Latest news with #orthopaedic
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Rishabh Pant's car blew up and he stared death in the face, says surgeon who saved him
'Rishabh Pant was extremely lucky to be alive – extremely lucky.' Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, the orthopaedic surgeon who treated the Indian cricket superstar after his car crash, is in no doubt about his fortune. 'To be in an accident like this, where the car actually overturns and blows up, the risk of death is extremely high.' On December 30, 2022, flamboyant wicketkeeper Pant – who made history by scoring two centuries in one Test against England at Headingley – drove from Delhi to his home town of Roorkee. At 5:30am, Pant lost control of his car on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. His vehicle skidded for 200 metres before hitting the road divider. While the Mercedes burned, Pant's right knee twisted at 90 degrees. 'My time in this world is over,' Pant thought to himself, he later said. He was just 25 years old – a year older than James Dean when he suffered his fatal car crash. But Pant and two passers-by broke open a window to allow him to escape before the car set on fire. Pant was hospitalised with major injuries to his head, back and feet. After a week in local hospitals, Pant was airlifted to Mumbai. 'When he first came in, he had a dislocated right knee,' Pardiwala recalls. 'He also had an injury to his right ankle, lots of other minor injuries all over. He had a lot of skin loss, so his entire skin from the nape of the neck down to his knees was completely scraped off in the process of that accident. Then getting out of the car – that broken glass scraped off a lot of the skin and the flesh from his back.' If Pant's first great fortune was to be alive, his second was that he still had his right leg at all. Injuries so grievous he could not brush his teeth for weeks 'When your knee dislocates, and all the ligaments break, there's a high possibility of the nerve or the main blood vessel also being injured,' Pardiwala explains. 'If the blood vessel gets injured, you typically have about four to six hours to restore the blood supply. Otherwise, there's a risk of losing your limb. The fact that his blood vessel wasn't injured despite having a severe high-velocity knee dislocation was extremely lucky.' When he met Pardiwala in Mumbai, Pant's first question was: 'Am I ever going to be able to play again?' His mother's first question to Pardiwala was simply: 'Is he ever going to be able to walk again?' ' We had a lengthy discussion about the fact that these are grievous injuries – we would need to reconstruct the entire knee,' Pardiwala recalls. 'Once we reconstruct the entire knee, we're going to have to then work through a whole process of letting it heal, letting it recover, then get back the basic functions – the range, the strength and the stability.' On January 6, 2023, two days after he arrived in Mumbai, Pant was put under general anaesthetic. Over the next four hours, Pardiwala performed surgery on his right knee, reconstructing three ligaments and repairing tendons and meniscus. For several weeks after the surgery, Pant's movement in his upper body – the area which had been far less affected than his legs – remained so debilitated that he could not brush his teeth without assistance. 'He lost a lot of skin, and so he couldn't really move his hands. They were completely swollen. He couldn't really move either of his hands initially.' It was weeks until Pant could even grip a glass safely to drink water without assistance. For four months after the accident, Pant could only walk with crutches. 'Typically, when we reconstruct these patients they are happy just to get back to normal life,' Pardiwala explains. 'If they can walk and do some minimal amount of recreational sports, they're happy.' But Pant's sights were altogether higher. Pardiwala 'really didn't know' whether Pant could play for India again. 'I said: 'We can certainly make sure that he walks again. I'm going to try my best to make sure that we can get him back to playing again.' 'We didn't really want to offer him too much initially, but we did want to give him hope. So I said: 'We'll break it down into steps.' Step one, of course, has to be the surgery. 'When we discussed it just after the surgery, the way I told him is the fact you're alive, the fact that your limbs survived – that's two miracles down. If we get you back to competitive cricket, that's going to be a third miracle. Let's just hope for everything, and then take it a step at a time. 'His question then was: 'OK, assuming that we do manage to get there, how long is it going to be?' I said: 'Probably looking at 18 months to get back to competitive cricket.'' After surgery, Pant remained in hospital for another 24 days until he was discharged. He remained in Mumbai for a further three weeks, staying in a hotel near the hospital. Then, Pant moved into accommodation by the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, by the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This would remain his home for most of 2023. Pant returned to the Academy gym virtually every day, doing two sessions with physiotherapists or strength and conditioning coaches. Initially, these sessions were two hours each; within weeks, at Pant's request, they extended to 3½ hours each. The regime was a combination of strenuous exercise in the gym and long sessions of aqua therapy in the swimming pool. The programme had three phases: restoring range of movement; strengthening muscles; and finally regaining balance and agility. 'His whole aim was 'Get me back to normalcy as fast as possible',' Pardiwala remembers. 'And we were trying to make sure that we were doing just the optimum, not too little, but not too much. 'His recovery was much faster than we had anticipated. He was like: 'Nothing is too much.' He pushed harder than normal people.' Pant defied prognosis by four months From the very first discussions that he had with Pardiwala in Mumbai, Pant made it clear that he intended not only to return to elite cricket, but also to regain his place behind the stumps. This aim made his recovery programme more onerous. 