farooque, assistant professor of orthropedics at All India Institute of Medical Sciences At Trauma centre.

“The implant can be done in accident cases as well,” said Dr Farooque.

Anyone who has damaged the wrist joint has to be imported, which increases the cost from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.

The ceramic on ceramic implant – called osteo – integrable implant- is fitted into the bone without cement and the bone gradually grown on it, locking it in place. It has a life of 10-15 years, after which it has to be replaced.

“As this was a standalone implant, there were some problems in importing it. But the family was so determined and supportive that everything fell into place,” Said Dr Gupta.

Sheela Devi had been suffering from arthritis from 15-years and had tried all kinds of medications and procedures, before setting on surgery in 2007.

“I know I would be the first one undergo this kind of surgery, but I had faith on doctors here. Now I am ready to replace the wrist-joint of my right hand,” she said.