Mumbai Orthopaedic Surgeon Achieves Medical Milestone with Knee Replacement on 128 kg Patient
In a remarkable medical achievement, Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Amyn Rajani has successfully performed a bilateral partial knee replacement on a patient weighing 128 kilograms. This case is believed to be the heaviest individual in India to undergo this specific joint-preserving procedure in a single surgical session.
Patient Profile and Medical Challenge
The patient, Laxman Pardeshi, had been suffering from severe osteoarthritis in both knees, which had progressively limited his mobility and daily activities. His exceptionally high body mass index (BMI) presented significant surgical and anaesthetic challenges that most medical professionals would typically avoid.
"Operating on a 128 kg patient for bilateral partial knee replacement is extremely rare," explained Dr Amyn Rajani. "Such cases demand a very high level of precision because of the soft tissue envelope, alignment demands and load distribution."
Most surgeons refrain from performing bilateral knee procedures on very heavy patients during the same sitting due to increased medical risks and technical complexity. The case required detailed preoperative planning, specialized high-load instruments, and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach involving anaesthesia, cardiology, and critical care teams.
Surgical Procedure and Hospital Details
The surgery was conducted at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai using a minimally invasive partial knee replacement technique. This approach, also known as uni-compartmental knee replacement, preserves natural bone and ligaments, allowing for quicker recovery, less postoperative pain, and more natural movement when performed on suitable candidates.
The successful outcome demonstrates that carefully selected obese patients can achieve excellent results from joint-preserving knee procedures, expanding treatment possibilities for individuals who might otherwise be considered unsuitable candidates.
Recovery and Postoperative Progress
Remarkably, the patient walked with assistance on the same day as the surgery and achieved independent supported ambulation the following morning. His recovery has been smooth with no complications reported, which is particularly noteworthy given his weight category and the complexity of the bilateral procedure.
Key Factors and Surgical Significance
The procedure's success hinged on several critical factors:
- Exceptionally High BMI Management: Performing bilateral partial knee replacement in a 128-kg patient far exceeds normal technical limits.
- Global Rarity: Very few documented cases exist for patients over 120 kg, with almost none involving bilateral UKR in one sitting.
- Technical Precision: Despite difficult anatomy with deep soft tissues, the surgical team achieved perfect component positioning and ligament balance.
- Anaesthetic Complexity: Managing anaesthesia and positioning in a 128-kg patient significantly increases procedural complexity.
- Expanded Treatment Possibilities: This case demonstrates that even obese patients can safely undergo partial knee replacement instead of total knee replacement.
The bilateral nature of the procedure doubled the complexity, multiplying surgical, anaesthetic, and postoperative challenges. Most medical centres consider high BMI a relative contraindication for partial knee replacement, making this achievement particularly significant for expanding global surgical possibilities.
With the right indications and strict adherence to protocols, even very heavy patients can safely benefit from joint preserving surgery, concluded Dr Rajani, highlighting how this case represents both a personal medical achievement and a broader advancement in orthopaedic treatment options.
