Orthopaedics FAQ

What kinds of injuries or disorders do orthopedic surgeons treat?

The orthopedic surgeons provide treatment for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including:

  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains
  • Tendon injuries, pulled muscles, and bursitis
  • Ruptured disks, sciatica, low back pain, and scoliosis
  • Arthritis and osteoporosis
  • Knock knees, bow legs, bunions, and hammer toes
  • Bone tumors, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
  • Club foot and unequal leg length
  • Abnormalities of the fingers and toes and other growth abnormalities

What type of robotic technology is employed in knee replacement surgery?

We, at Prashanth Hospitals, use the latest 4th generation Velys Robot from Depuy Johnson & Johnson. It has a robotic arm to which a saw is attached and this helps on the precise preparation of the bone for the perfect implantation of the Knee Prosthesis.

What kind of diagnostics tests may be involved ?

You may be recommend X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. X-rays are generally used to help diagnose fractures and dislocations, bone degeneration or disease, infections, or tumors. An MRI may be used to help identify bone and joint problems. And a CT scan is especially helpful in diagnosing problems with the spine and vertebrae.

What is the best type of knee prosthesis or material used in knee implants?

There are different types of prosthesis available. We use Attune from Depuy - Johnson & Johnson. It has the best J curve design which helps in giving a very good range of movement for the patient. The polyethylene insert is Vit E coated which helps in the implant lasting for a very long time. The metals used are highly inert and do not react with any body fluids. This is the latest implant available.

What are the most common orthopaedic surgeries?

The most common orthopaedic surgeries are:

  • Arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and ankle
  • Joint replacement surgery, during which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint
  • Repair of soft tissue injuries, such as torn tendons or ligaments

Is robotic knee replacement covered by insurance in India?

Robotic replacement, as of now, is not covered by insurance in India. Basic Total knee replacement is covered, you will have to pay only for the robotic charges.

What is arthroscopy surgery?

The orthopedic surgeons provide treatment for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon uses a high-definition fiber-optic camera that is about the diameter of a pencil to perform surgery through small incisions. Arthroscopy is also used to diagnose and treat virtually all joint problems, including those of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to treat many conditions in the least invasive manner possible. As arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, injury to soft tissues is avoided, which results in quicker and less painful recovery times.

Is it possible to undergo simultaneous replacement of both knees?

Yes. You can undergo bilateral total knee replacements, simultaneously using the robot.

How do I know that I need replacement surgery?

Knee replacement may be an option when nonsurgical interventions such as medication, physical therapy, and the use of a cane or other walking aid no longer help alleviate the pain. When joint pain interferes with your ability to carry out daily activities or disturbs your sleep, it may be time to consider joint replacement. We generally try to delay total knee replacement for as long as possible in favor of less invasive treatments. With that being said, if you have advanced joint disease, knee replacement may offer the chance for relief from pain.

Is it possible to perform a knee replacement using arthroscopic techniques?

It is impossible to perform Total knee replacement surgery by arthroscopic techniques.

What are the benefits of joint replacement surgery?

The primary goals of joint replacement surgery are to restore mobility and to relieve pain. Good evidence-based medicine data reveals that a typical total hip or knee replacement lasts at least 20 years in about 80 percent of patients, which lets patients enjoy their favorite activities without pain. Joint replacement care at Prashanth Hospital is a truly comprehensive experience; it encompasses the entire process from evaluation through rehabilitation. Inpatient rehabilitation for any post-surgery issues is addressed with utmost care and compassion.

Can I be discharged on the same day as my knee replacement surgery with robotic assistance?

As of now, the duration of hospital stay is much lesser when operated using the robot than the conventional method. Day care knee replacements will be started at Prashanth hospitals, very shortly.

How do I prepare myself before the surgery?

There are several things you can do to enhance the results of your surgery and make your recovery safer and more comfortable: • If your doctor has suggested you lose weight, try changing your diet and be as active as you can. Be sure that any dieting involves maintaining good nutrition. Malnutrition is one of the factors that will adversely affect healing after surgery. • If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking can slow down your healing. • You can do strengthening exercises as advised before surgery to reduce the healing time. • Post-surgery physiotherapy should be done as per the doctor’s guidance

What is the estimated duration of the knee replacement surgery?

