‘65% patients of knee replacement are women’

Women in the state, particularly in the city, seem to be going weak in the knees, literally. No, it is not the sight of drop-dead handsome men, but lack of calcium and adequate exercise coupled with general disregard for their health that is playing havoc with their knees.

Knee replacement surgeons in the city say that 60-70% of such operations are carried out on women. And an equal number of them are also their patients, most complaining of bone problems.

Speaking at a function held to talk about the new advancements in knee replacement surgeries and how more people were undergoing the procedure, Dr HP Bhalodiya said that 60-65% of his patients are women. He said many undergo the procedure to get relief from pain owing to arthritis.

“In women, menopause, sedentary lifestyle and general callousness towards health are some of the factors leading to poor bone health. When compared to men, women lead a more sedentary lifestyle that does not involve much of physical work. This is another reason,” said Bhalodiya.  He said that new implants even allowed patients to sit cross-legged. At the meet, several patients who had their knees replaced performed garba to show their relief from pain. Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Dimple Parekh, another joint replacement surgeon, said that 70% of his patients who undergo knee replacement are women.

“A part of the problem is genetic, but other factors include obesity, improper calcium intake and hormonal changes following menopause,” said Parekh.

He added that in India the problem was more severe. In the western countries the women to men ratio for knee replacement is 50:50. But here it is in the ratio of 70: 30, he pointed out.

“Osteoporosis is another common ailment affecting our women which again is a result of lack of exercise and unhealthy living habits among others,” said Parekh.