The nature and scope of bone surgery have evolved beyond recognition since the days of ancient Rome when all but the simplest fractures could only be treated by amputation. Today, not only can orthopaedic surgeons repair even the most complex fractures, but they can even replace damaged and diseased joints with prosthetic ones.
Progress in joint replacement, or arthroplasty as it is technically known, has been driven by advances in materials science, resulting in implants fashioned from robust, biocompatible materials like stainless steel, titanium, plastic and ceramics. However, such advances are just the tip of a technological iceberg that is steadily transforming the face of bone surgery today and appears destined to continue the trend.
In the following sections, we will explore some of the new technologies in use today and speculate on some of the possibilities that could benefit the orthopaedic surgeon in the future.
Some Current and Future Applications of Technology in Bone Surgery
While the use of orthopaedic nails and screws and intramedullary rods has made it possible to repair even the most complex fractures, joint replacements represent the pinnacle of achievement within this discipline. However, although new materials have helped to improve the functionality and lifespan of prostheses, the following are now also playing a role in perfecting various surgical procedures.
Current :
- Minimally invasive surgery: While the arthroscope was first developed to examine the interior of joints, orthopaedic specialists have since adapted its use to perform surgery on a joint without exposing it fully. Minimally invasive hip, knee or shoulder procedures require just three or four tiny incisions, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding and infection while shortening recovery times.
- Robotics: We are still far from a time when your surgeon may be an autonomous humanoid robot, but robot-assisted bone surgery is already a reality. The US-based medical device company Zimmer Biomet developed ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) as an aid to improve the alignment of prosthetic components for knee replacements.
ROSA evaluates the target environment, using the collected data to guide the surgeon’s hand to ensure optimum placement of the prosthesis. Intensive testing shows that when using the robotic assistant, femorotibial alignment is consistently within the +/- 3-degree limit required for optimal mobility.
Future trends:
- 3D Printing: While still in its infancy, some surgeons in Europe are already 3D printing plates, screws, and implants precisely customised to a patient’s specific needs based on data from preoperative 3D imaging. The technology ensures a perfect fit, saving the surgeon time and optimising the outcomes of various orthopaedic surgical interventions.
- Regenerative medicine: Also in its early stages, the emerging ability to grow various types of living tissue promises a less disruptive alternative to joint replacement for selected patients. The surgeon removes a sample of healthy cartilage from the affected joint, which is then cultured in a laboratory and later injected into the knee, where it melds with existing cartilage, restoring smooth movement.
Advanced Bone Surgery Procedures in Pretoria
Under the leadership of Dr Jan de Vos, the orthopaedic unit at Pretoria’s Wilgers Life Hospital has become a local and world-renowned referral centre for advanced orthopaedic surgery. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more details about the various options for surgery on your hip, knee or shoulder.
