Zimbabwean Patient’s Experience Undergoes ACL Surgery in India

Russell Kudzai, a 32-year-old soccer player from Zimbabwe, sustained a painful injury during a match. Despite his hopes for a quick recovery, the pain persisted for over a month, prompting him to seek medical attention. His local doctor diagnosed him with a torn ligament, specifically an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, and a common but serious injury among athletes. Realizing the need for expert care, Russell began searching for a top orthopedic surgeon to treat his condition.

During his search, Russell came across our Joint Replacement Surgery Services website, which provided detailed information on various orthopedic treatments. He decided to reach out and quickly connected with one of our dedicated case managers. The case manager was sympathetic and immediately took up Russell’s case, arranging a online consultation with Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde, a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports injuries.

Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde thoroughly assessed Russell’s medical reports and confirmed the diagnosis of an ACL tear. He recommended ACL reconstruction surgery to restore the stability and function of Russell’s knee. Russell, reassured by doctor expertise and detailed explanation of the procedure, decided to proceed with the surgery.

With the assistance of the case manager, Russell quickly obtained his medical visa and made travel arrangements to India. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed at Max Hospital in Delhi and underwent a series of tests and evaluations to ensure he was ready for the surgery. These included MRI scans, blood tests, and physical assessments to evaluate the extent of the injury and plan the surgery in detail.

On the day of the surgery, Russell felt a mix of nervousness and hope. The medical team, led by Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde, ensured he was comfortable and well-prepared for the procedure. The ACL reconstruction surgery began with small incisions around Russell’s knee. Through these incisions, an arthroscope, a tiny camera, was inserted to provide a clear view of the inside of his knee on a monitor.

Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde explained that ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically taken from the patient’s own hamstring or patellar tendon. In Russell’s case, the graft was harvested from his hamstring tendon. Using specialized instruments, a doctor carefully removed the damaged ligament and drilled small tunnels in the bones of Russell’s knee to create a pathway for the new graft.

The graft was then threaded through these tunnels and secured with screws or other fixation devices. This new ligament would eventually integrate with Russell’s natural tissue, providing the necessary stability and function. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure allowed for precise repairs with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

The surgery was successfully completed, and Russell was moved to a recovery area where he was closely monitored by the medical staff. Over the next few days, he received excellent post-operative care, including pain management and physical therapy guidance to aid in his recovery. Before leaving the hospital, Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde provided Russell with detailed post-surgery care instructions, emphasizing the importance of following the rehabilitation plan to regain strength and mobility in his knee.

Back in Zimbabwe, Russell continued his recovery, adhering to the rehabilitation plan meticulously. Over time, he experienced significant improvements, with his knee gradually regaining strength and stability. The pain that once hindered his ability to play soccer and perform daily activities was now a distant memory.