New Hope for Arthritis Patients: Sahyadri Hospitals Launches Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment in Maharashtra

Pune, 1st April 2026: In a significant development in arthritis care, Sahyadri Hospitals, a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, has introduced a new non-surgical treatment pathway for elderly osteoarthritis patients. The approach is expected to offer relief to high-risk patient groups, with encouraging outcomes reported in patients above 65 years who experienced notable reduction in chronic joint pain and improved mobility.

Osteoarthritis is emerging as a major health concern in India, affecting nearly 47 percent of the ageing population. The condition often limits mobility and significantly impacts quality of life. Factors such as increased life expectancy, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and reduced physical activity are contributing to the growing incidence of osteoarthritic degeneration, particularly among people aged over 60.

Low-Dose Radiotherapy (LDRT) has been used worldwide for decades, particularly in countries such as Germany, England and the United States, to help manage arthritis-related pain. The treatment is a painless procedure delivered through short sessions, allowing patients to continue their routine activities without hospitalization or bed rest.

“This is a significant moment for patients with arthritis. With this pioneering treatment, we are not only providing relief to patients who previously had limited options but also advancing our commitment to improving patient outcomes through non-surgical, pain-free procedures. We are proud to lead the way in Maharashtra with this approach,” said Saghir Siddique, Regional Director – West, Manipal Hospitals.

Recently, a 72-year-old woman with Grade 3 osteoarthritis in both knees was treated with LDRT at Sahyadri Hospitals in Hadapsar. The patient had a history of endometrial carcinoma and multiple comorbidities, making her a high-risk candidate for knee replacement surgery. She had been experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness and difficulty walking.

She underwent six sessions of LDRT for both knees. During the pre-treatment evaluation, she rated her pain at 6 out of 10 on a standard visual analogue scale. Two weeks after treatment, her pain level dropped to 4, and further improved to 2 out of 10 at the six-week follow-up. Doctors also reported improvement in joint stiffness and walking ability, resulting in a better overall quality of life without the need for surgery.

Dr Sanjay Hunugundmath, Director of Radiation Oncology at Sahyadri Hospitals, said osteoarthritis causes chronic pain due to persistent inflammation in the joints, and Low-Dose Radiotherapy has shown effectiveness globally in managing such inflammation. He clarified that LDRT is not intended to replace surgical interventions such as joint replacement but can serve as a safe alternative in cases where surgery may not be immediately feasible.

The LDRT treatment protocol at Sahyadri Hospitals is conducted in a structured series of short sessions. A multidisciplinary team, including radiation oncologists and orthopaedic surgeons, jointly evaluates patients to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.