IOA Bone & Joint Week held
Dehradun, Aug 10 Bone and joint week 2025 of the Indian Orthopaedic Association was organized at Sanjay Orthopaedic, Spine and Maternity centre Doon Vihar, Jakhan, Rajpur road, Dehradun from 3rd to 10th August. This year’s presidential theme was “Old is Gold: 360° Care for the Elderly”, ensuring dignity, mobility, and longevity. Like many developed countries, India is also facing various health and social issues related to the elderly or geriatric population. A week-long program included free health camp, BMD test, surgery, interviews in electronic media to spread awareness about the medical issues related to geriatric population. As age advances, age-related medical problems tend to increase. The ageing process includes a decrease in bone density, muscle mass, and wear and tear of all joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints. These conditions lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, resulting in poor performance of daily activities.
Padma Shri recipient Dr. B. K. S. Sanjay said that the orthopaedic problems like degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), degenerative spine diseases, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures are common in elderly population. Osteoarthritis commonly presents with pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, mainly affecting weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone density, resulting in fragile bones that are prone to fractures. The most common osteoporotic fractures occur in the wrist, spine, and hip. Other common spinal problems include degenerative spine diseases like chronic slipped discs and facet joint arthritis, which can lead to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Spinal stenosis may present with neurological claudication, which causes painful and reduced mobility, leg fatigue, and in some cases, paralysis including disturbed bladder or bowel function. These problems sometimes require surgical interventions which are usually high-risk procedure.
India and International book records holder, Dr. Gaurav Sanjay said that regular screening and physical check-ups can aid in early detection and timely treatment. The useful screening tests include X-rays, BMD, CT and MRI of involved part. These tests can be highly effective in identifying diseases early, enabling timely and appropriate interventions, and allowing corrective measures to maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life in old age.
If older individuals receive timely and adequate medical care, along with essential family and social support, they can lead longer, healthier, happier, more mobile, and dignified lives. Early intervention improves treatment outcomes, reduces complications, and lowers healthcare costs.
