New Technologies in Joint Replacement

Photo for representational purpose

Surge in number of aging populations, sedentary lifestyle and high prevalence of arthritis in 60 plus population are primary reasons for Joint replacement in India. With the increase in disease burden, there has been advancement in technology, which includes improvement on implant designs, choices of implants that suits the need of each patient. Healthcare has also evolved with Artificial intelligence with Robotics- Assisted surgery; adoption of technology has become essential and inevitable. With new normal, robotic assisted knee surgeries has aided the surgeons to cope with the challenging environment.

Dr. Tejas Upasani, Managing Director, Upasani Super Speciality, Mulund West, shares his thought, "In city like Mumbai where life is moving very fast, how one's life can get stagnant due to joint pain. The new Robotic Total Knee Replacement surgery has enormously enhanced the outcome and patient satisfaction. Now the incisions are smaller, precise and the peripheral tissues are preserved, leading to less blood loss and pain. The technology reduces the possibilities of human error ensuring the perfect alignment and gives near-normal knee motion. As every patient is unique, so this advance technology gives a personalized plan as per the patient's unique anatomy. Positioning of Implant is very crucial for alignment, and ligament balancing, which are the key factors of patient satisfaction".

Dr. Niraj Vora, BelleVue Multi-specialty Hospital, Andheri West, shares "In this new normal period the selection of right implant and surgical procedures is important thing. There are total knee prosthesis developed and available with the intention to provide femoral and tibial anatomic fit for all patients, such implants aid to avoid post-op knee pains leading to more frequent follow up visitations to the hospitals. Now days, patients have got different choices available in implants. There are the traditional joint replacement implants made of Cobalt Chrome last for around 15 years, while Oxidised Zirconium implants last for 30 years(in-vitro studies)".

"The other new kid on the block is Robotic Partial Knee Replacement. It is a relatively new surgical treatment for arthritic knees and is an attractive option in a select group of patients. Only the diseased part of the knee is resurfaced (replaced) with a prosthesis. With robotics, unlike conventional and navigated surgery, both planning and execution is possible with the help of technology. Complications like blood loss and blood clots tend to be lesser and surrounding soft tissue damage is minimal. This has been reported to lead to an easier, quicker, more complete recovery and greater satisfaction rates" says Dr. Miten Sheth, The Knee Clinic at ACI-Cumballa Hill Hospital.

The pain in hip is another very painful and disabling condition primarily affecting young individuals in age group of 30 to 50 years. Dr Shreedhar Archik, Care Clinic, Dadar West share "Total Hip Replacement surgery is the option with which one can get his/her immobilized hip into motion. During Hip Joint implantation correcting patient's shortened legs, restoring leg length and pain relief are the surgeon's priority. The choice of implant depends on several factors such as age, activity level, stage of disease, weight, other lifestyle factors. There are now options available like metal on cross-linked polyethylene, ceramic on cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic on ceramic articulations for better stability and longevity. No matter, what material is chosen, all are known to produce debris. Amongst all, Oxidised Zirconium which is a ceramicised metal is known to produce relatively less amount of debris due its high strength and scratch resistant property. Oxidised Zirconium material has the properties of stability, cohesive resistance and adaptability to the human body".

A surgery is always offered as a last option when pain persists despite non-invasive methods of treatment. Today owing to advanced techniques and modern implants, joint replacement surgery has become more successful and predictable. If you suffer from persistent joint pain, do consult a doctor before it is too late.