Abu Dhabi, May 29th, 2010 (WAM)--Mafraq Hospitals Orthopaedic Surgery unit has successfully performed a minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery with the smallest incision recorded in the Middle East.
Measuring 5 cm to 5.5 cm in length, this incision is significantly smaller than the traditional incisions used for total knee replacement surgery. Mafraq Hospital is one of the few hospitals in the GCC region performing this novel minimally invasive technique. Total knee replacement surgery is performed for severe degenerative disease of the knee joint resulting in "wear and tear" of the cartilage that lubricates the surfaces of the bones. Pain relieving medications or walking aids may work temporarily, but the only long-term solution in many cases is knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgery removes the damaged and painful areas of the thigh and shinbones which are then replaced with specially designed metal and plastic parts. Minimally invasive knee replacement accomplishes everything that a traditional knee replacement does, but through a smaller incision (5 to 7 cm incision compared with the 15 to 25 cm incision). With the smaller incision come the potential benefits of a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery time and a minor scar. Dr. Rashed Al-Shaeel, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Mafraq Hospital, stated, "We believe that this new technique at Mafraq Hospital has revolutionised total knee replacement surgery. The short incision total knee replacement is a surgical modification using a smaller incision that requires less muscle dissection and generally results in a rapid and less painful recovery with better early range of motion and improved function." Dr. Al-Shaeel added, "Mafraq Hospital is a pioneer and early adopter of this technique having starting in 2004. Our clinical results and patient satisfaction scores are a testament to the same."Dr. Mohammad Yaman, Medical Director of Mafraq Hospital, commented, "Mafraq Hospital has been a health care provider for the past 27 years. Our main priority is to continue providing exceptional care to the community by enhancing our medical services."Mafraq Hospital is a SEHA HealthSystem facility and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) which is responsible for all curative activities of the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Mafraq Hospital is managed by Bumrungrad International, one of the most noted hospital management companies in Asia.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
