Mumbai Medical Milestone: 40-Year-Old Engineer Resumes Work After Complex PIP Joint Replacement At Gleneagles Hospital In Parel

Mumbai, August 24, 2026: A 40-year-old electrical engineer from Kalyan has regained useful movement in his injured finger and returned to professional activities after undergoing a complex proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint replacement at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel. The hospital said the procedure was the first in Western India to use the KLS Martin CAP-FLEX joint replacement system.

Sandeep Sonawane suffered multiple fractures in his right middle finger, severely damaging the PIP joint. The joint eventually healed in a malunited position, leaving him with persistent pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Despite nearly three months of treatment and physiotherapy, his hand remained poorly functional, affecting his ability to work.

PIP Joint Replacement

He was referred to Dr Kushal Shah, Hand Reconstructive and Brachial Plexus Surgeon and head of the AURA Hand Surgery Unit at Gleneagles Hospital. After assessing the extent of joint damage, bone condition, tendon function, stability and his occupational needs, the team opted for PIP joint replacement.

“His injury was affecting much more than a single finger. As an electrical engineer, he relies on his hands for his professional activities, so restoring hand function was closely linked to restoring his independence and livelihood,” said Dr Shah.

He said PIP joint replacement is technically demanding and is suitable only for carefully selected patients. Age, occupation, extent of joint destruction, bone stock, tendon function, joint stability and functional expectations are among the factors considered before surgery.

Recovery After Surgery

The PIP joint is crucial for bending the finger, gripping objects, making a fist and performing precise hand movements. According to the doctors, advances in implants and reconstructive techniques have expanded treatment options for patients with severely damaged joints.

At his three-month follow-up, Sonawane had regained encouraging finger movement and was able to resume professional activities.

“After the injury, I never imagined that using my hand normally for work would become so difficult. Being able to move my finger again and return to work has given me back my confidence and independence,” he said.

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Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, said the aim of hand reconstruction was not merely to repair an injured joint but to restore meaningful function. “For this engineer, regaining useful finger movement and moving back towards his professional life is the outcome that matters most,” he said.

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