'As a wicketkeeper, you have to squat hundreds of times a day,' Pardiwala explains. 'So we needed to get that capability.' Pardiwala recalls a conversation between Ricky Ponting, who was then his head coach at Delhi Capitals, and Pant. Ponting suggested that Pant initially return as a specialist batsman alone. 'Rishabh turned around and said: 'No, there's no way that I'm getting back to elite-level cricket as just a batsman. I want to enjoy my keeping and so I'm not going to get back just as a batsman, I will get back when I can bat and when I can keep wicket too.'' Pardiwala had originally told Pant that the best scenario was to make a full return within 18 months. Yet he made his return in a warm-up within 14 months of the crash. In March 2024, 14 months and three weeks after the accident, Pant returned to professional cricket, in the Indian Premier League. Pant got an emotional standing ovation as he walked out to bat for the first time. Unassumingly, he regained his form from before the crash, averaging 40.5 in the 2024 IPL season and keeping wicket in every match, too. 'He was diving around like crazy,' Pardiwala recalls. When he made his Test return, against Bangladesh, Pant marked his comeback with a century. WELCOME BACK TO RED BALL CRICKET AFTER 21 LONG MONTHS, RISHABH PANT...!!! - A swashbuckling 34 ball fifty by Pant. — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 7, 2024 While Pant, now 27, is as ebullient on the field as before his crash, he is a subtly different person off the field now. 'He recognises the fact that he was extremely lucky to be alive,' Pardiwala says. 'He's so motivated as a cricketer. 'If you knew the Rishabh before this happened, he's a much more mature human being. He's very philosophical now. He appreciates life and everything that goes around it. That typically happens to anyone who's faced death in the face. Someone who's had a near-death experience often gets life into perspective.' Pant's enforced break could ultimately mean that he plays more for India. Shane Warne's year-long absence from international cricket, for very different reasons – he was banned for a year for taking a banned diuretic – lengthened his own career. 'I'm sure he's going to be fitter now because he's realising the importance of it. A lot of athletes become much better after a big surgery than ever before. 'The difference is fitness levels. They were never exposed to those kinds of high levels of fitness and rehabilitation; even if they were exposed to it, they didn't understand the importance of it. 'He always worked at his fitness, I'm sure, but I think he worked more at his skills initially, and probably a little less at the fitness part of it. But now he realises the importance of fitness. So he's working out and making sure that all aspects of his body are strengthened enough. I think that gives him then the confidence to do what he does on the field.' So much confidence, indeed, that Pant celebrated the first of his twin centuries at Headingley with a hand spring: the same celebration that he used to mark a century in the IPL last month. The pyrotechnics reflect one of Pant's childhood loves. Rishabh Pant reaching 100 in the Rishabh Pant way 🔥6️⃣ "This fella is BOX OFFICE." 🍿 — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 21, 2025 'Rishabh trained as a gymnast – and so although he looks large, he is quite agile, and he does have a lot of flexibility,' says Pardiwala. 'And that's why he's been doing those somersaults of late. 'It's a well-practised and perfected move – unnecessary though!' But not to a man with Pant's sense of theatre.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
‘Cured my sciatica and lower back pain' rave fan of REM-Fit Ortho hybrid mattress bundle with £248 price cut
A GOOD night's sleep usually starts with a good quality mattress. If you've been dreaming of better sleep and waking up free from aches and pains, this REM-Fit deal could be your sign to upgrade your mattress. Shoppers can save £248 on the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress bundle, which is now £699.99 for an EU double size. The bundle comes with two 400 Memory Foam Pillows and a Tencel Cool Pillow Protector, which separately are worth £247. Not only is the double-size mattress reduced, but using the exclusive code ORTHO12 at checkout, you can also enjoy an extra 12% off. The discount code is valid for use on any products sitewide, including mattress toppers, pillows, and bedding. It's an awesome opportunity to upgrade your entire sleep setup for less. Designed for those who need enhanced orthopaedic support without sacrificing comfort, the Rem-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid is one worth watching. It combines 2000 extra-firm encapsulated pocket springs with a deep, pressure-relieving layer of cooling memory foam to ease joint discomfort and reduce pressure points as you sleep. This option is a top contender for anyone who suffers from back, hip, or neck pain, or even for those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. Save £248 REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress Bundle SHOP HERE The Rem-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid is also breathable, hypoallergenic, and comes with a removable, machine-washable cover. All Rem-Fit mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial and a generous 15-year guarantee, giving you plenty of time to decide if it's right for you, and customers can't stop raving about it. One happy customer left a glowing review, sharing: "I bought the ortho 500 mattress after suffering several chronic herniated discs. "I have not had a crisis since using this mattress. "10/10 would recommend to anyone. The Rem-Fit 500 Ortho Elite Hybrid (firm) has literally cured my sciatica and lower back pain Another fan stated: "I was desperate for a new mattress after suffering from back pain for months and watching my old mattress sag more and more every night. "The Rem-Fit 500 Ortho Elite Hybrid (firm) has literally cured my sciatica and lower back pain! "My sleep quality has improved drastically, possibly due to the reduction of tossing and turning!"
