Kalyan Engineer Regains Finger Movement After Joint Surgery at Parel Hospital
A 40-year-old electrical engineer from Kalyan has regained movement in his injured finger and returned to professional activities after undergoing a complex proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint replacement at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel. The hospital stated that the procedure was the first in Western India to utilize the KLS Martin CAP-FLEX joint replacement system.
The patient, Sandeep Sonawane, had suffered multiple fractures in his right middle finger, resulting in severe damage to the PIP joint. The joint eventually healed in a malunited position, causing persistent pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Although he underwent nearly three months of medical treatment and physiotherapy, his hand remained poorly functional, impacting his ability to carry out his daily engineering duties.
Sonawane was subsequently referred to Dr Kushal Shah, Hand Reconstructive and Brachial Plexus Surgeon and head of the AURA Hand Surgery Unit at Gleneagles Hospital. Following an assessment of the extent of joint destruction, bone stock, tendon function, joint stability, and occupational requirements, the surgical team decided to proceed with the PIP joint replacement.
According to doctors, the PIP joint plays a critical role in bending the finger, gripping objects, making a fist, and performing precise hand movements. Advances in implants and reconstructive techniques have broadened treatment options for patients suffering from severe joint damage.
Dr Shah stated that PIP joint replacement is technically demanding and suitable only for carefully selected candidates after evaluating factors such as age, occupation, and functional expectations. He emphasized that for an electrical engineer reliant on his hands, restoring finger mobility was directly tied to regaining independence and livelihood.
At a three-month follow-up examination, Sonawane demonstrated encouraging finger mobility and had resumed his work duties. Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, added that the primary aim of hand reconstruction is to restore meaningful function to help patients return to their professional lives.
