A new technique in joint surgery
If you are suffering from Osteoarthritis (OA), a common form of arthritis, which causes the cartilage found in joints to break down, here’s a new technique that promises to gives satisfactory results.
Dr P V Kailey, Sr Consultant Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Medstar Hospital, New Delhi explains, “Replacement of the entire knee joint (TKR), is safe and effective treatment for severe OA of the knee. Owing to its irreversible nature, the surgery is recommended only in patients for whom other treatment modalities have failed.”
“The procedure has a higher risk of failure in young patients aged 50 years and below. Hence for patients who are below 50 years, a less-invasive surgical alternative should be thoroughly weighed against those of total knee arthroplasty,” he adds.
“Unicompartmental knee replacement is a revolution in knee joint surgery for young patient. This surgery is indicated where OA involves only one of the three compartments of the knee. The surgery allows the patient to retain more than 70% of their original joint surface and ligament. Hence, the patient gets a natural knee like feeling. This gives them an experience that is far more satisfactory than even after a TKR,” says Dr Kailey.
“Since this procedure involves implanting smaller implants, the surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques. Newer Uni knee implants are now available in ceramic technology, which improves its longevity,” he adds.