DePuy, an arm of Johnson and Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) , has launched the fourth generation knee-joint implant in India. The surgical solutions company said the Sigma CR-150 helps preserve bone unlike in the normal knee replacement procedures in vogue.
“It will give a flexion up to 150 degrees, allowing all natural movements,” Dr A.V. Gurava Reddy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine Hospitals, said.
Demonstrating the features of the new procedure here on Saturday, he said there was an increased incidence of wear-out of knees due to overweight and squatting habits. “About 50 per cent of all people above the age of 60 years need an intervention. Of late, even middle-aged people are suffering from knee pains,” he said.
It was believed that only people above 60 should undergo knee replacement keeping in view the shorter longevity of the implants. “But the new device offers longer life as it uses cobalt chrome at the joints giving little scope for wear out. The design also ensures conservation of bones at the place of intervention,” he said.
The procedure would cost Rs 1.50-2 lakh, which is Rs 15-20,000 more than the cost for normal knee replacement procedure.
