Computer Navigation Knee-Replacement Surgery sets inroad into Mangalore

Mangalore, July 14: Pioneering the first-ever Computer Navigated joint-replacement surgery in the medical history of Mangalore, a team of senior orthopaedic surgeons successfully performed a Knee-Replacement prosthesis on Vasanthi Shetty, a 62-year old homemaker suffering from Osteoarthritis since the past five years.

The surgery was, led by world renowned surgeon Dr. Christoph Saager, who has travelled from Switzerland for the surgery and veteran Dr. Sudarshan Bhandary, Professor and Head of Department, Arthroscopic and joint- replacement specialty, A. J. Hospital & Research Centre, Mangalore.

Focusing on the benefits of this surgical technique which has a successful clinical history of 10 years in orthopaedics, Dr. Christoph Saager, who has been personally employing Computer Navigation technique for the past five years in Switzerland said that, “Severe knee-joint condition, advanced surgical techniques such as Computer Navigation in Knee-Replacement surgeries have excellent results and also enhance the life span of the implant.

He further highlighted the edge of the technology and said “The Computer Navigation system aligns the patient's bones and joint implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye.”

Focusing on the benefits of this surgical technique which has a successful clinical history of 10 years in orthopaedics, Dr. Christoph Saager who has been personally employing Computer Navigation technique for the past five years in Switzerland, mentioned that, “However severe the knee-joint condition may be, advanced surgical techniques such as Computer Navigation in Knee-Replacement surgeries have excellent results and also enhance the life span of the implant. He further highlighted the edge of the technology by stating, “The Computer Navigation system aligns the patient's bones and joint implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye.”

The Computer Navigation System functions by capturing the patient's unique anatomy and translates it to a computer screen, providing an unobstructed view of the patient's knee-joint aiding visual mapping and thus supports decision-making and enhances the surgeon's flexibility. The cameras take data via infrared signals from reflectors placed on the patient's body and on specially designed surgical instruments. The computer uses the data to track the exact position of the patient and the instruments on a monitor. The key of this technology is to combine the precision and accuracy of computer technology with the surgeon's skill to perform surgery.

Commenting on this medical advancement at Mangalore, Dr. Sudarshan Bhandary, said, “The introduction of Computer Navigation technique in Mangalore will serve as a boon to future patients opting for Knee Replacement Surgeries as the new procedure is less painful and heals faster. Further, with the growing advancement in Mangalore's medical offerings, the city's population will have easier access to a medically fit, healthier and happier way of life.”

Further, the surgery was telecasted live in the in-house auditorium of A. J. Hospital and was viewed by approximately 35 doctors who had specifically come from in and around Mangalore, thus introducing the new technique to other medical practitioners in the community and also benefitting the entire medical fraternity at large.

Post this surgery, the patient will now begin rehabilitation therapy either at home or if needed at a rehabilitation centre, depending upon the doctor's advice, in order to help improve muscle strength and resume normal activities. Functionally, Ms. Shetty's condition will improve drastically and she will live a much improved life in the future as she will be mobile.