Bengaluru: First doctor to conduct more than 1000 minimally invasive knee surgery

Bengaluru has created a record in the state, completed more than 1,000 knee replacement surgeries through small incision computer navigation technology, said Dr Chandrashekar P. from Sakra, Senior Consultant, and HoD – Orthopaedics, Sakra.

Advanced technology in knee replacement surgery coupled with expert surgical skills has turned out to be a life savior for patients suffering from chronic arthritis for many years.

“Minimal invasive computer navigated knee replacement surgery allows the surgeon to make more accurate cuts and place the artificial knee with its critical angles much more accurately. It virtually eliminates alignment errors. There is not much blood loss and there is a lesser scar, unlike our conventional replacement surgery. The entire surgical process can be followed on the screen," said Dr Chandrashekar.

Computer Navigation Technology

In Navigation, the surgeon uses a computer to determine the spatial location of conventional instruments and to provide positional feedback regarding their use. Navigation works like a satellite navigation system in your car or a GPS system used by a mountaineer. During a surgery, trackers attached to the patient send a signal.

The camera catches this signal and the position is then identified on the patient specific anatomy map. The surgeon has a screen which gives out information they need about where they are and what they are doing.

Normally while placing an implant during a knee replacement surgery, a surgeon has to depend solely on his calculations and skills to ensure the right fitment. Navigation helps the surgeon navigate, allowing them to plan the steps much ahead, thus bringing in accuracy which ensures better alignment and positioning of the implant.

This results in minimal complications and reduced blood loss. From patient’s point of view, this technology promotes increased flexibility and longevity and promotes a better gait while walking and doing chores.

For high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus patients, the navigational surgery is safer than the conventional technique. The biggest advantage of this technology is increased accuracy along with the benefits of comfort and flexibility to the patients.

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