Introduction – What is joint replacement?

Anatomically, a joint is that part of the body where two or more bones meet, and there are different kinds of joints in the human body – like hinge joints and ball-and-socket joints. In the 1880s, a brilliant German doctor named Themistocles Gluck invented the first joint replacement. As we understand it, joint replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged joint (due to age, accident, or condition) or parts of it are replaced with a prosthesis made of plastic, metal, or metal-based alloys or ceramic. It is designed to replicate the exact movement of a natural healthy joint. The most commonly performed joint replacements are that of the total knee and the hip, as well as partial knee resurfacing, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and ankle. Of course, joint replacement has come a long way, and we have robotic surgery taking the world of orthopaedic treatment to the next level with its precision and outcome.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is an advanced form of surgery in which orthopaedic surgeons uses a patient’s computed tomography (CT) scans to build a 3D model of the patient’s bone. With that virtual model as a guide, the surgeon then uses the robotic arm to make accurate bone cuts and insert the components more precisely than conventional methods. It can be used to treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions, including bone deformities or fractures

Difference between robotic and conventional knee replacement surgery

Compared to conventional knee replacement surgery where human intervention is more prevalent, in an advanced robotic surgery, the degree of human intervention is minimal, and chances of human error are almost next to negligible. In such a scenario, robotic surgery enables the surgeon to execute the said procedure with utmost precision whether it is deformity correction or implant selection, and overall virtual simulation in the pre-planning stage to ensure a consistent and desired surgical outcome.

Advantages of using robots in the medical and healthcare field

Robotic surgery reduces the risk of infection and complications compared to conventional surgery. It also results in a shorter length of stay for the patient and quicker rehabilitation. With robotic surgery, the procedure takes less time and less tissue damage happens. Since robotic surgery is generally easier to learn and more efficient than conventional surgery, more procedures will likely be performed with robots in the future.

How and why are robots used in surgery?

Robotics is a technology that allows the surgeon to control a surgical robot that assists during the procedure in real-time. The surgeon can use the robot to perform and assist in various operations. The robot is programmed to perform the surgery exactly as per planning done by the surgeon and with greater precision.

Who is the ideal candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery?

Typically, patients who have knee arthritis consider knee replacement surgery when the quality of life is significantly affected because of pain and functional limitations. Of course, people differ in what they consider “significant” quality of life changes as well as their tolerance for pain. Some people consider knee arthritis a significant problem if it prevents them from participating in sports or taking extended walks. Other people do not consider knee arthritis to be a significant problem until pain interrupts sleep or affects their ability to do even simple activities, such as household chores.

Before recommending a knee replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your knee using X-rays and possibly an MRI to see inside of it. They will also go over your recent medical history before deciding whether or not surgery is necessary to go for knee replacement surgery.

Advantages of Robotic Knee Surgery

Advantages of robotic knee replacement

The main advantage of robotic knee replacement is the reduction in error, massive improvement in accuracy, the precision of the procedure, and the outcomes associated with it in the form of a lower infection rate. Robotic knee replacement surgery also has the following advantages.

Reduced recovery time – Patients who have had robotic surgery report a faster recovery than patients who have had traditional knee replacement surgery. Patients return to work or sports sooner than patients who have had traditional knee replacement surgery.

Fewer complications – Researchers attribute the low rate of complications in robotic knee surgery to there being less human intervention leading to less chance of human error and, hence minimizing complications.

Less pain – Patients who have had robotic knee replacement surgery find the operation much less painful than conventional knee replacement surgery. The robotic system can be programmed to deliver the exact amount of cuts on the knee, reducing the amount of pain the patient experiences.

The success of robotic knee replacement surgery

The robotic knee replacement surgery procedures successfully provided quicker rehabilitation and lesser hospital stay. It is personalized and more precise. Moreover, it provides a more predictable and consistent outcome.

Conclusion

As the robotic system helps in better preoperative planning, optimal alignment, and precision in bone cutting hence it is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty. For patients interested in robotic surgery, it is essential to consult a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon to discuss the option thoroughly.

