Computer Navigation: Better Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is one of the most common surgical procedures that involves replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. The prosthesis is usually made of metal, plastic or ceramic materials that mimic the shape and function of the natural knee. The surgery can help people who suffer from severe knee pain and disability due to various conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, fractures, injuries or torn ligaments. The surgery can restore the mobility and quality of life of the patients by relieving their pain and improving their range of motion.

However, one of the most important aspect of knee replacement surgery is to ensure that the implant is aligned and balanced correctly with the rest of the leg. A misaligned or poorly positioned implant can lead to early loosening or wearing of the prosthesis, which may require another surgery to fix it. This can cause more pain, discomfort and stress for the patient. Moreover, a misaligned implant can also affect the stability and function of the knee joint, resulting in reduced performance and satisfaction.

To overcome this challenge, computer navigation has been developed as a new technique that improves the accuracy and efficiency of knee replacement surgery. Computer navigation uses a computer, an infra-red camera and some other instruments to create an image of the knee joint during the surgery. This image helps the surgeon to coordinate the reference points on the natural knee with those on the implant. This allows the surgeon to adjust and position the new knee in a way that will work best with the surrounding bones, muscles, ligaments and other structures.

Computer navigation has many advantages over conventional knee replacement surgery, such as:

• More precise operation: Computer navigation allows the surgeon to measure and monitor the alignment and balance of the implant in real time during the surgery. This reduces the chances of human error and increases the accuracy of implant placement.
• Faster technique that takes less time: Computer navigation reduces the need for additional instruments and measurements during the surgery. This saves time and makes the procedure more efficient.
• Less invasive as it requires two very small cuts over the shin bone: Computer navigation uses special instruments that reflect light back on the camera. These instruments are inserted through two very small incisions over the shin bone. This avoids making a large cut over the thigh bone, which is required in conventional surgery. This makes computer navigation less invasive and less traumatic for the patient.
• Better balance and alignment of the prosthesis: Computer navigation ensures that the implant is aligned and balanced with respect to the mechanical axis of the leg. This is important for optimal functioning and longevity of the prosthesis. A well-aligned and balanced implant distributes the load evenly across the joint surfaces and reduces stress on the implant components.
• Higher accuracy of implant positioning and alignment: Computer navigation allows for fine adjustments and corrections during the surgery. This results in more accurate positioning and alignment of the implant within the knee joint. A more accurate implant placement improves contact between the implant surfaces and reduces wear and tear.
• Lower risk of post-operative malalignment: Computer navigation reduces the risk of post-operative malalignment, which is a common complication of conventional knee replacement surgery. Post-operative malalignment occurs when the implant shifts or rotates after the surgery due to various factors such as swelling, infection or trauma. This can affect the stability and function of the knee joint and may require revision surgery to correct. Computer navigation minimizes this risk by ensuring optimal alignment and balance during the surgery.
• Longer lasting implant: Computer navigation enhances the longevity of the implant by reducing the chances of loosening or wearing out. A longer lasting implant means less need for revision surgery in the future.
• Better functioning knee: Computer navigation improves the function and performance of the knee joint by ensuring optimal alignment and balance. A better functioning knee means increased range of motion, less pain, more stability, more strength, and more satisfaction for the patient.
• Quicker recovery and return to active lifestyle for the patient: Computer navigation facilitates a quicker recovery and return to active lifestyle for the patient by reducing the trauma, blood loss, pain, swelling, and infection associated with conventional surgery. A quicker recovery means less hospital stay, less medication, less physiotherapy, and less cost for the patient.

Computer navigation is a cutting-edge technique that is successfully performed in some of the best orthopaedic hospitals in India with excellent results. India is a preferred destination for computer navigation assisted knee replacement surgery because of its highly qualified, skilled and experienced surgeons who receive advanced training in this technique. The best Knee Replacement surgeons in India perform pinless computer navigation procedure, which gives even better results to the patients.

Pinless computer navigation is a newer version of computer navigation that does not require any pins or wires to be inserted into the bones during the surgery. Instead, it uses special markers attached to the skin over the bones that are detected by the camera. This eliminates the need for any incisions over the bones and makes the procedure even less invasive and more accurate.

The best orthopaedic hospitals in India have the required infrastructure and availability of the latest medical technology to perform this surgery. These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, modern equipment, hygienic environment, and well-trained staff to ensure quality care and safety for the patients.

Patients from USA, UK, Canada and many other countries come for knee replacement surgery in India as well as hip, shoulder and other joint surgeries. The most attractive factor that draws patients is the affordable cost of Knee Replacement surgery in India, without compromising on quality of care. Patients can save a lot of money by getting their surgery done in India as compared to other countries where this surgery can be very expensive.

Knee replacement cost in India with computer navigation ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 depending on various factors such as hospital, surgeon, implant type, and duration of stay. This is much lower than the cost in USA or UK where this surgery can cost up to $40,000 or more.

Overseas patients to India can seek medical travel assistance from a trusted medical tourism company in India and get complete package for medical tourism that includes medical visa assistance, travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation, hospital admission, surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up services. Patients can also enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and cultural activities during their stay for knee replacement surgery in India.

Computer navigation knee replacement surgery is a world-class technique that offers many benefits to patients who suffer from severe knee pain and disability due to various conditions. India is one of the best places to get this surgery done with assured results at an affordable cost.