Fracture Service 24/7 Accident & Fracture Service

044 - 2650 2100 / 2101 / 2102

No 39, 40, 41, 200 ft Road, Ambedkar Nagar Bus stop, Kolathur, Chennai - 600 099

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the damage occurring in the specialized tissue called cartilage which lines the joint.

What is Osteoarthritis?

It is the damage occurring in the cartilage due to wear and tear of the joints, especially weight bearing joints like knee and hip.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

It is an immune modulated damage occurring in the cartilage of the joints. It can affect any joint, excessive damage and destruction may require joint replacement, especially the hip and knee.

What is cartilage?

Cartilage is a specialized tissue, lining the joints, which acts as a shock absorber to the joints.

What is tendonitis?

It is inflammation of the tendon, resulting in pain and swelling.

Do I use ice on my injury? Do I use heat on my injury?

Ice is used immediately after a closed injury like a contusion or bruise, while heat is used for chronic pain or long term pain like back ache, arthritis.

What is the bone density scan?

It is type of scan used to measure the density of bone. The commonly used scan is called DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry).

What is Cortisone Injection?

It is a type of steroid injection given into the joint to relieve pain.

What is internal fixation?

Fixing or mending the bone using plate, screws or rods by surgery is called internal fixation. This facilitates early healing of the bone and prevents deformity.

What is joint replacement surgery?

It is a method by which, when the joint surfaces in contact or damaged, they are reconstructed or replaced by artificial joints called Prosthesis. It is a highly effective in proper hands to alleviate pain and to give back mobility.

What are NSAIDS?

They are called Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs which are used to relieve pain. Long term usage of these drugs can result in liver or kidney damage.

How long does it take for a joint replacement surgery to heal?

Usually the patient will be able to walk on the 3rd day post-surgery with support and sutures will be removed on the 14th day at the surgeon’s discretion. By the end of the 3rd week, the patient should be able to walk without support. Usually the wound heals in two weeks.

Can I still run / play with a replaced joint?

Yes, you definitely can, but inform the surgeon beforehand that you need to do this, so that he chooses the appropriate prosthesis.

What is compression fracture?

This is a fracture occurring in the spine due to a fall from height, which generally can be treated conservatively, but unstable compression fractures will require surgery.

What is hair line fracture?

It is a fracture, which is un displaced and is like a crack in a glass, and usually heals by conservative methods, but may be difficult to diagnose some times.

What are the most common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Pain, swelling, difficulty of movement and deformity. Advanced stages might require joint replacement surgery.

Are there any Rheumatoid treatments other than drugs?

Your surgeon is the best person to advise you on that depending on your symptoms. You may require joint replacement surgery, depending on the stage of your disease.

What is stress fracture?

It is a type of fracture occurring due to continuous and long term pressure or deforming forces acting on the bone, there by producing a minimal break in the continuity of bone.

How and when do I need to fast prior to surgery?

It is generally six to eight hours before surgery, but it can vary depending on the type of surgery you need to undergo. But in life threating emergency surgeries this rule may not be applicable. Your anesthetist is the best person to decide on that.

Am I too old for surgery?

It depends on the type and the necessity of surgery. Now a days no one is generally too old for surgery. Usually you will be evaluated by a team of specialtiesto assess the fitness for surgery.

Our treatment and process

How do i make an appointment?

You can fix up an appointment by phone, in person or by visiting our website www.fororthohospital.in

What do I need to bring for my first consultation?

You need to bring your previous medical records if any and your visa and passport and other relevant if you are not a citizen of India.

What type of surgeries are performed in this hospital?

The hospital specializes in Orthopedics, Neuro, Plastic Surgery and facio maxillary surgery. The types of surgeries regularly performed are joint replacement surgery, Accident and trauma surgery, spine surgery, arthroscopic surgery, tendon repair and deformity correction surgery, emergency Neuro surgery for head injuries, surgery for fractures of facial bones and head and neck surgeries. .

Does the hospital do both knee and hip replacement simultaneousl?

Yes. It is done in the same admission but not simultaneously because of the high complication rate. Therefore staggered joint replacement is done in a gap of three days during the same admission. The patient is discharged usually four days after the second joint replacement.

What is Arthroscopic surgery?

It is a surgery done in the joints thru small holes or portals by using specialized instruments to reconstruct the ligaments, and small procedures inside the joint. The patient usually is relatively pain free post operatively and can go back to normal activities earlier. Usually the scar is very small or minimal.

What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning / mobility ?How long will the benefits last?

Usually the hospital stay would be reduced with minimal pain and a faster recovery, with early functional adaptation. The benefit is usually permanent but it depends on the type of arthroscopic surgery and the diagnosis.

What are the risks involved?

The general risks for any surgery apply, but are reduced because of limited exposure and soft tissue damage.

What is the success rate for this procedure?

In our Hospital, the success rate is around 95% which compares well with other hospitals, if not better.

How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital?

This is a specialty hospital for arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement. We do at least 200 surgeries per annum.

What will happen if I don’t have the surgery now?

It depends on your diagnosis and this is better asked to your surgeon.

If I need a second opinion, whom can I consult?

We have at least 3 arthroscopic surgeons and you can get a second opinion from any one of them.

What kind of anesthesia will be used? Should I meet the anesthesiologist in advance?

The type of anesthesia will be decided anesthesiologist depending on the joint involved. The anesthesiologist will meet you before surgery and will discuss the type of anesthesia to be given.

When can I return to work? When I can drive my car? When can I sexual activity?

Again it depends on the diagnosis, but usually within three weeks post-surgery.

Are all the consultants available 24/7 ?

All the consultants may not be available, but orthopedic registrars will be available 24/7. But in an emergency the consultants will be on call.

What is the mode of admission?

Admission will be decided by the surgeon and you will be guided as to the procedure by the duty hospital staff nurse.

Do I need to pay any advance?

You need to pay an advance during admission as decided by the hospital administration.

What is the mode of the payment?

You can pay by cash or card or can avail cashless facility if the hospital is empaneled with your insurance companies. The hospital does not accept cheques.

Is the hospital accredited with NABH?

Yes.

Can the room be retained if the patient shifted to the ICU?

Yes. Provided the room rent is paid for the same.

Is my mediclaim policy accepted at your hospital?

Yes.

Do you have an ambulance service?

Yes. The hospital has 24/7 Ambulance service.

How many attendant passes are issued?

One attendant pass can be issued for one patient. But others may be allowed during visiting hours.

What are the facilities available in the hospital?

The hospital has 24/7 orthopedic surgeon availability, round the clock laboratory, X-ray service, CT Scan, Ambulance, with two laminar flow operating theatres and round the clock fracture, trauma and emergency services. Physiotherapy department functions from 10 AM to 10 PM.

What is the procedure for discharge?

The date of the discharge will be decided by your doctor. The discharge time is 3 to 4 PM. Discharge will be effected after complete bill payment.

What is the procedure for the refund?

Refund will be done as the situation demands and usually 5% of the amount would be retained to compensate for the change in the schedule and the logistical difficulties incurred.

Can we buy medicines or consumables from outside?

Yes it can be done if it is not available in the hospital.

How do I get the discharge summary?

Discharge advice will be given at the time of discharge and the discharge summary will be given during the first review after discharge.

How can one know more about the doctors at your hospital?

Please visit our website www.fororthohospital.in

What is the procedure of OPD patients and what are the charges for the follow up visits?

The first visit to the chief orthopedic surgeon, Dr. P. Elangovan is INR 450 /- and every further follow up would be charged INR 400, for consultation alone.