First Mako robotic-arm assisted knee replacement surgery in Africa performed at Linksfield Hospital
Netcare Linksfield Hospital carried out the first total knee replacement operation with the use of state-of-the-art Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system in Africa.
Netcare Linksfield Hospital carried out the first total knee replacement operation with the use of state-of-the-art Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system in Africa.
Netcare Linksfield Hospital orthopaedic surgeon Dr Chris McCready performed the surgery.
“There is no national register for local total knee replacements currently, but with an estimated 8 000 to 10 000 total knee replacements taking place in South Africa each year, this technology could signal a new era in personalised joint replacement,” said McCready.
McCready said the technologically advanced system for total knee replacement is already well established in Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The system, which can also be used for hip and partial knee replacements, was used in over 250 000 procedures internationally last year alone.
He said one of the major advantages of the robotic-arm assisted surgery system is prior to the surgery it draws data from a computed tomography scan of the patient’s knee to develop a three-dimensional pre-operative plan that is unique to each individual.
“This technology determines the dimensions for the surgical cuts to the bone surfaces, so that the best-sized implanted joint components can be selected for each patient, and the placement and alignment of the implanted components can be planned in advance.
“During the operation, the robotic arm system provides detailed visual, auditory and tactile feedback to the surgeon, which helps to enhance surgical precision in positioning and aligning the knee implants,” said McCready.
He said the robotic arm system is controlled by the surgeon at all times and provides an additional safeguard for the patient.
He said it ensures that only the specific areas identified in the personalised pre-surgical plan can be operated on, and thus prevents damage to critical structures within the knee.
“Benefits for patients that have been noted in outcomes recorded internationally for this advanced surgical option include the achievement of a better balanced and more natural feeling implanted knee, less post-operative pain and quicker recovery time,” said McCready,
He added it would take time to accumulate comparable local data.
Netcare managing director for the hospital division Jacques du Plessis said the introduction of the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system at Netcare Linksfield Hospital is well aligned to Netcare’s commitment to deliver personalised health and care to each individual patient.
“International studies indicate that this intervention reduces the length of hospital stays and recovery times. By making advanced medical technology such as this available in South Africa, we look forward to realising similar benefits for our patients,” said du Plessis.
He said the development has the potential to significantly enhance patient outcomes and provides greater choice in terms of the surgical options available for individuals requiring total knee replacements.
