A private hospital in Delhi has performed what it describes as the first use of the Infinity-Lock system in India for reconstructing a damaged elbow ligament, treating a 22-year-old patient with a long history of recurrent joint dislocations.
The patient, who had been living with instability in his left elbow for nearly two years, reported frequent dislocations every three to four months, often accompanied by pain and restricted movement. Previous consultations and treatments did not provide lasting relief, prompting him to seek further evaluation at Max Super Speciality Hospital earlier this year.
Diagnosis and medical background
Following clinical assessment and imaging, doctors diagnosed the condition as lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) insufficiency. This condition affects the stability of the elbow joint and can make everyday actions difficult, especially those involving pushing or weight-bearing through the arm.
Recurrent dislocations over an extended period can also increase the risk of further joint damage if not addressed effectively. In this case, the patient’s history of unsuccessful treatments added to the complexity of planning a suitable intervention.
Procedure and recovery
The surgery was carried out by orthopaedic surgeon Vikas Gupta on February 17, using a 3 mm Infinity-Lock implant. The device, made from woven polyester, is designed to support ligament reconstruction without requiring tissue to be taken from another part of the patient’s body.
“This case was particularly challenging due to the chronic instability and prior unsuccessful treatments. The use of the Infinity-Lock implant allowed us to achieve strong, long-lasting ligament reconstruction without the need for graft harvesting,” Gupta said.
According to the hospital, the implant was used to reinforce the damaged ligament and restore joint stability through a targeted surgical approach. Post-surgery, the patient has reported improved function and has not experienced further dislocations so far.
Doctors involved in the case said the procedure adds to the range of surgical options available for treating ligament injuries of the elbow, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have not worked. While longer-term outcomes would need continued observation, the immediate results suggest a return to normal activity for the patient after a prolonged period of discomfort and uncertainty.