AIIMS & IIT-Delhi Collaborate to Develop Affordable & Precise Elbow Replacement Implants

Developing affordable and high-quality implants is a crucial step toward making elbow replacement surgery more accessible.

In a recent collaboration, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-Delhi), have partnered to develop state-of-the-art elbow replacement implants.

These implants are designed to offer precise fitting and superior quality, providing a cost-effective solution for patients suffering from stiff elbow joints and limited mobility.

The joint effort between AIIMS and IIT Delhi is aimed to revolutionize the landscape of elbow replacement surgery in India. Leveraging the combined expertise and resources of these institutions, the collaborative project aims to provide patients with cutting-edge implants that are not only precise but also cost-effective.

Addressing Challenges in Elbow Replacement Surgery

The collaboration aims to address challenges faced by patients seeking elbow replacement surgery, mainly due to the high cost and inadequate quality of imported elbow replacement setups.

Emphasizing the pressing need for such implants, Bhavuk Garg, professor, Department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS, Delhi, said, "Recognising the challenges faced by patients due to the high cost and inadequate quality of imported elbow replacement setups, this partnership aims to provide accessible, precise, and high-quality implants for elbow replacement surgeries."

Elbow replacement surgery is a critical procedure for individuals dealing with debilitating conditions such as stiffness and immobility in the elbow joint. However, the prohibitive cost of imported setups and the lack of exact-fit, high-quality implants have posed significant hurdles for patients seeking relief through surgery in the country.

"Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that patients receive the best possible care without the burden of exorbitant costs," Garg added.

The development of affordable and high-quality implants is a crucial step toward making elbow replacement surgery more accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Imported Setups

The AIIMS-IIT-Delhi implants are projected to be available at a fraction of the cost compared to imported setups, which often come with a hefty price tag ranging from INR 1 to 1.5 Lakh.

This cost-effective alternative is expected to make elbow replacement surgery more affordable and accessible, addressing a longstanding challenge in the healthcare landscape.

The collaborative effort between AIIMS and IIT-Delhi signifies the potential for academic and medical institutions to join forces in developing innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.

The success of this project could pave the way for similar collaborations in addressing other orthopedic conditions and medical needs, contributing to advancements in medical technology and patient care in India.

The AIIMS-IIT-Delhi collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the accessibility and affordability of elbow replacement surgery, offering hope to patients grappling with elbow joint issues.

In another development, just days back, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card to ensure hassle-free payments for treatment in AIIMS New Delhi.

All patients, upon admission, will be issued the smart card free of cost without any service charges. Further, the card will be linked to the patient's Unique Hospital Identification (UHID) number and the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

AIIMS Delhi also sought collaboration with IITs & IIMs to keep up with modern needs to offer AI, drone-based healthcare services. Further, AIIMS seeks to explore innovative applications of drones and robotics that could revolutionize medical supply delivery and surgical procedures.