By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: A 65-year-old man who had been confined to a wheelchair for three years has regained mobility after undergoing a successful bilateral total knee replacement surgery at Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital.
Thanda Ram, a resident of northern Sindh, was brought to the Orthopaedic Surgery Department at GIMS with severe end-stage arthritis affecting both knees. Years of progressive pain and deformity had left him unable to walk and completely dependent on a wheelchair.
He was examined by renowned orthopaedic and arthroplasty surgeon and trauma specialist Dr Sajjad Hussain Bhatti, who diagnosed him with advanced bilateral knee osteoarthritis and severe joint damage.
Following detailed medical evaluation, imaging tests and pre-surgical assessments, the medical team decided to perform a bilateral total knee replacement — a complex procedure in which both damaged knee joints are replaced with artificial implants during a single operation.
The surgery was led by Dr Bhatti along with his orthopaedic and anaesthesia teams and was performed free of cost. Hospital officials said the procedure was completed successfully without complications.
After the operation, the patient was placed under close observation and underwent a structured rehabilitation and physiotherapy program. Within days, Thanda Ram was able to stand and take his first steps after three years, a moment described by his attendants as deeply emotional.
Dr Bhatti said the patient showed significant improvement in mobility, pain relief and overall quality of life, adding that further recovery was expected in the coming weeks. “This case is not only about replacing joints; it is about restoring dignity and independence,” Dr Bhatti said. “Seeing a patient who arrived in a wheelchair walk again is the greatest reward for the entire team.”
The GIMS administration said the successful surgery reflected the institute’s growing capabilities in advanced joint replacement, trauma care and tertiary healthcare services. The hospital continues to provide modern treatment free of cost to patients who may otherwise be unable to afford such expensive procedures.
Officials said the achievement has brought renewed hope to hundreds of patients suffering from chronic arthritis and mobility-related disabilities across Sindh.
