Bengaluru, 26th March 2025: Narayana Health City has achieved a remarkable medical milestone by successfully performing Bengaluru’s first-of-its-kind new generation mobile bearing Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) surgery, offering new hope for patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis. The surgery, led by Dr. Shekar Mudramaiah, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Foot & Ankle Specialist, was performed on a 64-year-old woman who had been struggling with intense pain and restricted mobility for years.

This groundbreaking procedure marks a new era in orthopaedic care, proving that advanced treatments once considered rare in India can now be performed successfully, enabling patients to regain pain-free movement and an improved quality of life.

A Life-Changing Surgery That Restored Movement

The patient, once an active woman, had been forced to cut back on her daily activities due to severe arthritis in her left ankle. Over the years, the pain worsened, and she began limping, unable to walk without discomfort. While multiple doctors suggested ankle fusion—a procedure that would relieve pain but permanently stiffen the joint—she wanted an option that would allow her to move freely again.

Upon learning about Narayana Health City’s expertise in advanced orthopaedic procedures, she consulted Dr. Shekar Mudramaiah, who specialises in foot and ankle surgeries. Recognising her desire to regain mobility, he recommended Total Ankle Replacement, a complex but highly effective surgery that replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant, allowing the patient to walk pain-free with natural movement.

However, performing this procedure in India comes with challenges. The specialised implants required for the surgery are not available locally and had to be sourced from the USA and the Netherlands after securing necessary approvals from the Drug Control Authority of India. Despite these hurdles, the team at Narayana Health City ensured everything was in place for the landmark procedure.

A Pioneering Moment for Bengaluru

A few months back, the patient underwent Bengaluru’s first-of-its-kind new generation mobile bearing implant Total Ankle Replacement surgery at Narayana Health City. The operation was a resounding success, and her recovery has been exceptional.

• Within a day, she was able to start moving with support.
• Two weeks later, her surgical wound had healed completely.
• At six weeks, she began walking independently.
• Post-surgery, she is back to her normal routine, pain-free and active.

Speaking about the significance of this breakthrough, Dr Shekar Mudramaiah emphasised, “Ankle arthritis may not be as widely known as knee or hip arthritis, but it can be just as debilitating. Until now, most patients in India had to settle for ankle fusion, which relieves pain but takes away movement. This surgery proves that we can now offer a better, movement-preserving solution right here in Bengaluru. With greater access to these advanced implants, many more patients can benefit from this life-changing procedure.”

A New Era in Advanced Orthopaedic Care

Ankle arthritis affects millions worldwide, often caused by previous injuries or wear and tear over time. While Total Ankle Replacement is widely performed in countries like the USA and the UK, it remains a rare procedure in India due to limited expertise and implant availability. The success of this TAR surgery at Narayana Health City sets a new benchmark for orthopaedic care in the region.

The patient, visibly emotional, expressed her gratitude, “For years, I lived with pain thinking I had no choice but to give up my active life. Thanks to this surgery, I have my mobility back. I can walk without pain and I feel like myself again.”

Narayana Health City continues to push the boundaries of advanced medical care, ensuring that patients no longer have to travel abroad for world-class treatments. The hospital hopes that this success will pave the way for wider adoption of Total Ankle Replacement in India, making it more accessible and affordable for those in need.