Fortis docs perform first CT scan based knee replacement surgery in city

Unlike MRI based surgery, the CT Scan based technique provides greater accuracy, lesser bone loss and faster recovery. This new technology has been launched 3 months ago in the USA

Using a revolutionary technology, doctors at the Fortis Hospital have successfully performed a CT scan-based knee replacement surgery on 75-year-old patient, which they claim is the first of its kind in the city. They say this technology overcomes shortcoming of conventional surgeries and allows for very accurate placement of the prosthesis thereby improving patient outcome like never before.

“The patient was suffering from advanced arthritis for the last 10 years and had tried every possible non invasive method without any success until she opted to undertake this procedure. Within 24 hours minutes of surgery, the patient was back on her feet walking few steps and outside the room.” opined Dr Harshavardhan Hegde, Director, Orthopaedics, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj under whose guidance the operation was performed. “This latest TruMatch technique helps determine the correct implant size and placement based on the patient's own knee anatomy with the help of an image. As a result, less bone is lost during the surgery while fitting the implant and accuracy is maintained. It also makes implants last longer, prevent uneven wear and avoid revised surgery in the long run.”

The need for such a personalized surgery arises from the fact that no two knees are alike. There are variations in size, shape and the extent and kind of damage involved. This kind of surgery increases the longevity of the joint replacement increases by a considerable period, making it fit even for those in younger age groups. It also results in increased mobility, a more ‘natural’ feeling knee, lesser pain and greater ease in performing normal daily activities. There are fewer complications and longer-lasting results.

The technique works as follows: A 3D model of the knee is made through pictures taken by CT scan after taking into account the bone structure, weight ratios, gender, age and even mechanical alignment in order to determine the correct implant size and placement based on the patient's own knee anatomy. The images are then sent to bio-engineers in the United States where personalized moulds are created and shipped to India. This way precise bone cuts can be made by surgeons resulting in much better bone to implant fit. This technology ensures far greater accuracy and reduces the operation time by almost 40% and also results in less loss of bone & tissues.

Senior Consultant Orthopaedics, Dr Nitiraj Oberoi, Fortis Hospital said, “The surgery takes 45 minutes compared to more than an hour needed in the lengthy procedures that are otherwise required in fitting the joint. This new technique eliminates 22 steps during the surgery as compared to a conventional surgery. It also means reduced infections, anesthesia requirements, blood loss, faster recovery and a longer lasting implant solution.”

Arthritis of the knee joint is caused due to damage of the cartilage. Unlike the fracture of a bone, the damage of the cartilage does not heal on its own. Continued usage of the knee by ignoring the pain leads to gross denigration of the cartilage and severe arthritis. As a result the normal alignment of the knee changes leading to a bow legged appearance. This bow leg deformity can lead to progressive worsening of the arthritis and pain felt on the inner aspect of the knee.

Benefits of CT Scan based Knee Replacement Surgery

• Smaller incision

• Less soft tissue damage

• Lesser pain

• Early and better mobilization

• Better and pain free range of motion

• Improves alignment and sizing by using computer generated images of the patients anatomy to determine bone cuts and implant positioning preoperatively

• Better life span of the processes because of the accurate fit and alignment