Aided by cutting edge technology, the field of surgery is experiencing a significant impact, especially robotic assisted procedures. A recent report, titled ‘Robotics in Medical Devices – Thematic Intelligence’ reveals that every segment of the medical robotics market is set to grow over the next decade, driven by the demand for high-volume procedures. It is expected to grow at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent from $8.6 billion in 2022 to $15.8 billion in 2030.

Knee replacement surgeries are most common for patients suffering from osteoarthritis. It is the most prevalent in India, occurring in around 22 to 39 percent of the population. In Delhi alone, 22-39% patients suffer from osteoarthritis. In the case of orthopaedic surgeries, use of robotic equipment has set a bench mark in knee-replacement surgeries in India. Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial joint made of metal and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Through the use of robotic assisted orthopaedic surgeries, the success rate is close to 98%

Dr. Atul Mishra Director & HOD, Fortis Hospital says “Thanks to technical and robotic improvements, total knee replacements may now be planned based on a patient’s specific anatomy, and this approach has been successful in treating patients with severe osteoarthritis. While the use of robotic equipment during surgery helps the surgeons, the success of any TKR procedure ultimately hinges on how knowledgeable and skilled the orthopaedic surgeon is. The blending of technology and human experience has been linked to fewer post-operative issues, a quicker recovery, better joint stability, and improved overall knee function.”

With high-resolution 3D Computed Tomography Scan (CT scans) of the affected joint, surgeons can now make pre-operative customised plans to suit to the patient’s anatomy allowing for a more precise bone cut and implant placement. Robotic-assisted knee surgery (RAS) provides precise placement and alignment of knee implants, reduces tissue damage and blood loss, speeds up recovery, shortens hospital stays, and potentially lowers post-operative complications.

More than 2. 5 lakh people undergo total knee replacement in India every year, which is 2.5 times the number of such procedures conducted annually about five years ago.  It is important to understand that the need for knee replacement surgeries annually is 7-8 times higher than the current number in India.

Arthritis may not yet have a cure, but new treatment strategies are improving their ability to provide long-term comfort. Traditional techniques of treatment are effective, but introducing robots into operations allows patients to obtain more precise and accurate results. The advancement in medical technology, robotics and precision tools has greatly improved the outcomes of traditional surgery.

Therefore, one should not delay treatment and reach out to their medical profession for more details to ensure timely intervention and treatment.