FAQs

-Is robotic surgery safe(r)?

Answer– Yes, experts recommend robotic surgery as safe because there is minimal risk of infection and complications due to less human intervention.

-Is robotic surgery painful?

Answer – Compared to traditional procedures, robotic surgery is less painful because of less tissue damage.

-Is robotic surgery widely performed?

Answer – Yes, robotic surgery is quite widely performed in most major Indian cities and different parts of the world.

-Is robotic surgery better than regular surgery?

Answer – In terms of medical technology advancement and patient ease and comfort, robotic surgery is recommended, but the final call on the kind of surgery a patient undergoes depends on the extent of joint damage and the surgeon’s advice.

-How effective is robotic surgery?

Answer – Robotic surgery is very effective. Most hospitals list this surgery as a day procedure, and it is very effective with its shorter recovery period, accuracy, and precision at the time of surgery and fewer chances of infection and pain.

-What is the best type of knee surgery?

Answer – The best type of knee surgery depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s
recommendation of the procedure. In terms of medical technology, robotic knee replacement surgery will always be preferred for the various advantages in terms of precision, accuracy, and outcome.

Cancer occurs when the cells in our body grow and multiply uncontrollably, and as the name suggests, blood cancer begins at the blood cells and bone marrow, where blood is produced. Stem cells in the bone marrow develop into three types of blood cells; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Blood cancer occurs when abnormal blood cells start multiplying uncontrollably, thus affecting the functioning of the normal blood cells. Blood cancer is also known as hematologic cancer. This hinders the body’s ability to combat infections and prevents the production of new blood cells. There are three major types of blood cancer; namely – 

• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma

Let us look at these three types of blood cancer in detail.

Leukaemia:

This type of cancer is found in the blood and bone marrow. There is a rapid production of abnormal white blood cells in those diagnosed with leukaemia. Due to the higher number of abnormal white blood cells, the body cannot fight infections. This also interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to produce more red blood cells and platelets. Leukaemia is divided into four types based on the kind of blood cell it affects and how quickly it grows.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL): This type starts with white blood cells known as lymphocytes. In this condition, the body produces too many lymphocytes that interfere with the healthy white blood cells, preventing them from functioning effectively. This cancer is most likely to develop in children 3 – 5 years old or adults over the age of 75. Some of the risk factors include:

• A sibling diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Previous cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Increased exposure to radiation
• Genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome

 Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) begins at the myeloid cells that grow into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This condition leads to a decrease in the number of healthy blood cells. Acute Myeloid Leukemia mainly affects people over 65 and is more common in men. The risk factors of AML include:

• Previous treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Exposure to toxic chemicals such as Benzene
• Smoking
• Prior history of blood disorders such as myelodysplasia
• Genetic conditions like Down Syndrome

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): This condition starts from the lymphocytes, just like ALL, but grows slowly. One may not notice any symptoms during the initial stages of cancer. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia affects people above the age of 70.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): This type of blood cancer starts in the myeloid cells and grows slowly. This condition is more common in men as compared to women.

Lymphoma:

This type of blood cancer affects the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, spleen and thymus gland. The lymphatic system removes excess fluids from the body and produces immune cells. The white blood cells that help fight infections as known as lymphocytes. Lymphoma causes these cells to multiply, hindering the immune system from functioning effectively. The different types of lymphomas are:

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Hodgkin’s Disease, this type of blood cancer starts in immune cells called the B Lymphocytes. The lymphocytes grow out of control, causing the lymph nodes to swell. This impairs the function of the immune system. In this, you can detect the presence of a specific type of cell known as the Reed-Sternberg cell.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: This type of cancer too begins at the lymphatic system and interferes with the functioning of the immune system. However, there is no presence of the Reed-Sternberg cell.

Myeloma:

This cancer develops in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for making antibodies. Myeloma can cause damage to the bones and interfere with the healthy blood cells as they multiply, resulting the less production of antibodies to fight infections. This is very common in men over the age of 50. The risk factors of Myeloma include:

• Family history of Myeloma
• Obesity
• Exposure to radiation

What are the symptoms of Blood Cancer?