The estimated duration of Knee Replacement is between 30 to 45 mins.

What should I not do after a replacement surgery?

Avoid high-impact exercises such as running or jogging on hard pavement or any activities that involve sudden jolts to your body. Implants are durable but will wear out with heavy use. The best exercises for lower extremity fitness after joint replacement are swimming, the elliptical trainer or the stationary bicycle to ensure a long life for your implant.

Who will be the surgeon performing my procedure?

Surgeons who are fully certified and trained to use the Robot will be performing the surgery. All the surgeons have a minimum of 15 yrs of experience in Knee Replacement Surgery.

Are there any age criteria or medical history analysis required to undergo joint replacement surgery?

There is no age limit for patients to undergo Total Knee Replacement. All patients will undergo a battery of blood tests and be seen by expert Physicians, Cardiologists and Anaesthetists. Only on their clearance will they be taken up for surgery.

What advantages does robotic joint replacement surgery offer?

Advantages of Robotic Knee Replacement are many a. Accurate and personalised planning, tailored to your knee. b. Accurate execution of the plan by the robotic arm. c. Highly accurate cuts by the saw attached to the robotic arm. d. Excellent surgical outcome. e. Greater patient satisfaction. f. Longer prosthesis life span. g. Lesser pain & lesser blood loss. h. Patient specific alignment. i. Faster recovery. j. Excellent range of movement. After all - “Movement Is Life”

What is the typical recovery timeline after joint replacement surgery?

After a single Knee Replacement *Pts are helped to walk on day one. *They go to the toilet by day 3 *Climb steps and are discharged on day 4 or 5. *Patients undergoing Replacement using the Robot will be able to do it much earlier. *Their short term and long term recovery and overall results are much better with the Robot than the conventional methods.

What activities are permissible after undergoing robotic knee replacement surgery?

Patients are advised to do all activities and movements as possible after Robotic Knee Replacement. They can walk, climb steps, jog, play non- contact sports like golf, squat, ride a bike, drive, ride a cycle, exercise in the gym, carry weights, kneel and all other activities as advised by their operating surgeon.

Is Orthopedic Robotic Joint Assisted Surgical Technology FDA approved?

Yes, Vely’s 4 th generation Robot from Depuy Johnson & Johnson is US FDA approved. It is also Red Dot winner. Tesla and IPhone are the only other companies to have ever won the Red dot for excellence in technology.

What is the cost differential between traditional knee replacement and robotic knee replacement?

Cost difference will be between ₹50000 to ₹75000 per Robotic Knee Replacement.

What are the significant distinctions between traditional knee replacement and robotic knee replacement?

Change may experience to patients will experience Robotic-assisted knee replacement: *Technology controlled by the surgeon *May experience less pain and a faster recovery *More consistent outcomes(inconsistencies can affect recovery) Traditional Knee Replacement: *Hand-held tool *May experience a longer recovery time *There may be more variability in the surgical processes and outcomes

How much does Robotic knee replacement cost in India?

Robotic knee replacement costs anywhere between ₹3 lakhs to ₹ 6 lakhs in different hospitals in different parts of India

What is the ideal age for undergoing a Robotic Knee Replacement?

There is no age limit to undergo Robotic Knee Replacement, it depends on the stage of arthritis that the patient is suffering from. It is advantageous for younger patients - better range of movement and longer lasting implants. In older patients - faster recovery, lesser blood loss and lesser pain. It is advantageous in all age group of patients.

What is the success rate of robotic knee replacements in India?

The success rate is close to 100%

How safe is robotic knee replacement?

Robotic Knee Replacement is very safe, even in the elderly age group of patients

Is the use of the robotic arm going to increase the cost of my knee replacement?

Yes. Only by a bit. If you compare the advantages to the mild price rise, the price rise is very small.