They offer millimeter accuracy, much smaller incisions and individualized operations resulting in less hospitalization (usually 1 day), faster recovery, normal movement and definitive treatment of pain.
“Today, arthroplasty is not a heavy surgery as long as it was traditionally considered. The latest developments have changed the data and modern arthroplasty has become simpler, less invasive, safer, without the complications of the older classical surgical techniques and with a significantly increased success rate “.
What is Arthroplasty
In arthroplasty, the damaged surface of a large joint (hip, knee, shoulder) damaged by arthritis (usually in people> 60 years old) or by traumatic causes is replaced with an artificial (metal, plastic or ceramic surface) that performs the movements of a natural joint and gives walking safety for many years.
Recent developments and benefits for the patient
Developments mainly concern surgical techniques, technologies and materials. The new techniques are Minimally Invasive with much smaller incisions that minimally injure bone and soft tissue, thus helping to reduce postoperative pain and the possibility of intraoperative or postoperative complications. The approach applied to the joint can be of any type (anterior, lateral or posterior).
The combination of these techniques with Fast-Track protocols offers immediate gait (as soon as the anesthesia has passed), hospitalization usually, 1-2 days instead of 4-5 days, faster recovery and return to daily life.
Robotic technology contributes to the reproduction of a three-dimensional (3D), virtual model of each patient’s unique joint anatomy as well as to the development of a detailed, preoperative plan. Based on this plan, the properly trained orthopedic surgeon prepares the bone for the implant and then applies it to the most appropriate and accurate position. In addition, advanced technology directs the orthopedic surgeon during the operation only within the pre-planned limits, preventing any mishandling and reducing the possibility of complications.
The use of advanced navigators allows the orthopedic surgeon to make the necessary measurements of the joint accurately and with great detail. In the case of hip or knee arthroplasty, the navigator provides the ability to accurately calculate the length of the operated limb to ensure the balance of the patient (not differing in length from the original) and the alignment of the implant. In this way, the functionality of the operated hip / knee is greatly improved since the other leg is not burdened and does not limp.
Precise placement and alignment of the implant greatly increases its duration over time. At the same time, the implants used are made of special materials, very durable and perfectly compatible with the body.
Advantages
Personalized, 3D preoperative design, based on the unique anatomy of the patient’s joint
• Smaller incisions which means:
o less bone and soft tissue damage
o lesser blood loss
• Position the implant to the nearest millimeter
• Immediate mobilization of the operated joint (immediate gait)
• Shorter duration of hospitalization
• Less risk of complications and need for reoperation
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Faster recovery and return to activities
• Better operational result
• Physical sensation of the joint (in the case of knee arthroplasty)
• Longer implant life.
Writes:
Mr. Anastasios Deligeorgis, Orthopedic Surgeon-Sports Physician,
Deputy Director of the 3rd Orthopedic Clinic of HYGEIA Hospital
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