Some of the most common symptoms of blood cancer include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Excessive sweating at night
• Headache
• Breathlessness
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Swollen lymph nodes

How is blood cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin the diagnosis of blood cancer with a physical examination. Your doctor will also review your medical history, examine the lymph nodes, check for infections. Depending on the deductions of the physical exam, different types of diagnostic tests will be recommended.

Biopsy: In this test, a sample of your cell is collected for examination in a laboratory. For a particular type of blood cancer such as lymphoma, the doctors take a lymph node biopsy containing a lymph tissue sample or an entire lymph node.

Imaging Scans: Imaging tools such as CT scan, MRI, PET scan, and ultrasound can help stop tumours or an enlarged cell that may point to cancer. These scans are more effective for some types of blood cancer, such as lymphoma, than Leukemia that does not cause visible tumours.

Blood Tests: Blood tests measure the level of certain substances in your blood. For example, unusual levels of specific proteins may point to a health condition. A Complete Blood Count gives a cell count of different blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  The treatment for blood cancer depends on the type of cancer and how fast it progresses. While there are several treatment options such as stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, it is essential to ensure that you take certain precautions to prevent the disease by avoiding exposure to radiation, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet. If you notice any symptoms, talk to your doctor right away to diagnose the condition. Remember, early detection saves lives!

Being pregnant is a beautiful feeling- an emotional and exciting rollercoaster ride that inspires women to make healthy life choices. It is necessary to practice and preach fit right from the first month. Here are some easy, simple ways to stay healthy when pregnant. Remember, everyone has their own unique experience of the pregnancy journey.

It is a time filled with questions and concerns, joy and excitement at the same time. You will encounter a lot of changes in your body during the entire process. With all these changes happening, you need to stay healthy inside out. Here’s how you can do that.  

Indulge in Healthy Eating Habits 

Your baby and you both need nutrients to grow healthy and strong during this sensitive time. This can only be achieved if you practice healthy eating patterns. And now that you are eating for two, don’t even think about cutting down on the calories. Make sure you eat on time without compromising on your schedule. Eat plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, whole grains, calcium, and protein-rich food. Avoid raw and unpasteurized animal products.

Maintain optimum weight

People say, ‘Eat like you are eating for two, which can lead to extra weight gain during pregnancy. Staying within the recommended range for weight gain helps in a more uncomplicated birth process and makes weight-loss post-birth easy.  

Practice physical exercises:

During pregnancy, get moving, literally! Daily exercising or just staying active can help in the smooth pregnancy process. Indulge in yoga, daily walks, or even dancing- and you are good to go! Talk to your doctor about which physical activities would work for you.

Take necessary prenatal vitamins:

Prenatal vitamins ensure that the right amount of key nutrients reach you and your baby during the pregnancy. Containing folic acid, iron, calcium, etc., these prenatal vitamins are the healthy add-ons that are pretty necessary for your body. 

Go for timely check-ups: Expecting mothers should get regular and timely check-ups for a safe and healthy birth of the baby. Schedule timely prenatal check-ups with your healthcare provider to avoid any future complications. You will be recommended to do a variety of screenings, imaging, and tests to give you timely information for your baby’s health. This also helps you in understanding your child’s prenatal care and development.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking water is a must, not just during pregnancy but all day, every day. However, a pregnant body needs more water than an average body does. Make sure you drink 3litersres of water every day. The best possible way to ensure that an adequate amount reaches your body is to keep a filled water bottle handy. 

Get adequate sleep:

One of the most important things that usually gets overlooked during pregnancy is healthy sleeping patterns. No matter what, getting an ample amount of sleep is vital. Get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep and try to sleep early and at a fixed time. As the month’s pass and the baby starts getting bigger, you will find it difficult to sleep in a comfortable position. It is suggested that lying on your side can aid you in sleeping. 

Do activities that you enjoy:

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience so try to enjoy every moment as much as possible. Remember, if you are happy and healthy, it will reflect on your baby. Do things that you want, from singing to dancing, cooking or just lazing around- do things that make you feel yourself!

