Oasis Hospital has been serving the residents of the Eastern Region and beyond since 1960 at the invitation of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Our shared beliefs and values carry this tradition forward for generations to come.

May 27, 2010

Oasis Hospital Performs Its First Total Knee Replacement

Oasis Hospital has successfully performed its first total knee replacement - a simple procedure that enables the patient to carry out daily activities without pain.

63-year-old Fadhila Sassi was in constant pain before the operation. She would stay awake at night because of the pain, and needed painkillers to sustain her. She could only walk short distances and this greatly impeded her daily movements.

According to her daughter, Kawthar Souissi, she was very afraid when was told she needed a knee replacement. But after meeting orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Alan Norrish, and the staff and nurses at Oasis Hospital, she felt more assured and confident.

"Dr. Alan is the best," says Kawthar. "I've never seen a doctor like him before. He treats us like we are his family members. Dr. Alan gave my mum a lot of confidence."

Dr. Alan has routinely carried out knee replacement surgeries for the past 8 years. The procedure involves the removal of damaged joint surfaces such as cartilage and bone ends, which are resurfaced with metal and polyethylene (plastic) implants. This creates a smoothly functioning joint that maintains motion and eliminates pain.

The prosthetic knee that Dr. Alan used for Fadhila was the Genesis II high-flex posterior-stabilized prosthesis. It was specially designed for the Eastern population where women are used to bending their knees and sitting on the floor, and can usually last for 25 years.

Fadhila is currently recovering from the knee replacement surgery on her left knee. In just a few weeks, she will be having the same operation done on her right knee. Her daughter Kawthar is pleasantly surprised by the decision, considering how her mother struggled to overcome her fear for the first knee replacement.

When asked what she would say to others who don't dare to have the same operation done, she says with a broad smile on her face, "Don't be scared..."