News

Patients needing knee replacements to benefit from 'navigated surgery' revolution

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Salford-based orthopaedic surgeon is spearheading the use of computer navigated knee surgery, training colleagues throughout Europe in the pioneering technique.

Knee specialist Mr Shameem Sampath has established the Oaklands Hospital, Salford, as a reference centre for the groundbreaking OrthoPilot computer aided surgery for total knee replacements and anterior cruciate reconstructions.

Building on his growing international reputation, Mr Sampath recently returned from Munich and Vienna where he trained groups of surgeons from throughout Europe and South Africa.

With five years of experience in computer aided knee surgery and international presentations and publications to his credit, Mr Sampath said: “I wouldn’t operate any other way now. The beauty of computer navigation is it delivers superb accuracy time after time.

A Salford-based orthopaedic surgeon is spearheading the use of computer navigated knee surgery, training colleagues throughout Europe in the pioneering technique.

“It has been shown that knees which are out of alignment are associated with 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.”

The OrthoPilot® system virtually eliminates the likelihood of replacement knees failing because they were not aligned accurately.

The high-tech operating technique uses the power of ‘Sat-Nav’ type technology to lift the accuracy of replacement surgery from around 80 per cent to up to 95 per cent, which could mean replacement knees work better and last longer.
Everyone is different and so are their knees. Computer navigated surgery maps the position of the bones which make up each patient’s knee joint using sensors which are placed at either side of the knee. These create a detailed image and provide real-time information on a computer screen which helps the surgeon accurately guide the implant into position.

Mr Sampath added: “While correct alignment does not rule out the possibility of an operation going wrong due to other causes such as infections or DVTs, every patient wants his or her knee to be done as accurately as possible. That is why I am keen to assist and train the next generation of knee surgeons in Europe and the United Kingdom.”

Photo caption:
Knee specialist Mr Shameem Sampath who uses the OrthoPilot computer navigated operating technique

Sat Nav Science Used In Joint Replacements - Sky News Reports

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pioneering technology which uses Satellite Navigation is increasingly being used in Britain's hospitals to conduct complex operations.

To view more, click here to visit the Sky News website

New knee op got me back on track - Daily Express Exclusive

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When a motorbike crash left John Stephens requiring a knee replacement, he opted for a new computer-navigated surgical procedure called OrthoPilot

To read more on the Daily Express website, click here

Lancashire knee replacement patients benefit from 'navigated surgery' revolution

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:25:59 GMT

Patients across Lancashire who need knee replacement surgery are enjoying a new lease of life thanks to a state-of-the-art operating technique.

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!”

The hills are alive again for Jane after sat nav surgery

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A Peak District resident who feared she might have to sell her house because of a debilitating knee injury is staying put thanks to a revolutionary surgery technique.

Jane Ford, 62, from Cressbrook, Derbyshire, was contemplating selling her three-storey house in Monsal Dale because of the injury which had made climbing her stairs and leaving the house virtually impossible.

Jane opted for a total knee replacement in June 2008 at Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield, to repair the damage caused by a tennis injury she suffered nearly 20 years ago.

Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Derek Bickerstaff carried out the operation using a state-of-the-art computer navigated system called Orthopilot, designed by Sheffield based medical company B.Braun Medical.

Orthopilot, which can be requested through NHS Patient Choices, enables surgeons to implant perfectly aligned replacement joints. It works by using highly accurate computer guidance, allowing surgeons to create the best possible implant positioning, leaving no room for guesswork and resulting in a perfectly aligned joint.
A knee joint which is only a fraction out of alignment can fail early due to unnecessary stresses placed on it.
Jane said: “It got to the point where I was struggling with the stairs in my house and I couldn’t drive the car without holding my knee for an entire journey. It was a desperate situation.

“Walking is an essential part of everyday life where I live. To get to my house from the bottom of my hill, I have to climb 30 steep steps, which became impossible. I seriously considered selling my house because I simply couldn’t get up my own stairs.

“When I finally went to see the consultant, I was told my knee had had it. There was no cartilage and the bone was wearing away.

“I went to see Mr Bickerstaff and he confirmed that I needed a total knee replacement and he discussed the procedure with me.

“He explained how the operation would take place and about the new technique he was using which involved a computer navigation system, Orthopilot, to help align the replacement perfectly.”

The operation completely changed Jane’s life and she is now able to take part in activities that had been virtually impossible before.

Added Jane: “Before the operation my knee was a liability. Now it’s perfectly straight and I don’t have to think about it any more.

“The operation and rehabilitation process was six weeks out of my life, which is nothing compared to the improved quality of life I now have.

“I live in the heart of the beautiful Peak District and with my new knee I am able to go hiking, climbing, walk the dog and drive without any discomfort.

“The surgery has made a massive difference to my life and I feel like I am back to where I was 30 years ago.”

Revolutionary knee surgery gives Jasna a new lease of life

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An energetic woman from Glasgow has gained a new lease of life, thanks to a revolutionary knee replacement technique – and a helping hand from her husband!

Jasna Bicanic, 68, from Bearsden, and her husband Nenad, researched a variety of knee replacement techniques, including computer navigated guided surgery, after tennis injuries and arthritis caused the cartilage in both knees to wear away - forcing her to consider total knee replacement surgery (TKR) on both joints.

Jasna said: “After repeated scans confirmed that my knees had badly deteriorated, I was told I needed both knees replacing and naturally I wanted to make sure I received the best treatment possible.

“We were aware of advances in computer navigated surgery and a system called Orthopilot - but I wanted to learn more before committing to anything.”

So Jasna and Nenad set about researching the revolutionary technique.

Thanks to a mutual interest in computer applications in biomedical engineering, Nenad met the pioneer of Orthopilot, Mr Frederic Picard, who is consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Glasgow’s Golden Jubilee National Hospital, and even observed a live, computer-navigated knee replacement operation.

The technique, like Sat-Navs, uses state-of-the-art computer technology to guide surgeons, ensuring replacement knee joints are aligned precisely.

With traditional techniques, only 70-80 per cent of knee replacements are aligned correctly, leading to instability and loosening of the joint - and eventually resulting in the patient needing a revised replacement.

“Nenad met Mr Picard at the hospital to discuss the procedure and he was even allowed to observe a live knee replacement operation using Orthopilot. He was very enthusiastic about it and very supportive,” said Jasna.

“The computer-navigated knee replacement surgery sounded like a high precision technique which would reduce the risk of complications and me needing another operation in the future.

In Scotland alone, more than 5,500 people a year need TKR surgery – and that figure is rising.

Mr Picard said, “Thanks to an ageing population, an increase in sporting injuries and obesity, the amount of people requiring TKR’s is rising. Computer-navigated surgery, combined with good pre and post operative care can change these patients’ lives.”

Jasna eventually opted to have both knees replaced in a single operation (bi-lateral TKR) at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, insisting the procedure was carried out using computer-navigated technology.

“Mr Picard carried out the procedure and when I woke up, I had the most wonderful feeling of relief – it was all over. There was a great prospect that I would no longer have to suffer with my knees,” said Jasna, who is originally from Croatia.

“Before the operation, when my knees deteriorated quite badly, I had to stop doing all the things I love such as skiing, tennis and swimming. I was such an active person, but my knees forced me to stop.

“But since the surgery, my life has got back on track. I can walk, go up and down stairs and even cycle without pain, it’s great. We even bought an exercise bike for Christmas which I use regularly. It’s fantastic to be active again.

“It was a complete success, my life is already back to normal and I can enjoy doing the things I love once again, it’s fantastic.”