First-Ever Artificial Ligament Surgery in Andhra Pradesh

Knee injuries are common among young people, especially during physical activities or due to accidental falls. One such injury often involves the tearing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Traditionally, surgeons have used autografts (tissues taken from the patient's own body) to reconstruct the damaged ligament. While effective in the long term, autografts also come with certain limitations. To address these, newer and more advanced methods are being adopted.

A 28-year-old woman from Visakhapatnam suffered a severe knee injury after a fall. Unable to walk due to intense pain, she was admitted to KIMS Hospital in Seethammadhara. Consultant Orthopaedician, Arthroscopic Surgeon, and Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Srinivas G. shared the details of this groundbreaking case.

“We faced three major challenges in her case: she is a woman, she has a small physical frame, and she is obese. These factors made her a less ideal candidate for conventional arthroscopic surgery with autografts, as they carry a higher risk of recurrence in such scenarios. Therefore, we decided to use an artificial ligament,” explained Dr. Srinivas.

They opted for Jewel Grafts developed by the company xiros. These are highly advanced artificial ligaments known for their strength and ability to bear significant weight. Over time, they integrate with the body’s natural tissues, mimicking real ligaments. This made them an ideal choice for this patient.
“These grafts can be used stand-alone or in combination with autografts. A major benefit is that patients can start walking with full weight-bearing on the very next day after surgery. In contrast, traditional procedures require several weeks before the foot can even touch the ground. Moreover, these grafts blend with natural tissues within a few months, further strengthening the repair,” he added.

Dr. Srinivas described this as a new chapter in arthroscopic surgery, especially useful for injuries caused by sports or road accidents. This is the first time such a procedure using artificial ligaments has been performed in Andhra Pradesh.
He further noted that these grafts are particularly useful in complex cases involving multiple joints or multiple ligament injuries. In such instances, autografts alone may not suffice, and harvesting too much tissue from other body parts could weaken those areas. Artificial ligaments offer an ideal solution in such scenarios.