Rheumatology

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Rheumatology is a sub-specialty in medicine that deals with inflammatory and auto-immune disorders affecting the connective tissues and joints. Doctors who specialize in rheumatology are called rheumatologists.  Although there is a considerable overlap in the kind of patients who visit an orthopaedic surgeon and rheumatologist, the two specialties complement each other well. Some of the musculo-skeletal conditions managed by a rheumatologist are:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. RA affects other organs also and is more common in middle aged women. The classic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness and swelling of the joints (especially hand joints) and it usually affects the same joint of both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac); Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs – DMARDs (Methotrexate, sulfasalazine); corticosteroids and biological therapies like white blood cell modulators, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors. Surgery is indicated in the late stages.  

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is another condition that causes inflammation in the spinal and hip joints leading to these bones to join together. Eventually this leads to stiffness and loss of mobility in the joints. The disease affects males between ages 20 and 40 more often than females.  Ankylosing Spondylitis presents with joint/back pain and stiffness that is worse at night and improves with activity or exercise. Corticosteroids and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors can improve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Surgery is only required in the late stages to correct spinal deformities or allow hip movements.

In our endeavour to provide all areas of Orthopaedic care under one roof, Sparsh Hospital has partnered with the well known “Chanre Rheumatology Clinic” to provide rheumatology services at our hospital. 

Radiology and Imaging

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Diagnostic Imaging Services

Diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in the early and accurate diagnosis of various conditions in the field of Orthopaedic Surgery.

1. Radiology - X-ray radiography remains the foundation of diagnostic imaging in the field of Orthopaedics. The age old problems of poor quality images, slow processing of films, storage space consumption and deterioration of films with time have been resolved with the introduction of digital radiography. Digital radiography, which is available in SPARSH Hospital, allows the acquisition of high resolution images that can be stored and viewed on a computer on and off-site. SPARSH Hospital has two- high quality, state-of-the-art digital radiography machines - Seimens MULTIPHOS-15 - with a Fuji FCRX CAPSULA processing machine which allows for high-speed and high resolution images. In addition, the hospital also possesses a Seimens portable radiography machine to provide imaging services for the in-patients especially in the critical care areas.   

2. Ultrasonography – The Ultrasonography suite is equipped with a Seimens - ACUSON X300PE system which is used to perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, Doppler studies and Echocardiogram. The Ultrasound machine is also used for interventional procedures including ultrasound guided nerve blocks.
  

3. CT Scan – Computerised Tomography utilises X-rays directed from a 360º gantry to provide high resolution multi-planar images. The Wipro-GE computerised tomography machine, available in the Diagnostic Suite, is ideal for advanced orthopaedic, cranial and abdominal imaging.  

4. MRI Scan – Magnetic Resolution Imaging allows for high-resolution imaging of soft tissue structures (muscles, nerves, intervertebral discs) in the body. The MRI machine in the Narayana Health City campus provides high quality images and is backed by skilled professionals to provide interpretation and reporting services.    

Laboratory Medicine

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The Department of Laboratory Medicine at Sparsh Hospital provides a wide range of reliable and accurate diagnostic services 24 hours a day and seven days a week. High levels of test accuracy are maintained through extensive internal and external quality assurance exercises as per the standards laid down by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). In addition, daily Quality Assurance (QA) runs and a periodic calibration of each instrument is performed. The performance of the department has been rated as ‘Very Good’ in the EQAS conducted by CMC Hospital Vellore. The department is headed by Dr Susan Williams MD, a highly trained clinical pathologist.

A comprehensive range of haematology, biochemistry, serology, clinical pathology and microbiology tests are available. The hematology analyzer allows for quicker reporting especially in emergency situations. While most routine tests are available in-house, a complete array of high-tech, cutting edge laboratory diagnostic services are also available through our collaboration with the state-of-the-art Narayana Health City Laboratory which is located in the same campus. Cytogenetic diagnostic services (including Gene mapping, immunohistochemistry and FISH) are also provided through our collaboration with Narayana Health City Laboratory. The Department of Laboratory Medicine has a tie-up with two external laboratories - Religare Laboratories Limited and Anand Diagnostics - both of which are NABL Accredited laboratories.

Diagnostic services provided include:

Haematological Services: Blood Counts, Coagulation Profile

Biochemistry Services: Renal Function Tests, Liver Function Tests, Lipid Profile, Myeloma Profile, Electrophoresis, Hormonal assays

Serological Services: Viral screening, Immunoglobulin assays, Autoimmune antibody assay, Polymerase chain reaction, Chemiluminescence, Immuniturbidimetry, Immunochromatography and Turbilatex

Clinical Pathological Services: Fluid analysis, Urine analysis, Stool analysis

Microbiological Services: Culture and sensitivity analysis

Blood Collection (Phlebotomy)
The procedure of blood collection (Phlebotomy) is performed in a clean and safe environment. The phlebotomists are highly skilled and follow all aseptic precautions while collecting blood in Vacutainers. Vacutainers are special vacumn test-tubes that allow the exact amount of blood to be drawn out in a safe and relatively painless manner. The phlebotomists make every effort to ensure that the procedure is comfortable including the use of anaesthetic patches for children.

Case Reports

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Reports