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Pain is something we all dread, especially when it lingers and stops us from doing what we love. For Kanta Devi, 62, this became a harsh reality. In 2020, during her morning jog, she fell and hurt her left hand. What followed was a painful and frustrating journey. She could barely lift a glass of water or manage household chores due to constant pain. Read ahead to know more about her story and explore how India’s first Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Patch surgery helped her ease the pain, and she hopes for a better future.
Kanta Devi’s Journey From Injury To Surgery![Inside-3]( "Kanta Devi’s Journey Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Patch Surgery")
Over the next five years, Kanta visited numerous doctors and hospitals, seeking relief but finding little hope. Finally, in 2025, she underwent a unique surgery, the first of its kind in India, using an Acellular Human Dermal Allograft (HDA) patch, a treatment mostly seen in Western countries until now.
Kanta recalls those tough years, “I felt helpless for so long. Simple things like cooking felt impossible. The pain was constant, and no treatment worked. When I heard about the new surgery, I was hopeful but nervous. Now, after the operation, I feel a new strength in my arm and I can live without the fear of pain.”
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What Is Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Patch Surgery?![Inisde-2]( "Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Patch Surgery")
Dr Priyadarshi Amit, Senior Consultant of Orthopaedics and Upper Limb Surgery at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, managed Kanta Devi’s case. This surgery was not a usual operation but a complex procedure combining bone grafting with a human dermal allograft patch to support the shoulder’s damaged soft tissue.
Dr Amit explains, “This was an extremely complex case involving both bone loss and soft tissue damage. The joint socket was worn out, and the shoulder muscles were badly torn. We needed a solution that fixed both problems accurately and with long-term strength.”
He adds, “Hence, we decided on using a human dermal allograft patch along with the bone graft to reinforce the repair. To heal the torn rotator cuff, we placed this patch. This method gives the best chance for a long-lasting repair and lowers the risk of re-tear.” This special patch is made from donated human skin. It acts as natural support for the torn muscles, helping the body heal more effectively. Placed over the injured shoulder area, it strengthens the repair and reduces the chance of damage in the future.
Why This Surgery Matters![Inisde-1]( "india's first Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Patch Surgery")
While Acellular Human Dermal Allograft patches are common in countries like the USA, with around 20,000 surgeries every year, their use in India has been limited. Regulatory challenges and the need for specialised medical expertise have slowed its adoption.
Studies from the US show clear benefits for patients receiving this treatment. People who have their repairs reinforced with the dermal patch report:
- Better shoulder function
- Lower chance of re-injury, with re-tear rates dropping from 26% to 10%
- Improved strength and flexibility in the shoulder joint
- This surgery marks a major step forward for Indian medicine, offering new hope to patients struggling with severe joint and tissue injuries who had limited options before.
Kanta Devi’s New Beginning
Post-surgery, Kanta Devi feels a significant improvement. “I am slowly getting back to normal. I can do so much more now without worrying about constant pain.” Her spirit is renewed, and she looks forward to living an active life again.
Her journey highlights the importance of modern medicine combined with care and expertise. For those living with similar pain, new treatments like the HDA patch may offer a fresh start.
Conclusion
Kanta Devi’s five-year battle with pain and her successful surgery are inspiring stories of hope and medical progress. The Acellular Human Dermal Allograft patch is not just a treatment but a breakthrough in how India will approach complex soft tissue injuries. This remarkable progress promises many such breakthroughs, improving lives and bringing relief to those who need it most.