97-year-old woman undergoes complex knee transplant at private hospital in Delhi

New Delhi [India], October 18 : A 97-year-old woman at a private hospital in Delhi has undergone total knee replacement surgery, becoming an inspiration for many nonagenarians who want to undergo complex knee surgery. Despite being an arthritis patient, she decided to undergo a knee transplant.
The surgery was led by Dr Dhananjay Gupta, Director of Orthopaedic, Replacement, and Reconstructions at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, and was supported by a multidisciplinary team that ensured her safe recovery.
Following the successful procedure, the patient was discharged in stable condition, marking a milestone in elderly orthopaedic care. She is the oldest Indian to have undergone knee replacement surgery at the hospital.
The patient, Resham Devi, who has been living independently in an ashram in Vrindavan for the past 30 years, experienced a fall last year that resulted in a fracture and dislocation of her left hip.
Though initially treated conservatively due to her frail condition, she continued to face significant mobility challenges due to a flexion deformity in her hip and advanced osteoarthritis in both knees. Determined to live independently and with dignity, Devi advocated for a double knee replacement to fully regain her mobility.
Upon admission, Devi presented with limited movement and severe pain in both knees and her left hip. Over six months, she underwent extensive physiotherapy and pre-surgical preparation, including injections of teriparatide, calcium, and vitamin D supplements to strengthen her bones. Despite this, she struggled with daily activities and remained dependent on assistance.
Given her age and the complexity of her condition, Dr Gupta and his team initially recommended a single knee replacement, with the option for a second knee replacement three months later.
However, Devi expressed a strong desire to undergo both surgeries simultaneously. After a comprehensive pre-anaesthesia checkup, including bloodwork, liver and kidney evaluations, and cardiac assessments, she was cleared for the dual surgery.
After completing the left knee replacement, the surgical team monitored Devi's vital signs closely. With no adverse readings, they proceeded with the right knee replacement.
Following the surgery, she was kept in the ICU for overnight observation and pain management. By the following day, she was mobilised with a walker, signalling the beginning of her recovery journey.
Dr Dhananjay Gupta, Director of Orthopaedic, Replacement, and Reconstructions at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, said, "This was an extremely challenging case, given the patient's advanced age and the complexities involved in her condition. Had this surgery been delayed, she would have continued to suffer from severely limited mobility, which could have significantly impacted her quality of life and emotional well-being. Immobility in elderly patients is closely associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and a general decline in health. Physical mobility is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain bone and muscle mass, as well as cardiac and respiratory health. We hope that Mrs. Devi's remarkable recovery and determination inspire others to seek timely intervention for conditions that hinder daily functioning and overall quality of life."
Dr Gurvinder Kaur, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, added, "This was a particularly challenging case, but our dedicated team handled it with expertise and compassion. Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj is equipped with experienced clinicians and advanced technology, enabling us to take on complex cases and deliver high-quality outcomes. Devi's story serves as an inspiration, showing that age should not be a barrier to seeking treatment."