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orthopaedic centre to 'significantly' cut wait times
A specialist surgical centre has opened which aims to "significantly reduce" waiting times for orthopaedic patients across the region. The Sulis Orthopaedic Centre (SOC), located in Peasedown St John, just outside Bath, will perform an additional 3,000 planned orthopaedic operations on NHS patients every year. It will help to significantly reduce waiting times for many patients lined up for operations, which include life-changing hip and knee replacements. The SOC is a collaboration between Sulis and three local hospital trusts, known collectively as BSW Hospitals Group, and includes the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the Salisbury Foundation Trust. Cara Charles-Barks, the chief executive of BSW Hospitals Group, said: "We are really pleased to see the Sulis Orthopaedic Centre open its doors to patients. "Not only will it make a real difference by reducing waiting times for orthopaedic surgery, but it will also help to safeguard our services from the increase in demand that we expect to see in the future." The new centre will free up capacity at existing NHS facilities, with patients being cared for at Sulis immediately before and after their operations. The surgeries and additional pre and post-operative appointments will take place at their local NHS hospital, as before. Simon Milner, hospital director Sulis Hospital, said: "The opening of the Sulis Orthopaedic Centre, marks a significant and much-anticipated milestone. "Working in partnership with the NHS enables us to give back to the local community in meaningful ways and we're excited to pioneer a new, collaborative approach to healthcare that benefits everyone." Between April 2024 and March 2025, 750 operations were performed on NHS patients being treated at the RUH, using Sulis' surgical theatres. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Radiology department marks 50 years of advancement Patients 'feel safe' in hospital's wards, says watchdog Salisbury maternity services rated as 'good' Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Together
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Botched Addenbrooke's surgery families demand government meeting
Two mothers are urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to "act now" after the orthopaedic surgeon who operated on their children was Stohr was suspended earlier this year from her role at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge amid concerns about care that was "below the expected standard".A girl with cerebral palsy who was left in agony after botched surgery on her hip joints is one of about 700 patients whose cases are being University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) has "apologised unreservedly" to those affected, while the Department of Health said it was working with the NHS to "take action as evidence emerges". Ms Stohr previously said she was fully co-operating with an investigation. Lawyer Radd Seiger, who is representing several affected families, is calling for an independent said the families had "no faith in the process" and felt Addenbrooke's was controlling the investigation and trust said a "rigorous process" was in place and that all cases would be "fully reviewed by an external panel of orthopaedic surgeons".Mr Seiger said Lynn Harrison, the mother of 12-year-old Tammy Harrison, and Nicola Muhlhausen, the mother of seven-year-old Oliver Muhlhausen, were seeking a meeting with the health who has cerebral palsy, has had life-long problems with her hip joints, causing her legs to face family's lawyers said a review noted "technical problems" with her hip surgery, with screws inserted in the wrong place. Mr Seiger has written to Mr Streeting on their behalf and is awaiting a expressed concern that issues about Ms Stohr's clinical practice had been raised with CUH as early as Stohr's clinical practice was restricted in 2024 as a "precautionary measure" and she was suspended earlier this year following a Seiger said he wanted Mr Streeting to "intervene immediately" and order an "entirely independent investigation, free from any connection to the trust".He added that he wanted the investigation to look at what happened in 2015 and to see if systemic reform was needed."The families are in crisis. They don't know who to turn to," said Mr Seiger. "The health secretary must act now."A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "This is a shocking case and our thoughts are with all of those affected."Families and patients should expect the highest quality care and communication at all times, and we are working with NHS England to take action as evidence emerges from the review by Cambridge University Hospitals."It is vital that patients and their families continue to be supported throughout the process so that they can be provided with the answers they deserve." Dr Susan Broster, chief medical officer at CUH, said: "We apologise unreservedly to the patients and families we have let down."There are around 700 patients in scope of the review and very sadly it is identifying some cases where the level of care has been below the expected standard."An independent investigation into missed opportunities for identifying and addressing this issue sooner is also being carried out by Verita, a specialist investigations company."We will ensure that the findings and recommendations are implemented in full." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Mothers of patients of suspended surgeon seek meeting with Health Secretary
