IOA Bone & Joint Week 2025 Concludes at SOS Centre Dehradun: Focus on 360° Elderly Care

Dehradun — The Indian Orthopaedic Association’s (IOA) annual Bone and Joint Week was hosted from August 3 to 10 at Sanjay Orthopaedic, Spine and Maternity Centre, Doon Vihar, Jakhan, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The 2025 presidential theme, “Old is Gold: 360° Care for the Elderly,” underscored the need for dignity, mobility, and longevity in senior citizens.

With India witnessing a rise in age-related health concerns similar to developed nations, the week-long programme combined medical services with public awareness efforts. Activities included a free health camp, bone mineral density (BMD) testing, surgeries, and media interactions aimed at highlighting the orthopaedic challenges faced by the elderly.

Padma Shri awardee Dr. B. K. S. Sanjay noted that common conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative spine disorders, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures significantly impact quality of life in older adults. Osteoarthritis often manifests as pain, stiffness, and limited motion in weight-bearing joints like hips and knees, while osteoporosis leaves bones fragile and prone to fractures in the wrist, spine, and hip. Degenerative spine issues, including slipped discs and facet joint arthritis, may cause spinal stenosis — leading to mobility loss, neurological symptoms, and in severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction. Surgical interventions, though sometimes necessary, can carry high risks in elderly patients.

Dr. Gaurav Sanjay, recognised in both national and international record books, stressed the importance of early detection. He recommended routine check-ups and imaging — including X-rays, BMD scans, CT, and MRI — to catch problems at an early stage. Early diagnosis, he said, not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces complications and healthcare costs, helping seniors maintain independence and mobility.

Both experts emphasised that timely medical attention, supported by family and community care, enables older individuals to live healthier, more active, and dignified lives.