Avoid harmful substances

It is essential not to expose the baby to harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or even large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy. Although just a glass of beer or one smoke doesn’t sound harmful to hear, it has been the reason for various pregnancy complications and abnormalities.  Don’t stress, just relax. Right from the first week of pregnancy, it is important to take care of yourself to take care of the baby. Maintaining healthy habits right from the start helps in an easier labour and gives you more energy during pregnancy. Yes, it is difficult to rigorously follow healthy practices the entire time. There will be days when you will crave ice cream and fries, not salad or when you won’t feel like stretching even a single muscle. You have to keep motivating and pushing yourself by following the tactics mentioned. 

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing concerns about diabetes’s growing health hazards. With the approval of United Nations Resolution 61/225 in 2006, World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day. Every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922, is commemorated. WDD is the world’s largest diabetes awareness program, with over 1 billion people in over 160 nations participating. The campaign raises public awareness of issues that are important to the diabetic community and keeps diabetes in the spotlight.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, sometimes known as diabetes, is a metabolic condition marked by high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that carries sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it is stored or used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces as effectively as it should. If left untreated, diabetes-related high blood sugar can affect your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. According to IDF Diabetes Atlas in 2019, 463 million adults (1 in 11) were diagnosed with diabetes. By 2030, the number of people with diabetes is predicted to reach 578 million.

Diabetes is divided into several types:

Type 1 Diabetes  is an autoimmune illness. The immune system targets and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is created. The exact cause of the attack is unknown. This kind of diabetes affects about 10% of diabetics.

Type 2 Diabetes  results due to Sugar build up in your blood as your body develops insulin resistance.

Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level is greater than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy. The production of insulin-blocking chemicals by the placenta causes this type of diabetes.

Diabetes insipidus, despite its similar name, is a rare condition that is unrelated to diabetes mellitus. It’s a different condition in which your kidneys excrete too much fluid from your body.

As per Centres for Diabetes Control and Prevention (CDC), Diabetes patients are also more likely to have factors that raise their risk of heart attack or strokes, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, can help you protect your heart and health. Controlling your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels might also help you stay safe. If you smoke, seek assistance in quitting.

What is the link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases? 

Diabetes can cause damage to your blood vessels as well as the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. This damage can lead to heart disease over time. Diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age than non-diabetics. Adults with diabetes are about twice as likely as non-diabetic adults to get heart disease or stroke. People with diabetes mellitus have nearly twice the risk of sudden cardiac mortality as those without the disease. Because diabetes is linked to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, particularly due to a higher risk of concurrent coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, the link between diabetes mellitus and an increased risk of sudden cardiac mortality may not surprise those who care for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes patients are also more likely to have the following conditions, which increase their risk of heart disease:

• High blood pressure causes the blood to flow more forcefully through your arteries, potentially damaging the arterial walls. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes increases your risk of heart disease significantly.

• Plaque can build on damaged artery walls if you have too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your system.

• High triglycerides (a form of fat found in the blood) and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol are thought to play a role in artery hardening.

However, it’s crucial to remember that the risk of sudden cardiac mortality in diabetics is linked to a variety of factors other than coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, and there’s still a lot to learn about the risk factors for sudden cardiac mortality in diabetics that could lead to preventive treatments.

In such situations is BRS (Bioresorbable Scaffold) a boon for younger generation? 

Now that it’s evident that heart problems can strike anyone at any age, let’s learn more about angioplasty. It is one of the most popular procedures among those who are at high risk of heart attacks. Bioresorbable stents are the most recent type of coronary stent to be discussed. These stents have the potential to transform cardiology in the same way that bare-metal stents and eventually DES revolutionized cardiology. While it’s tempting to dismiss these devices as a natural response to clinical experience with more traditional stents, it’s worth noting that the notion of bioresorbable stents has been known since the early 2000s, when the first DES was introduced. The essential reasoning for such stents, which was laid out at the time, namely that the stent should vanish once its primary purpose was completed, is still valid today. For starters, the continued presence of polymer and metal elements within the arterial wall may reduce the risk of undesirable clinical outcomes. Second, the vessel may be able to regain crucial functions, such as unrestricted vasomotion, which is critical for blood flow and pressure regulation. Finally, the patient who has been treated is allowed to conduct further diagnostic examinations including MRI. Finally, if revascularization is needed in the future, the stented vessel will be acceptable for the whole range of revascularization methods, which is especially significant for younger adult patients and children. As a result, there has been a lot of work done in business and academics to build bioresorbable scaffolds that will deliver these benefits.

