Aster, Sohar pioneers in rare arthroscopic surgeries

MUSCAT: Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar, which has been awarded as the best hospital in the Al Batinah region and second best hospital in Oman by the Ministry of Health for the second consecutive year, has added another golden feather to its hat.

According to a press release, Dr Mohammed Ashraf Pasha, a western trained orthopaedic and joint surgeon of Aster Hospital, has performed arthroscopic reconstruction of all the four ligaments of the knee joint namely, ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL for different patients successfully. Dr Pasha informed that the knee joint is supported and stabilised by 4 vital ligaments - ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL, out of which, ACL tear is the most common sports related injury encountered in this country owing to the popularity of football.

Aster Sohar has already pioneered this highly specialised surgery, performing an average of over 300 arthroscopic surgeries per year successfully. Recently, arthroscopic PCL, MCL and LCL surgeries have been performed quite successfully, which probably might have been for the first time in this region. Dr Pasha says that these are very rarely done. Firstly, because of their rare occurrence and secondly, owing to the high technical expertise and state of the art infrastructure needed for these cases. In context to PCL reconstruction surgery, it needs highly specialised training and expertise along with special instrumentation and efficient physical therapy, followed by a rehabilitation programme for a quick and safe return to normal activities. Aster Sohar has been a centre of excellence for arthroscopic surgeries with an experienced team of specialist orthopedic surgeons Dr Jayachandran, Dr Mohammed Ashraf Pasha and Dr Shirish with a combined experience of over 30 years; state-of-the-art & well equipped twin operation theatres with all the high end infrastruc- ture backed by an efficient team of physical therapists.

Dr Pasha says that ACL and PCL ligaments are relatively more vital and stronger stabilisers of the knee joint and their injuries cannot be neglected. A complete tear of ACL/PCL warrants an early arthroscopic reconstruction surgery in order to avoid any possible complications and for an early return to sport activities. Some studies have shown that the torn ACL/PCL ligaments may lead to early onset arthritis and chronic instability of knee joints, if not reconstructed timely.

MCL or LCL ligaments if occurred along with ACL/PCL injuries , can be reconstructed in the same sitting. Although these kinds of multi-ligament reconstructions are quite challenging but, they have been performed regularly at Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar with complete success. Isolated MCL/LCL ligaments usually can be treated conservatively, unless they are completely torn. Dr Pasha advises the players to use knee supports while playing contact sports like soccer and he emphasises that correct gaming techniques and physical fitness with regular exercises is the key to avoid sports injuries.

Patients who underwent the surgeries have expressed their complete satisfaction and thanked the hospital along with the doctors, for gifting them with a new sports life and helping them in returning to their passion of sports.