Orthopaedic Surgeons at SGPGIMS Successfully Perform Breakthrough Procedure
Lucknow: In a historic medical breakthrough, doctors in Uttar Pradesh have successfully performed an advanced knee surgery that marks a first for the state. On Tuesday, the Orthopaedics Department of SGPGIMS achieved a major milestone by completing a combined arthroscopic microfracture and hybrid high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in a single operation.
The pioneering surgery was performed on a 46-year-old woman who had been suffering for years from severe osteoarthritis and pronounced varus deformity. Her “bow-legged” posture had placed excessive pressure on the inner compartment of her knee, leading to significant cartilage deterioration and chronic pain. With traditional treatments failing, surgery became the only remaining option.
The complex procedure was led by Dr. Amit Kumar, Additional Professor, Orthopaedics, Apex Trauma Centre. The team adopted a unique two-stage surgical approach, addressing both cartilage damage and mechanical deformity simultaneously—an approach rarely attempted in India and performed for the first time in Uttar Pradesh.
Inside the Two-Stage Surgery
In the first stage, surgeons performed an arthroscopic microfracture, a minimally invasive procedure using an arthroscope to create tiny perforations beneath the damaged cartilage. This stimulates the formation of new fibrocartilage, improving joint cushioning and reducing pain.
The second and more intricate stage was the hybrid high tibial osteotomy (HTO). In this technique, the tibia (shin bone) is precisely cut and realigned so that body weight shifts from the damaged inner knee compartment to the healthier outer side. This correction relieves pressure, repairs alignment, and significantly prolongs the life of the natural knee joint.
Lead surgeon Dr. Amit Kumar said, “By combining both procedures, we not only repaired the damaged cartilage but also corrected the underlying deformity responsible for rapid joint degeneration. For relatively younger and active patients, this is a superior alternative to knee replacement.”
A Landmark for Orthopaedic Care in UP
SGPGIMS Director, Padma Shri Prof. R.K. Dhiman, congratulated the team, calling the achievement a major milestone for orthopaedic care in the state. “This success reflects the institute’s advanced surgical capabilities and will inspire confidence in handling complex joint preservation cases,” he said.
The patient is recovering well and has already shown improvement in mobility. Expressing relief, she said, “I believed knee replacement was my only option, but this surgery has given me new hope of a pain-free life.”
With this achievement, SGPGIMS has further reinforced its position as a leader in advanced orthopaedic treatments. The breakthrough is expected to open the door for similar complex surgeries in the future, offering new hope to countless patients across Uttar Pradesh.