The mothers of two children who were patients of a now-suspended orthopaedic surgeon are seeking a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a representative said. Ms Kuldeep Stohr, who specialises in paediatric surgery, was suspended earlier this year from her role at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge amid concerns about care that was 'below the expected standard'. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) said the cases of around 700 patients are 'in scope' of an ongoing review. The trust said in March that the care of 'almost 700 patients who have undergone planned surgical procedures' would be reviewed, as well as 'an initial 100 adults and paediatric orthopaedic trauma cases to determine whether there are any concerns about the emergency treatment provided by this surgeon'. Radd Seiger, who is representing the families of several of the children who were operated on by Ms Stohr, said families feel the reviews and an investigation into what was known and when are being controlled by the hospital. He said they have 'no faith in the process'. The trust said a 'rigorous process' was in place and that all cases would be 'fully reviewed by an external panel of orthopaedic surgeons'. Mr Seiger said the mothers of two of the children – Lynn Harrison, the mother of 12-year-old Tammy Harrison, and Nicola Muhlhausen, the mother of seven-year-old Oliver Muhlhausen – are seeking a meeting with the Health Secretary. Tammy, who has cerebral palsy, has had problems with her hip joints throughout her life causing her legs to face inwards towards her body. Lawyers said a review noted 'technical problems' with her hip surgery, with screws inserted in the wrong place leaving her in pain. Mr Seiger has written to Mr Streeting on their behalf and is awaiting a response. He expressed concern in his message to the Health Secretary that issues about Ms Stohr's clinical practice had been raised with CUH as early as 2015. Ms Stohr's clinical practice was later restricted in 2024 as a 'precautionary measure' and she was suspended earlier this year following a review. Mr Seiger said he wants Mr Streeting to 'intervene immediately' and order an 'entirely independent investigation, free from any connection to the Trust'. He said he wants the investigation to look at what happened in 2015 and to see if systemic reform is needed. Mr Seiger said he wants accountability and for care and support for the affected children to be guaranteed. 'The families are in crisis, they don't know who to turn to,' said Mr Seiger. 'The Health Secretary must act now.' Dr Susan Broster, chief medical officer at Cambridge University Hospitals, said: 'We apologise unreservedly to the patients and families we have let down. 'A rigorous process is in place to ensure all cases are fully reviewed by an external panel of orthopaedic surgeons, led by Andrew Kennedy KC and including James Hunter, the national clinical lead for paediatric trauma and orthopaedics at NHS England. 'There are around 700 patients in scope of the review and very sadly it is identifying some cases where the level of care has been below the expected standard. 'An independent investigation into missed opportunities for identifying and addressing this issue sooner is also being carried out by Verita, a specialist investigations company. 'We will ensure that the findings and recommendations are implemented in full. 'We expect the initial findings of the review by the Autumn.' The trust said the terms of reference for the review and investigation are published on its website. 'Both NHS England and the ICB (integrated care board) are represented on the Oversight Board which we have established to oversee this issue,' Dr Broster continued. 'We are committed to getting to the answers for patients and families. 'Completing the individual clinical reviews will take time. 'Where the review has identified that harm has occurred, patients and families will be offered in-person meetings with a senior clinician, to go through the review findings of their case and to allow families to ask any questions as well as receiving a letter.' A dedicated Patient and Family Liaison Team is in place to support patients and families, the trust said. The dedicated helpline number is 0808 175 6331 or by the email
