
SRN Hosp docs use latest tech to save elderly from knee replacement
Doctors said the patient Ram Ashish Singh had been suffering from severe knee pain and difficulty in walking for many years, Usually, in such conditions elderly individuals are advised to undergo knee replacement.
Senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Anand Kumar, who led the operation, said the team did and X-ray and found Singh was suffering from varus deformity.
"The doctors utilised a modern technique known as High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) to preserve the knee.
The operation employed the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique, which involves plate fixation through a very small incision. This method results in minimal bleeding, avoids muscle damage and allows the patient to recover quickly," he said.
He added that: "HTO technique is especially effective for those patients who have partial degeneration of the knee. This can preserve the patient's knee for years and avoid the need for replacement.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Discover the AI-powered language app that's changing how everyone learns
Talkpal AI
Undo
In this case, we successfully completed the operation using MIPO technique."
Medical college principal Dr VK Pandey said: "Our effort is to provide state-of-the-art surgical techniques to patients in govt hospitals. Techniques like HTO are proving to be a milestone in joint preservation. This gives relief to patients in walking for a long time and improves their quality of life."
Following the operation, Singh's condition has stabilised, and he is scheduled for discharge soon.
His relative, RP Singh expressed his gratitude to the govt and the medical team for providing free treatment at the hospital.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Friendship Day wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Can you take antibiotics for COVID? WHO updates its guidelines on antibiotic usage for patients
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, so do the guidelines for how to tackle and treat it. Although the pandemic has drawn to a close, various strains are still at play and are causing infection amongst communities. After the Nimbus strain, now the Stratus strain is surging in the US, causing soar throat and hoarseness in voice in patients. Although these strains aren't fatal, many people still wonder: Can you take antibiotics for COVID? The answer, finally, is here. The latest guideline In a major update to its clinical guidelines, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against giving antibiotics to COVID-19 patients, even those with severe illness, if there's no clear sign of a bacterial infection. This shift in guidance comes after a new meta-analysis of studies showed that antibiotics do not improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients who don't have a bacterial infection. Overusing antibiotics without need, the WHO warns, could worsen the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. 'For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics,' the WHO said in its latest guidance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kate Middleton's Daring Outfit Took Prince William's Breath Away Crowdy Fan Undo 'For patients with severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we suggest no empirical antibiotics.' What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like COVID-19. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. Common illnesses treated with antibiotics include strep throat, urinary tract infections, and some types of pneumonia. COVID-19, however, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not a bacterium. This means antibiotics do not treat the virus itself. Taking them unnecessarily won't help you recover faster, and it can cause serious side effects or even long-term health problems. Why the change? Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, both COVID-19 and the world's response to it have changed dramatically, the WHO noted. With lower infection rates, milder disease, and the removal of emergency public health measures, COVID-19 is now treated more like other illnesses in many countries. 'Notable changes to COVID-19 disease over this time have been overall reduced infection rates and reduced disease severity,' the WHO said. 'Care for patients with COVID-19 has become more integrated with usual healthcare systems.' These changes prompted the WHO to review and revise all of its existing COVID-related recommendations. As a result, the new guidelines remove outdated advice or recommendations that are now considered basic medical practice and not specific to COVID-19. Recommendation backed by new research The updated antibiotic recommendations are based on the latest data from a systematic review and meta-analysis. These studies looked at how patients fared when treated with antibiotics during COVID-19, and whether those treatments were really necessary in the absence of a bacterial infection. At the same time, there's growing urgency to tackle antimicrobial resistance, a serious global threat where overuse of antibiotics makes bacteria resistant to treatment. The WHO stressed that these new guidelines are aimed at everyone involved in COVID-19 care, from doctors and nurses to hospital administrators and health system planners. COVID-19: Still a threat, and ever-evolving While vaccines, treatments, and previous infections have helped many people build immunity, COVID-19 hasn't disappeared. The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to infect thousands of people daily, causing avoidable sickness and death. 'The virus continues to evolve in terms of infectivity, immune escape, and disease severity,' the WHO warned. Even though many countries are no longer in emergency mode, COVID-19 still requires careful clinical management, especially for high-risk populations. The new WHO guideline aims to reflect this shifting landscape, balancing new scientific evidence with the current global health context. 'This guideline robustly and transparently addresses the changing landscape and evidence availability, and the continual development of treatment and management strategies for COVID-19,' the WHO added. To sum it up… Antibiotics should not be used in COVID-19 patients unless there is a strong suspicion of a bacterial infection. This applies to both mild and severe cases. The guidance is part of a broader update reflecting new evidence and a changing pandemic. Overuse of antibiotics can worsen antimicrobial resistance, a growing health threat worldwide. The new guidelines apply to all levels of the health system involved in COVID-19 care. Study finds antiseptic drug is as good as antibiotics for preventing recurrent Urinary Tract Infections


