Wockhardt Hospital, Bangalore achieved a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total knee replacement proving it to be a safe, timely and cost effective solution for scores of knee disorder patients in the country.
The use of a high Flexion Rotating Platform Knee System (RP-F) is the latest in medical technology which helps to achieve higher knee flexion for patients in India for whom squatting forms an essential part of their lifestyle. The entire surgical procedure was aided by a computer navigation system.
The RP-F system accommodates complex knee kinematics in deep flexion up to 155 degrees with reduced wear. Rotational freedom is achieved in deep flexion to increase contact area, and reduce contact stress in deep flexion. It improves bending and squatting to the highest degree (155 degree).
The key advantages of MIS for knee replacement are lesser incision of three to four inches as against the eight to ten inch incision of traditional surgery. There is faster recovery, absolutely no blood transfusion because surgeons access the knee without cutting into tendons, muscles and other tissues. The procedure minimizes pain and is economical in terms of reduced hospital stay and getting back to work at a faster pace.
Computer-assisted navigation systems make the procedure safer when visibility is compromised. This is because a smaller incision means surgeons have to operate in a more compact area with a reduced field of vision.
The combination of rotating platform hi-flex knee, computer navigation system for precision and the technology of minimally invasive surgery made knee replacement an "intelligent surgery, stated Dr David Carl Pollock, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Winston Salem Hospital, US. He was the visiting orthopedic surgeon for the procedure and performed the same along with Dr Sanjay Pai, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals. Two live surgeries were conducted and broadcast via satellite to doctors in Bangalore.
Several studies have been conducted to address complex knee kinematics to minimize stress and accommodate axial rotation in deep flexion, said Dr Sanjay Pai, consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Bangalore.
The surgery costs between Rs 65,000 and Rs 1.35 lakh and depends on the intensity of the disorder.
"Wockhardt Hospitals has always worked towards innovation and pioneering techniques for the benefit of patients," said Vishal Bali, CEO Wockhardt Hospitals.
Wockhardt Hospitals Group has a cluster of super-specialty hospitals. In Mumbai, its facility is dedicated to cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and MIS. It runs heart hospitals in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nagpur with Rajkot and Surat under completion. It also runs a super specialty kidney hospital in Kolkatta. Its hospital in Mumbai is the first facility in South Asia to receive the JCI accreditation and is recognized by American Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and recently empanelled by CIGNA for medical insurance.