Prevention is better than cure so, take care of your heart. 

These lifestyle adjustments can help you manage diabetes and minimize your risk of heart disease or keep it from getting worse:

• Maintain a balanced diet: Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein and nutritious carbohydrates. Avoid Trans external Trans-fat by eating fewer processed foods (such as chips, sweets, and fast meals). More water, less sugary drinks, and less alcohol are all good things to do.
• Make an effort to maintain a healthy weight: If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss will help lower your triglycerides and blood sugar levels. For a 200-pound person, modest weight reduction implies losing 5% to 7% of their body weight, or 10 to 14 pounds.
• Get moving: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity (the hormone that permits cells in your body to utilize blood sugar for energy), which aids with diabetes management. Physical activity also aids blood sugar regulation and reduces the risk of heart disease. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking.
• Keep track of your ABCs:

A: Get a frequent A1C test to track your average blood sugar over two to three months, and try to stay as close to your target range as feasible.

B: Maintain a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg (or the target your doctor sets).

C: Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

s: Either quit or don’t start smoking. 

To avoid health consequences such as heart disease, work with a diabetes care and education professional. You’ll get support and answers, as well as learn about the most recent developments in diabetes management. Learn how diabetes education can assist you in taking the best possible care of yourself. If you don’t already have a diabetes educator, make sure you seek your doctor for a referral.

Source: 

• https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes
• https://worlddiabetesday.org/about/facts-figures/ 
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/bioresorbable-stent

World Trauma Day is observed on the 17^th of October every year. This day emphasizes the increasing rate of accidents and injuries that cause death and disability across the world, and the need to prevent these mishaps. World Trauma Day aims at spreading awareness on the different ways to prevent accidents and the precautions one can take to keep safe.

The word “Trauma” refers to any physical injury to the body. There may be several causes of the injury such as road accidents, falling, violence, and abuse inflicted by another person, burns caused due to fire breakouts, and more. However, among the many reasons mentioned above, Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) are the major cause of trauma across the globe. About 5 million people die from trauma across the world every year. Most of these injuries even cause permanent disability or death. Having a road/fire accident can significantly impact one’s life and bring about a drastic change in their attitude and behavior.

How does an accident impact and alter one’s life?

An accident can have severe repercussions on a person’s life, and they go beyond just the obvious external injury. Some of the ways in which an accident can alter the victim’s life are:

1. Mental health issues:

Several accident victims struggle with mental health issues in the aftermath of an accident. Most victims go through a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This occurs when the victim fails to recover after a traumatic event. Apart from PTSD, they may face other mental health problems too. These issues may vary from severe stress, sleeplessness (insomnia) to anxiety. Victims who have had a permanent disability from the accident may also struggle with depression.

• Strained relationships:

After undergoing a traumatic event, several victims have reported that it has put a strain on their relationships – parents, spouse, children, and friends. This may happen due to the stress and other mental health problems that occur after the accident.

• Negative impact on professional life:

An accident can also have a negative impact, not just on the victim’s personal life, but on their professional lives as well. This problem might stem from the anxiety of returning to the workplace after a traumatic event. It may also affect the punctuality and the ability to perform at the workplace, leading to strained relationships with their manager and even their colleagues.

• Fear of commuting:

If the victim has been involved in a car or bike accident, they might fear commuting by those means again, due to the trauma faced earlier. The idea of commuting may also trigger their anxiety and forbid them from doing so.

• Long-lasting physical impact:

This is one of the most common factors that will impact the victim. Serious accidents can leave behind a lasting physical impact that may persist for years after the mishaps have taken place. This can include traumatic brain injuries, fractures that may require surgeries to fix it, spinal injuries, permanent disabilities, and in extremely severe cases, an amputation.

