OrthoPilot - navigated knee replacement surgery

Computer navigated surgery gives surgeons access to sat nav type technology when aligning replacement knee joints which is raising operation accuracy rates from around 80 to over 95 per cent.
Knee specialist Mr Shameem Sampath, an orthopaedic consultant on the Fylde Coast, is one of the country’s top computer navigated surgeons. He has performed more than 500 total knee replacements using the groundbreaking OrthoPilot navigated system.
He said: “I wouldn’t operate any other way now. The beauty of computer navigation is it delivers superb accuracy time after time.
“It has been shown that knees which are out of alignment have a higher chance of failing. If you have a wheel on a car which is not aligned properly the tyres wear faster, and it’s the same with knees.
“In my own series I have an alignment accuracy rate of 99.8 per cent for total knee replacements using the OrthoPilot system. Obviously, total knee replacements may go wrong for other reasons, and computer navigation does not replace the skill of the surgeon, but it is a valuable tool which helps us to do the best for our patients.”
Retired aircraft engineer Norman Fragle, 83, from Fulwood, Preston, is known to his family and friends as the ‘Bionic Man’ with two replacement shoulders and knees.
He opted for computer navigated surgery when he had both knees replaced within six months in 2007. The operations were so successful, Norman has been able to complete a dream project with his son to build a 60ft narrow boat.
“Both operations went very well,” said Norman. “The big difference has been able to get about easily and without pain.
“Previously I would have to take the escalator or lift, but now I can comfortably take the stairs. I’m never going to run a marathon but I have been able to help my son build his narrow boat, doing a lot of the metal work, which has been a real labour of love for us both.”
Everyone is different and so are their knees. Computer navigated surgery takes into account each patient’s shape and size and allows a surgeon to use, what is essentially a mini GPS system, to make incisions in exactly the right place.
Systems like OrthoPilot work rather like a car Sat Nav, mapping the position of the bones through sensors placed at either side of the knee. Using the realtime information provided by the computer, the surgeon can align the knee correctly.
Around 60,000 knee replacements are performed in the UK each year and a growing number of patients like Blackpool mechanic John Stephens are benefiting from computer navigated surgery.
The 64 year-old from Thornton-Cleveleys, has always led an active life playing a wide range of sports to a high standard. But, the wear and tear on his knees took its toll year-on-year until the pain forced John to become nothing more than a spectator.
But, a computer navigated total knee replacement has enabled John to take a huge step back towards a full and pain-free life. He’s even back even enjoying his passion for motor sport.
John has raced Super Karts at European level and was also heavily involved in motor cycle trials and racing in both this country and the USA.
He said: “The problem with my knees has been largely due to arthritis but I’ve had quite a few motorcycle accidents in my time which haven’t really helped.
“Being a mechanical engineer I deal with computers every day at work and I know how important it is to align parts precisely to get the best results.
“You only get one chance with a knee replacement and I had no doubts that computer navigated surgery was the best option and I’ve been proved right.
“I was back at work in five weeks and within three months I was back riding my motorbike. I’ve done a few track days on the bike which is great and can get my knee down when cornering without any pain.
“I am just waiting now to have the other knee done when I can then get back to playing tennis and badminton and keeping up with my three very active grandchildren!”