For 40-year-old electrical engineer Sandeep Sonawane, his hands are essential to his livelihood and independence. Therefore, when a severe injury left the middle finger of his right hand painful, stiff and severely restricted, it threatened his ability to work.
However, three months after undergoing a complex proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint replacement at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Sonawane has regained useful finger movement and is gradually returning to his professional activities.
A Complex Injury and a New Approach
Sonawane, a resident of Kalyan, sustained multiple fractures that severely damaged his middle finger, causing the PIP joint to heal in a malunited and poorly functional position. Despite receiving treatment and therapy for nearly three months, he continued to experience pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
As his condition failed to improve, he was referred to Dr. Kushal Shah, Hand, Reconstructive and Brachial Plexus Surgeon and Head of the AURA Hand Surgery Unit at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel.
As per the press release, the team performed a PIP joint replacement using the KLS Martin CAP-FLEX joint replacement system, a first-of-its-kind procedure in Western India. The surgery aimed to restore finger stability, movement and overall hand function.
Restoring Function and Independence
Dr. Shah said, “The injury was affecting much more than a single finger. As an electrical engineer, the patient relies heavily on his hands, so restoring hand function was closely linked to restoring his independence and livelihood.”
He added that the team carefully assessed the extent of joint damage, bone condition, joint stability, tendon function and the patient’s professional requirements before deciding on the reconstructive procedure.
“Every complex hand injury is different, and treatment has to be individualised. The ultimate goal is not simply to repair an injured joint, but to help patients regain the ability to perform meaningful activities in their daily and professional lives,” Dr. Shah said.
Back to Work
At his three-month follow-up, Sonawane had regained encouraging finger movement and was able to resume his professional activities.
Sonawane said, “After the injury, I was worried about whether I would be able to return to work and use my hand the way I once did. Being able to move my finger again has given me back my confidence and independence.”
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, concluded, “Hand reconstruction is ultimately about giving patients back the ability to use their hands for the things that matter to them. For this engineer, regaining useful finger movement and returning to his professional life is the outcome that matters most.”