A 104-year-old citizen of Saudi Arabia undergoes a double knee replacement surgery in the Hiranandani Hospital Powai

At the age of 104, Tahir Ali Alhashim, a Saudi Arabian national, underwent a successful bilateral knee replacement surgery at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital Powai on September 1. Tahir had been bedridden for the past five years due to advanced osteoarthritis, which led him and his son to seek medical advice.

Despite being blind, Tahir had always maintained an active and independent lifestyle. After consulting various doctors, the consensus was that knee replacement surgery could offer a solution, but his age posed concerns. Tahir’s elder son, Dai Ali Al Hasim, accompanied him to Mumbai and, determined to relieve his father’s pain, they sought the expertise of Dr. Sanjeev Jain, an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon.

In Dr. Jain’s 32-year career, he had encountered only a handful of senior citizens above 95 years undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery. Tahir’s case was unique as he became the first person above 100 to undergo such a procedure, and remarkably, both knees were replaced simultaneously. Dr. Jain emphasized Tahir’s exceptional positivity and overall good health, with blood pressure being his only concern.

Dr. Jain noted a growing trend, with 15–20% of his knee replacement patients now being 81 years or older. He attributed this to increased life expectancy. However, challenges arise when patients have multiple underlying health issues.

Following the surgery, Tahir quickly regained mobility and could independently walk to the bathroom. His son, Dai, expressed their joy at Tahir’s newfound freedom from pain and restored independence. They were preparing to leave the city together.

Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Bhosale, director of arthritis and joint replacement at Nanavati Max Hospital — Vile Parle, explained that for patients above 90 years, surgery is typically a last resort. The priority is managing their conditions medically. If a patient proves medically fit on various grounds, including the ability to tolerate anesthesia and the surgical process, potential for rehabilitation, current mobility, and more, then surgery may be considered.

Dr. Bhosale highlighted an increasing demand for knee and hip replacement surgeries among elderly patients. He shared a recent success story of a 94-year-old man who regained mobility post-surgery. He also advised preventative measures inside the house, such as installing handles and anti-slip mats in bathrooms, and promptly cleaning water spillages to prevent accidents.”