Dubai, 28th April 2009 (WAM) The Dubai Bone and Joint Centre (DBAJ) at Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tatweer, today announced it has successfully performed the UAEs first bilateral computer-assisted total knee replacement procedure, significantly elevating the level of orthopedic services available in the region.
Dr Michael van Steijn, an orthopedic surgeon at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, successfully performed the operation on a 64-year chronic osteoarthritis patient at the City Hospital located in Dubai Healthcare City, the worlds most integrated healthcare free zone. Dr Michael van Steijn said: "The surgery utilizes state-of-the-art technology to guide placement of the artificial knee (implant) into the ideal position. If this position differs from normal alignment by even three degrees, early wear of the implant will occur, shortening its life-span. Computer-assisted navigation allows for precise control and ensures normal alignment. The procedure eliminates the need for preoperative planning including additional CT-scans or X-rays and involves less blood loss. "The computer-assisted method gives me confidence that I have done everything I can for my patient, offering the best chance for a new knee that will last for a very long time." Total knee replacement is a well known procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The ultimate goal is to achieve a strong and pain-free knee. Computer-assisted surgery allows the surgeon better control and more accurate alignment when compared with conventional instruments. The procedure includes a computer display of the entire leg, clearly visible to the surgeon. This allows the surgeon to effectively navigate his instruments, ensuring accurate and precise cuts can be made to the bones. Suzanne Al Houby, Vice President of DBAJ, said: "Although knee replacement is a common procedure, computer-assisted surgery for this purpose is an innovative new offering from DBAJ. The success of this procedure once again places Dubai Bone and Joint Centre at the forefront of treatments in this region and complements its status as a member of Dubai Healthcare City in providing world-class medical solutions."Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
