Bengaluru Orthopaedic Conference Highlights Patient-Centric Approach in Knee Replacement Surgery
The annual conference of the Bangalore Orthopaedic Society, Boscon 2026, held on Saturday, marked a significant shift in the discourse surrounding knee replacement surgery. Clinicians and surgeons emphasized moving beyond the debate over gender-specific implant designs to focus more comprehensively on patient experience and access to care.
Universal Patient Expectations Transcend Gender Boundaries
Dr Pratima Khincha, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Khincha Orthopaedic Centre, articulated the fundamental desires shared by all patients undergoing knee replacement procedures. "The basic question is simple — what does any patient want from a knee replacement?" she stated. "Pain relief, the ability to walk independently, climb stairs, return to work, and ultimately improve quality of life with as little medication as possible." These core expectations, she affirmed, are universal across both men and women.
Disparities in Access and Decision-Making Impact Outcomes
Despite shared goals, data presented at the conference revealed concerning disparities in how patients access surgical care. Women often present for knee replacement surgery at a later stage than men, typically with more advanced disease progression and greater disability. "By the time they come to us, their condition is often more advanced, and that reflects in outcomes as well," Dr Khincha noted.
A critical factor identified was the decision-making process surrounding surgery. Many women are not the primary decision-makers when it comes to opting for surgical intervention. "When patients are not the primary decision-makers, it can affect their motivation and recovery. The ideal patient is one who chooses surgery for herself," Dr Khincha explained, highlighting how autonomy influences postoperative success.
Gender Differences in Perception and Concerns
Doctors at the conference observed distinct psychological patterns between male and female patients. Women tend to exhibit greater apprehension regarding postoperative pain management, while men frequently focus more intently on regaining their pre-surgery activity levels and physical capabilities. Both genders, however, share common concerns about surgical risks and managing existing health conditions during recovery.
Moving Beyond Gender-Specific Implant Designs
Dr Shrishti Patil, consultant orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon at Sparsh Hospital, challenged the notion that gender alone should dictate implant selection. "Every knee is different — not just female knees," she asserted. While acknowledging anatomical variations more commonly observed in women, such as femoral overhang and anterior overstuffing, she emphasized that variability exists across all patient populations.
"Although gender-specific designs attempted to address this, these changes have not translated into meaningful clinical benefits," Dr Patil stated, suggesting that the medical community has overemphasized gender as a determining factor in implant success.
The Emergence of Phenotype-Based Approaches
Dr Chandrashekhar C, senior joint replacement surgeon at DHEE Hospitals, provided insight into the evolving paradigm in orthopaedic surgery. "We don't fail because of gender. We fail because we ignore morphology," he remarked, critiquing earlier implant designs that oversimplified anatomical differences.
The field is increasingly adopting a phenotype-based approach, where treatment strategies are customized according to each patient's unique anatomical characteristics. "This is not about male versus female implants anymore. It is about understanding each patient's anatomy and planning accordingly," Dr Chandrashekhar emphasized, signaling a more personalized future for knee replacement procedures.
Conference Implications for Future Medical Practice
The discussions at Boscon 2026 represent a broader transformation in orthopaedic thinking, with several key implications:
- Patient experience and timely access to care are becoming primary determinants of surgical outcomes
- Decision-making autonomy, particularly for women, significantly influences motivation and recovery
- Anatomical variability requires more nuanced approaches than simple gender categorization
- The medical community is shifting toward personalized, phenotype-based treatment strategies
This evolving perspective promises to enhance surgical outcomes by addressing the complex interplay of anatomical, psychological, and social factors that influence knee replacement success, moving beyond simplistic gender-based distinctions to create more effective, patient-centered care models.
