Opt for tech-based surgery: Dr Rajesh Verma
It seemed like ageing had crept into 55-year-old Ronak’s life, who had been playing lawn tennis for over two decades. Of late, the nagging pain in his knees was keeping him off the court. Other daily tasks such as climbing stairs, standing, and even bending became an ordeal. On consultation with doctors, he was told that he was suffering from severe arthritis and, therefore, needed knee replacement.
After meeting several orthopedists, he met Dr Rajesh Verma, director orthopedics and joint replacement, Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Gurugram, who specialises in advanced computer/navigationassisted knee replacement therapy.
Ronak was first made to understand the difference between navigation and conventional therapy. Like the navigation systems available in cars that readily provides directions using satellite navigation, a computer-assisted joint replacement offers a visual mapping of the patient’s joint anatomy to the surgeon, thereby, helping them to make crucial decision prior to and throughout the procedure.
During a knee replacement surgery, the correct alignment of the artificial knee is crucial for better functional outcomes. Conventionally, to determine the accurate angle for implant positioning, specialised instruments need to be pierced through to the bone marrow in the thigh bone; however, with navigation technology, the computer helps evaluate the precise angle for proper alignment.
Talking about the key advantages of navigation technology, Verma says, “The more accurate the implant alignment, the better is the implant’s longevity. The detailed 3D model of the diseased knee created by the technology goes a long way in planning the surgical procedure. By eliminating the significant step of drilling into the bone, the technology reduces blood loss, chances of infection, and additional trauma to the patients, enabling faster recovery.”
Convinced that the therapy can help him with the mobility challenges, Ronak got himself admitted in the hospital a day before the surgery. During the procedure, the diseased part of his knee was re-surfaced with the help of navigation technology and the accurate alignment of the artificial implant was determined.
He says, “I was unsure if I would be able to walk properly, but when the doctor suggested me to walk a bit with walker-support the next day, I was pleasantly surprised. Those few steps, the day after the surgery, acted as an impetus for me to take the physiotherapy sessions seriously and recover soon.”
THE DETAILED 3D MODEL OF THE DISEASED KNEE CREATED BY THE TECHNOLOGY HELPS IN PLANNING THE SURGERY