Computer Navigated Joint Replacement

Nashik’s most advanced centre for Total Knee Replacement 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is nothing but a restrictive disorder which leads to limitations caused on day to day activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, sitting on floor, standing at one place for a longer while, etc. In the scientific jargon, it’s a wear and tear of joint surfaces leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduction in the functioning of the joints.

What happens in Arthritis?

Arthritis causes loss of Normal Articular Cartilage. In simple words, our joints contain a kind of cushioning which is referred as Cartilage. Due to many reasons, this cushioning kind of a structure loses it’s texture and the pain arises.

Can Arthritis be cured?

Unfortunately, in the later stages of Arthritis, it can’t be cured. But yes, in the early stages there is still a ray of hope where we can control the pain with the help of medicines, exercises, injections and braces.

What is the treatment for the permanent relief from Arthritis?

To get a permanent relief from Arthritis, restoration of the smoother surface that is joint cartilage with correction of the limb alignment is the only way out.  In simple words, joint replacement is the only solution to get rid-off advanced arthritis.

Why Joint Replacement?

In simple words, joint replacement is similar to replacing a worn out car/bike tires. Only perfectly aligned and balanced tire lasts long and functions properly.

Even minor error leads to disastrous wear and tear.

Now a days, even the car tires are aligned with the help of computer. Why not our joint?

Technical Details of Computer-assisted Joint Replacement

Computer Assisted Hip & Knee Replacement with Stryker Computer Navigation System(Made in Germany)

Major Components

• 3D Tracking Device with Infra-Red Camera for Real –time Data Collection during Surgery(Works like a Satellite).
• Computer with cordless Monitor &  interactive
• 3D Interface (Works as Path Planner)

Operative Steps

• Data and history of pain acquisition from patient before the surgery, to understand and analyse the severity of the problem.
• Computer forms a customized digital bone model of the joint at the beginning of the surgery. It’s just like a roadmap for the surgeons and assistive staff.
• The computerised planning differs case to case and is obviously different for each of the patient, depending on the damage of the tissue.
• With implant specific software, the computer accurately plans the cuts on the bones and the placement of implant.
• During the surgery each steps is navigated, verified and rectified to the utmost accuracy of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degree.

What is Joint (Knee & Hip) Replacement?

It is the removal of the irregular and worn out joint surfaces and replacing them with a new Artificial Surface(Implant).

Who needs Joint Replacement?

Patients who are struggling with day-to-day activities , experiencing severe pain , stiffness in the joint along with deformity.

What are the benefits of Hip/Knee Replacement surgery?

• Joint become as normal as before, no pain and deformity.
• No stiffness and painless movements with the new joint.
• Resumption of daily activities.
• No separate, daily-basis medication is required for the joints.
• Quality of life improves remarkably.

Advantages of Computer Image-Guided Joint Replacement

• Small or very small incision
• less chances of complications like blood loss, pulmonary embolism etc.
• Avoids drilling a hole in femur – safer minimal pain for only a days or so
• short and smooth recovery,
• Physiotherapy short hospitalization 5 days
• Perfect Alignment & balancing of Knee Joint (With the utmost accuracy of 0.50mm and 0.5 degrees).
• Elimination of human error during the surgery.
• Increased implant longevity.

Cons of Conventional Joint Replacement

• Relatively big incisions.
• Requires drilling a hole in the femur bone.
• Increased complications, chances of excessive blood loss.
• Pain persists for a several days and have to undergo the physiotherapy for a longer period of time.
• Hospitalization for a week or even longer.
• Post surgery, the patient is required to take antibiotics for a stipulated period of time which could be longer.

Joint Replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgery of the 20^th century , where on the contrary, the conventional joint replacement method has limitations.

Limitations of Conventional Joint Replacement

• Chances of human error during the operation.
• Possibility of poor alignment of the joint.
• Improper balancing of the joint may lead to painful movements afterwards.
• The placement of implant may be unsatisfactory during the surgery.

The success of Joint Replacement Surgery depends on greater accuracy and precision.

For a long term success, three things are of absolute significance and are inevitable;

1. Perfection: Using the best material and technology available for the surgery.
2. Surgeon’s Experience and Skill: After all, the surgery is carried out by the surgeon , all the planning and precision while the execution comes with the expertise and years of experience.
3. Infrastructure Facilities: To accomplish the complication free outcome.