Cap on revision knee implants unworkable: docs

The cap on knee implants lacks clarity in case of revision implants, doctors in Bengaluru say.

Orthopedic surgeons at various hospitals have raised concerns over the lack of clarity in capping revision implants, a surgical procedure that involves the removal and replacement of implants after it undergoes damage.

Although they lauded the government for its transparency in introducing a single-pricing system for knee implants, they are upset that all types of knee implants come under a single umbrella.

“Revision implants are done after eight or 15 years of doing the primary implant. They need certain accessories, augments and special materials. The current move by the government does not have clarity on these aspects,” said Dr Hemant Kalyan, senior consultant orthopaedics and sports medicine, Manipal Hospitals.

Dr Chandrashekar P, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Sakra World Hospital, said that 50-60 revision implants take place in the hospital and these need certain metal pieces to fill the bone loss after a period of time. The type of these metal pieces cannot be decided before the surgery. It varies from person to person on how many wedges, augments or metaphyseal sleeves (metals used for knee implants) are required. They cannot be capped at a single price, he said.

Doctors also said that the price cap becomes confusing when it comes to foreign and Indian manufacturers as the same implant is manufactured by both.

Various implants manufactured in India are already below the capping price. In such cases, Indian manufacturers should not make use of this opportunity to increase the original price of their implants.

Doctors also said that due to capping on implants, manufacturers might stop selling the most advanced implants that may cost higher.

“The country should not become a place where high-end implants are not shipped due to the price capping,” Dr Chandrashekar said.