How can one recover from an accident?

After suffering an injury during an accident, complete recovery takes a lot of time, patience, and care. Depending on the severity of the injury, the recovery may take several months or even years. Though you cannot get a definitive time of recovery, there are certain things you can do to ease out the process.

1. Seek medical help immediately:

In several cases of accidents, though the injuries may not be visible immediately, it is important to seek medical attention. Signs of concussions, pain and damage to the spine or limbs may take hours to appear. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of the injury worsening.

• Thoroughly follow the treatment plan:

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the treatment plan would differ. The most effective way to ensure complete recovery is to follow the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor, with utmost care. In cases involving fractures and broken bones, the doctors will prescribe surgery to fix the bones with the help of implants.

• Rest:

Giving your body the rest it needs plays a crucial role in the recovery process. After a severe injury, it is important that your body slows down and gets the time to heal. Getting a good night’s sleep will impact your body positively and keep your energy levels intact. The level of stress hormones in the body also drops while you sleep, and blood flow also increases, allowing your muscles and tissues to repair.

Surgery after accidents

In cases of severe injuries that result in bone fractures and damage, the doctor usually recommends surgery to fix them. During the surgery, the surgeon may use surgical implants to replace a biological structure that has been damaged due to trauma in an accident or provide structural support.  Some of the most common implants used in surgeries to treat damage caused by an accident are:

1. Plates:

The function of plates is to hold the broken pieces of bones together. They are attached to the bones with the help of screws. The plates also work to control and nullify all the forces in the bone such as compression, bending, and more.

• Screws:

The primary function of a screw is to produce compression in the bone, which is required to mend the injury/fracture. The screw converts the force that arises from the bone movement into compression and distributes it evenly to the surface of the injured bones.

• Intramedullary Nails:

Intramedullary Nailing is a procedure used to fix broken bones and keep them stable. In this procedure, a metal rod  (intramedullary nail) is placed in the center of the bone to provide support for the fractured bone. This procedure is most commonly used to fix the thigh, shin, upper arm, and hip.

• Prosthesis:

A prosthesis is an artificial substitute or a replacement of a body part such as an arm, a leg, a facial bone, a hip joint, or even a breast implant. A prosthetic implant can be used when a certain part of the body has to be removed or amputated. Prosthetics are removable.

These surgical implants should be resistant to chemical reactions and completely biocompatible, to not cause infections. Implants should also be able to resist wear for a long time, which is why the materials to make the implants must be chosen carefully. Some of the most common materials that are used to make implants are:

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel has been used in surgical processes for a very long time due to its properties. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, and this property is extremely in implants as they are placed inside the body, and may come in contact with biological fluids. This prevents the chances of an infection occurring.

• Titanium Alloy: Compared to stainless steel, the use of titanium in implants is a relatively new practice. However, titanium implants are now most sought-after as they retain as much strength as stainless steel and are comparatively lighter.

How can we prevent road accidents?

Road accidents are the leading cause of most injuries across the world. Though there are many treatments and recovery options available to reverse damage caused by an accident, it is also important to work towards preventing accidents from taking place. During an accident, several things aren’t in our control. However, there are certain precautions we can take from our end, to avoid accidents as much as possible.

• Develop the right attitude: Several road accidents are a result of factors like over-speeding, jumping the signal, and irresponsible driving. It is extremely necessary to develop a responsible attitude towards driving and be in complete control of the vehicle.
• Wear your seat belt:  Wearing your seat belt while sitting in the vehicle is a norm – whether you are seated in the driver seat or the passenger seat.
• Avoid drinking and driving: This goes without saying. Alcohol may dim your senses and impairs your visual functioning, leading to difficulty in steering the vehicle and poor control. Follow safe driving practices and avoid driving under influence (DUI).

Though there may be several factors that are out of our control in an accident, we can do our bit to stay careful and ensure the safety of others. In case of an accident, make sure that you call the emergency helpline number immediately to get assistance. Stay mindful of the traffic guidelines and follow road safety to prevent unnecessary accidents!