Advancements in Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one made up of metal, robust plastic, or ceramic during surgery. The artificial joint is chosen and fitted to match the patient’s natural joint and enable natural and seamless movements.

Medically known as arthroplasty, joint replacement is a complex surgery that involves experienced and capable surgeons. But modern techniques have simplified these surgeries significantly. Of course, the surgeon’s experience and skills will always matter. But these technologies have helped enhance surgical results and reduce surgical time. Let’s look at a few advancements in the joint replacement surgery realm.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

This one is a breakthrough achievement across the healthcare world. It involves deploying robotic arms to perform total as well as partial hip replacements.

The surgical process is similar to human-assisted surgery, where the surgeon removes the damaged tissue in the patient’s hip and replaces it with an artificial joint. The only difference is that the entire process is performed with the help of a robotic arm. Some benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include enhanced accuracy, higher precision, and optimal joint alignment. But these surgeries could be more expensive than manual ones.

Customized Implants

The implant’s dimensions, design, etc., significantly influence the success of joint replacement surgery. That refers to customized or patient-specific implants.

Customized implants function more smoothly and allow more seamless movements, as they are accurately positioned and are fit to match the patient’s joints and nearby muscles, soft tissues, and ligaments.

3D Printing

3D printing has contributed immensely to the success, security, and endurance of joint replacement operations. It involves constructing a three-dimensional object by layering the material into the required shape. The technique is also termed additive manufacturing or 3D printing for joint pain treatment.

The technique prints liquid construction parts like ink. In comparison with subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting an object from a larger piece of material, this method or approach requires lesser material.

Cementless Knee Implants

The evolution in cementless knee implants has helped enhance knee replacement surgeries. Cementless knee implants have been around for quite some time. However, the earlier counterparts weren’t as effective as the new ones. But what are cementless implants?

Cementless implants have a porous and rough surface that promotes new bone growth. The new bone grows into the spaces in the implant, holding it without using cement. Surgeons shape the bones within the knee with special tools so that they fit appropriately with the implant. Another benefit is that patients don’t have to worry about the potential complications from cement breakdown in the long run.

So, these are a few advancements in joint replacement. Call us at +91 20 2426 1600 if you are looking for detailed information on these technologies and inventions or if you are suffering from excruciating joint pain and looking to undergo replacement. Our doctors will be happy to help you.