Take the Lead Towards Orthopedic Health: A Manipal Community Connect Program
18 July 2024, Durgapur: In recent years, India has witnessed a significant rise in orthopaedic problems, particularly osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, and sports injuries. Contributing factors include an aging population, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and limited awareness of preventive measures. Obesity and diabetes further exacerbate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Rapid urbanization, inadequate physical activity, and limited access to early medical intervention complicate these challenges.
In response to these issues, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road has initiated the Manipal Community Care Program on Healthy Aging – Addressing Orthopaedic Concerns and Effective Management. This program aimed to raise awareness about preventing and managing orthopaedic issues, ensuring better health outcomes for West Bengal residents. Dr. Sunil G Kini, Consultant in Orthopedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, who consults approximately 600-800 patients from West Bengal monthly, highlighted the Orthopaedic concerns and challenges currently faced by his patients. He highlighted some common trends:
• Osteoarthritis which was earlier common in the elderly is now being seen in young adults with prevalence increasing in individuals between 35-45 years of age
• Inflammatory arthritis in adults between 25-45 years of age.
• For individuals aged above 50 years, particularly women, the prevalence of osteoporosis is a common concern.
• Orthopaedic injuries due to trauma and sports make up for a significant proportion of all reported cases, with ACL tear being the most common problem accounting for up to 33% of these cases, closely followed by rotator cuff injuries.
Having highlighted the key concerns he also shared insights on recognizing their early symptoms, understanding risk factors, exploring treatment strategies, the latest advancements in managing conditions, and rehabilitation.
Emphasizing on prevention, early identification, and effective treatment he stated, “Healthy skeletal aging is significantly influenced by habits established during childhood and adolescence. Proper nutrition and regular physical activity during these formative years are crucial for developing strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.”
The event witnessed a participation of around 80 attendees, where they also received vital information about advanced treatment options available for orthopaedic conditions, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, regenerative medicine, and pharmacological advances. The event fostered an interactive environment where local representatives, influencers, health and fitness experts, young medical professionals, and media engaged in meaningful discussions, raised concerns and asked questions directly to orthopaedic specialists, shared experiences and insights related to orthopaedic health, and discussed community initiatives and collaborative efforts to promote healthy aging.
Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road showcased its commitment to reducing the prevalence and impact of orthopaedic problems and promoting healthier aging for West Bengal residents. By fostering collaboration and education, the hospital paved the way for healthier, more active lives in West Bengal and beyond.