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Late puberty in boys may increase risk of type 2 diabetes: Study finds
Puberty marks a critical phase of growth, shaping not just physical and hormonal development but also future health. While early puberty has long been associated with certain risks, new research suggests that late puberty in boys may also have serious implications, particularly a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. A large-scale study from Israel has found that boys who go through puberty later than average are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later in life. These findings point to puberty timing as a potential early marker for chronic disease risk in young males. Study finds delayed puberty linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood The study , conducted in Israel, analysed health data from over 960,000 adolescent boys aged between 16 and 19 years who were assessed for military service between 1992 and 2015. Of these, more than 4,300 were found to have experienced delayed puberty. Researchers followed these individuals until 2019, monitoring the development of type 2 diabetes over time. The findings revealed that boys with delayed puberty were approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in early adulthood than those whose puberty occurred at the expected time. Even after accounting for other influencing factors such as birth year, socioeconomic background, education level, region of origin, and cognitive ability, the association remained strong. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Undo Notably, when researchers adjusted for body mass index (BMI), a well-known contributor to diabetes, the risk was still 37% higher among those with delayed puberty. This suggests that puberty timing itself may play an independent role in shaping future metabolic health. The difference in diabetes development between the two groups was significant: 140 per 100,000 boys with delayed puberty developed type 2 diabetes each year. In contrast, only 41 per 100,000 boys with normal pubertal timing developed the condition annually. These figures suggest that puberty timing may serve as a valuable predictor of future health risks. How puberty timing in boys affects long-term health and diabetes risk Puberty is a period of intense hormonal and physical transformation. During this stage, the body undergoes significant changes in insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, and hormone levels. Researchers believe that there may be a sensitive developmental window during adolescence when these hormonal shifts have lasting effects on how the body processes glucose and stores fat. Just as early childhood development influences cognitive and language skills, puberty could shape the body's long-term metabolic capacity. Delayed puberty may reflect underlying hormonal imbalances or disruptions in growth signals, which could contribute to a higher risk of insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. This aligns with other research suggesting that adolescence is a 'programming' phase for the endocrine system, influencing not only reproductive health but also overall metabolic function. Rising type 2 diabetes in teens and young adults: How puberty timing may play a role Traditionally considered a disease of older adults, type 2 diabetes is now increasingly being diagnosed in teenagers and young adults. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, and obesity are major contributors to this trend. However, the new research adds an important layer: developmental timing, particularly the onset of puberty, may also influence risk, independent of lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this condition can result in complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve dysfunction, and vision problems. Recognising early-life signals like delayed puberty could therefore help identify individuals at greater risk before these complications arise. Delayed puberty in boys could be an early warning sign for future health risks In most cases, late puberty in boys is viewed as a normal variation with no lasting consequences. However, the latest findings challenge this view, suggesting that it may be a valuable clinical marker for identifying future health risks. Adolescents with delayed puberty may benefit from closer health monitoring, particularly in terms of blood sugar levels, weight management, and hormonal evaluation. If a child shows signs of delayed puberty, parents and healthcare providers should not dismiss it lightly. Instead, they should consider further assessment to understand the underlying cause and explore whether additional health checks are warranted. This is particularly important for boys with a family history of diabetes or other metabolic disorders. Lifestyle tips to reduce diabetes risk in boys with delayed puberty For boys with delayed puberty or a family history of diabetes, early lifestyle changes can make a difference. Recommended actions: Encourage regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or sports. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary drinks. Promote a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Ensure sufficient sleep and manage stress. Even small changes made consistently can help reduce the risk of diabetes and support healthy development during adolescence. This research sheds new light on puberty as more than just a developmental milestone; it may also signal long-term health risks like type 2 diabetes. Recognising delayed puberty as a potential early warning sign allows for earlier monitoring and intervention. As diabetes rises among younger populations, identifying such risk markers is key to prevention. With timely support and healthy lifestyle changes, at-risk adolescents can be guided towards a healthier future. Also Read: Side effects of eating non-veg daily: Study reveals 9 long-term health risks


