About a decade ago, people used to opt for total knee replacement surgery even though a partial knee replacement was required. But now this surgery can be avoided as the All India Institute’s Medical Science’s (AIIMS) Orthopedic Department for the first time in India has started performing Fast Track Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery using computer navigation.
“The univation X Unicondylar Knee System has an advanced, patented multi-layer surface technology which reduces the release of metal ions found in metal based implants. This reduces the surface wear and tear of the implant and makes it last much longer. Moreover, the implant fixation is much secure,” said Dr Rajesh Malhotra, Head of Department - Orthopedics at AIIMS.
Till now the department has conducted five knee replacement surgeries using computer navigation.
Dr Malthora said about 40 per cent of the population above 60 years of age suffers from knee related disorders. However, due to urban lifestyle even young people are suffering from knee complication. “Today, obesity, prolong use of thread mill, people suffering from arthritis and sports person are also facing the knee problem,” he said.
The AIIMS has adopted this technique from Germany which launched this surgery a few years ago. Currently, Germany and Korea is only doing knee replacement surgery. “So far, in India this Unicondylar Knee Replacement surgery is done at AIIMS only. The computer navigation helps in attaining precision, gap management etc., which are imperative for the success of knee replacement,” said Dr Malhotra.
Health experts said it allows the surgeon to remove only the unhealthy area while leaving the healthy bone intact. The implant design is such that it attaches itself to the bone very firmly, reducing the risk of loosening.