A joint team of AIIMS and IIT-Delhi has developed low-cost and high-quality implants for elbow replacement surgeries, which are expected to start clinical trials soon. The Made-in-India implants, made of titanium, will benefit patients suffering from stiff and painful elbow joints due to arthritis, trauma, or infection.
The need for elbow replacement implants
Elbow replacement surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the damaged parts of the elbow joint with artificial components, called implants. The implants consist of two metal stems that fit into the bones of the upper and lower arm, and a plastic or metal hinge that connects them. The surgery aims to restore the function and mobility of the elbow joint, and relieve the pain and discomfort of the patients.
However, elbow replacement surgery is not very common in India, due to the high cost and low availability of the implants. Most of the implants used in India are imported from abroad, and are expensive and often not suitable for the Indian patients. The imported implants are also prone to complications, such as infection, loosening, fracture, and wear and tear.
The innovation of AIIMS-IIT team
To address these challenges, a joint team of AIIMS and IIT-Delhi has developed indigenous implants for elbow replacement surgery, using cutting-edge technology and expertise. The team consists of doctors from the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS, and engineers from the Centre for Biomedical Engineering at IIT-Delhi.
The team has designed and fabricated the implants using titanium, a biocompatible and durable material that can withstand the stress and strain of the elbow joint. The implants are customized to fit the anatomy and biomechanics of the Indian patients, and are tested for their strength and stability. The implants are also coated with a special material that prevents infection and promotes bone growth.
The team claims that the Made-in-India implants are superior to the imported ones, in terms of quality, performance, and cost. The implants are expected to cost around Rs. 40,000, which is less than half of the price of the imported ones. The implants are also expected to last longer, and reduce the need for revision surgeries.
The future of elbow replacement implants
The team is now ready to start the clinical trials of the implants, which will involve testing them on human patients. The trials will be conducted at AIIMS, and will involve around 50 patients. The trials will assess the safety and efficacy of the implants, and compare them with the imported ones.
The team hopes that the clinical trials will be successful, and that the implants will be approved by the regulatory authorities for commercial use. The team also plans to collaborate with the industry partners to manufacture and distribute the implants across the country. The team believes that the Made-in-India implants will revolutionize the field of elbow replacement surgery, and will benefit thousands of patients who suffer from elbow problems.