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Alzheimer's Disease: Scientists find potential remedy to the progressive brain disorder (in a common chemical element)
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people around the world, slowly damaging memory, thinking, and behavior. For decades, scientists have searched for a way to stop or even slow down this heartbreaking condition. Now, a promising discovery has brought new hope, and it comes from an unexpected source: a common chemical element. Read on to know more about the groundbreaking discovery. What is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. In its later stages, it can make simple daily tasks, like eating or recognizing loved ones, nearly impossible. It is the most common type of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline. According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and Alzheimer's accounts for 60-70% of those cases. The exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but it's linked to the build-up of toxic proteins in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which interfere with normal brain function. Lithium: The missing link In a discovery that's been nearly 10 years in the making, researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a surprising new role for lithium, a metal best known for treating bipolar disorder. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo This new research shows that lithium is not only naturally present in the body in tiny amounts, but it also plays a key role in keeping our brains healthy as we age. The study, published in the journal Nature , found that even a small drop in natural lithium levels in the brain can lead to changes linked to Alzheimer's disease and brain aging. While more research is needed, scientists are hopeful that this could lead to new ways to prevent or slow down the disease. Now, lithium has been used as a mood stabilizer for over a century and was officially approved by the FDA in 1970. But this new study shows that even tiny, natural levels of lithium in the body, similar to vitamins and minerals, are important for normal cell function. 'It is a potential candidate for a common mechanism leading to the multisystem degeneration of the brain that precedes dementia,' said Dr. Bruce Yankner, senior author of the study, as reported by CNN. 'It will take a lot more science to determine whether this is a common pathway… or one of several pathways,' he added. 'The data are very intriguing.' What did the study find? Researchers at Harvard and Rush University fed mice a diet with reduced lithium. They discovered that: Healthy mice developed brain inflammation and signs of accelerated aging. Mice bred to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms showed faster buildup of harmful brain plaques and more memory loss. Keeping normal lithium levels helped protect the mice's brains. The team also tested a special form of lithium called lithium orotate, which doesn't bind to harmful proteins in the brain. Mice treated with lithium orotate saw a reduction in brain plaques and memory issues, even reversing some Alzheimer's-like symptoms. These mice were able to complete memory tasks that untreated mice could not. Can lithium help the brain? A key finding from the study was that beta amyloid plaques, the sticky clumps seen in Alzheimer's patients, bind to lithium in the brain, including the lithium naturally present in our bodies. This binding traps the lithium, making it unavailable to nearby brain cells, especially microglia, which are cells that clean up waste in the brain. Without enough lithium, microglia couldn't clear out the beta amyloid, allowing the plaques to build up and cause more damage. Yankner described this as a 'downward spiral;' the more plaques there are, the more lithium they absorb, and the harder it is for the brain to fight back. Where do we get natural lithium? Lithium exists naturally in water, soil, and food. The study found that people with Alzheimer's had lower levels of lithium in their brain tissue, while those with normal memory function had higher levels. Foods high in natural lithium include: Leafy greens Nuts Legumes Spices like turmeric and cumin Some mineral waters This may help explain why diets rich in these foods, like the Mediterranean diet, are often linked to lower dementia risk. More supporting evidence This isn't the first time lithium has been linked to brain health: A 2017 study in Denmark found that people who drank lithium-rich tap water were less likely to develop dementia. A 2022 study in the UK found that people prescribed lithium had half the risk of Alzheimer's compared to those who weren't. Until now, lithium has been mostly seen as a drug. But this new research suggests it may also be a natural nutrient essential to normal brain function, one that we're only just beginning to understand. What's next? Researchers are now studying why lithium levels drop in the brain as people age. It may involve: Reduced intake from diet Genetic factors Changes in how the brain absorbs lithium The findings were made possible by new technology that allowed scientists to measure extremely small amounts of lithium, something that wasn't possible before. 'This is one of those moments in science where something unexpected opens the door to an entirely new understanding,' said Yankner. 'We still have much to learn, but we now know lithium plays a bigger role in brain health than we ever imagined.' Word of caution Even though the results are exciting, researchers warn against self-treatment. Prescription lithium doses are much higher than what's naturally found in the body and can cause kidney or thyroid damage if taken without medical supervision. 'The lithium treatment data we have is in mice, and it needs to be replicated in humans,' Yankner explained. 'A mouse is not a human. Nobody should take anything based just on mouse studies.' Still, early signs are promising. The low-dose lithium used in the study showed no signs of toxicity in mice. Yankner hopes human safety trials will begin soon. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The research discussed involves early-stage findings primarily based on animal studies. Lithium supplements or treatments should not be taken without medical supervision, as incorrect usage can pose serious health risks. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medication or dietary routine. Researchers discover toxic process involving 'jumping genes'