Category: Private Hospitals
NEW HOPE FOR ACHING JOINTS:
How Robotic Surgery is Transforming Osteoarthritis Treatment
The familiar ache in your knees, the stiffness in your hips, the nagging pain in your hands – these are common signs of osteoarthritis, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Once considered an inevitable part of ageing, osteoarthritis is now being met with a wave of innovative treatments, with robotic-assisted surgery leading the way in transforming patient outcomes.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which cartilage, the cushioning between bones, gradually breaks down, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. While it has long been associated with wear and tear, experts emphasise that the condition is more complex than previously thought.
The process of osteoarthritis affects the articular cartilage (mainly type II) that covers the articular surfaces of bone.
Articular cartilage is normally maintained in a healthy equilibrium of chemical reactions however, when osteoarthritis starts to develop the reactions are disrupted leading to changes in the collagen of the cartilage.
This disruption in the equilibrium results in the disorganised pattern of collagen, and loss of articular cartilage elasticity.
Cartilage that has been damaged cannot recover and will continue to wear away. Once the cartilage has worn away, bony surfaces will start to be affected, the bone will expand and spurs (osteophytes) will develop. It is also common for ligament laxity and muscle atrophy (muscle weakness) to also occur as the disease progresses.
Common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis will include:
- Pain when moving
- Stiffness, particularly early in the morning
- Loss of range of movements around the afflicted joint
- Pain when walking after prolonged sitting or lying
- Pain on excessive use of the joint, predominantly the weight-bearing joints (e.g. excessive walking/climbing stairs/sporting activities).
- Swelling in the joints.
Osteoarthritis is typically a progressive disease that may eventually lead to disability. The intensity of the clinical symptoms and rate of progression varies in each individual.
Knee osteoarthritis is classified as either primary or secondary, depending on its cause. Primary knee osteoarthritis is the result of articular cartilage degeneration without any known reason. This is typically thought of as degeneration due to age or wear and tear. Secondary knee osteoarthritis is the result of articular cartilage degeneration due to a known reason (e.g fractures involving the surfaces of the afflicted joint, some inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and attacks of gout which involve joints and previous infections in the afflicted joint.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis begins with conservative methods and progresses to surgical treatment options when conservative treatment fails.
Conservative treatment would include analgesics, physiotherapy and weight-loss routines.
Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections/steroid injections have been proven to mitigate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and to keep the patient pain free for a while.
It is when the above options of conservative treatment don’t give relief to the patient that a surgical procedure should be considered.
What is a knee/hip replacement surgery?
Joint replacement, also called joint arthroplasty or total knee/hip replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface the joint damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint/hip joint. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis of the knee/hip joints.
The goal of knee/hip replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee/hip joint that have been damaged and to relieve pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments, giving the patient a better quality of life after the operation.
These operations have evolved over the last six decades and the latest trend, which involves the use of robotic-assisted surgery, is revolutionising how osteoarthritis is treated, offering greater precision, faster recovery, and improved long-term results.
Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the most significant breakthroughs in orthopaedic care. This technology enhances the accuracy of joint replacement procedures by mapping a patient’s anatomy in real time, ensuring precise implant placement.
“Robotics allows for incredible precision in joint replacement procedures,” explains Dr. Sivananthan Kanagarayar, a leading robotics orthopaedic surgeon. “It’s like having a GPS for surgery, ensuring optimal alignment and minimising tissue damage. This translates to better outcomes and potentially faster recovery for patients.”
Unlike traditional surgery, robotic-assisted procedures minimise trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing post-operative pain and lowering the risk of complications. Patients often experience a shorter hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner. Additionally, improved accuracy in implant positioning can lead to longer-lasting joint replacements, reducing the need for future corrective surgeries.
“The key takeaway is that osteoarthritis doesn’t have to inhibit your lifestyle,” says Dr. K Sivananthan.
With advancements in robotic surgery (a cutting-edge technology with unparalleled precision and better patient outcomes) and a proactive approach to management, individuals can maintain an active and fulfilling life. It’s about empowering people to take control of their joint health, giving them greater mobility and very possibly turning the clock back to a time when they were in greater control of their pleasurable activities and lifestyle.”