Precision in Motion: An Orthopedic Expert on Robotic Knee Surgery.

Health is often taken for granted until pain begins to interfere with everyday life. From knee problems and back pain to sports injuries and age related bone issues, orthopedic concerns are increasingly common among people of all ages today. To understand how we can protect our bones and joints , and what modern medicine offers to treatment, we spoke with a leading orthopedic surgeon in this special question and Answer session. Our star contributor, Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah has made a detailed interview. She has chosen some of the relevant questions with Dr. K.S. KUSHALAPPA , consultant orthopedics and Joint replacement at Narayana Health City Bengaluru. This touches many important aspects related to the orthopedic issues.

M.S: What does reaching the milestone of 10,000 orthopedic surgeries and 1,000 robotic – assisted joint replacement procedures mean for Narayana Health city and its medical team? 

Dr. – I think it is a big milestone when you start talking about 10,000 surgeries and for us this happened over a span of about 2 to 3 years. I think over the time period more than looking at the gross number of 10,000. I think if you look at it a little more under the microscope the way we have done it . So.we have expanded orthopedic into a very broad sub- speciality practice, for the team that we speak of 10,000 is actually a large number and all of us have a large group . This is something new in taking a new route in Indian orthopedic practice and definitely this is now 10, 000 cases, and hopefully we give 10,000 in a time span and that is what our goal would be.

M.S:  In recent years, knee – related problems seem to be increasing among the Elderly. From a medical perspective, what are the main reasons behind this rise? Is this due to lifestyle changes , lack of physical activity, obesity, or simply longer life- expectancy  

Dr. – I would say definitely a life of longer expectancy. We start looking people in the elder generation, now they are having knee issues because they are living longer. Secondly lifestyle as well.  I think we have lost a little bit of our old cultural belief and transition more to western lifestyle which includes fast foods , High calorie intake, less activities. Children are more into indoor games rather than outdoor games, those things have contributed now. Older and younger generation have knee related issues. I do see a change in Bangaluru where is live, running clubs have started with a little bit of push is required. This difference brings back to the days when we were culturally active.

M.S: The Hospital has performed over 1,000 robotic assisted joint replacement surgeries.  How has robotic technology changed the way orthopedic surgeries are performed today?

Dr. : Robotic is now inevitable progression forward. I can’t say wholeheartedly Robotic is changing and improving the outcomes we had in the past, but i would say that it is giving us more data obviously when you retrospect tell you exactly what is working and what is not working. So going forward robotic is the way adding information, that information will make us better surgeon and patients better outcome as well.

M.S: What type of orthopedic conditions are commonly treated at your Hospital?

Dr. – We are not limited. We see the most simple and complex cases as well. I would like to say that ours is an organization, we try to pride ourselves from the fact that we handle more complex cases, people coming out of Bangalore limits who wants second opinion come to Narayana. We set probably at the top of the pyramid. Even though we try to treat target where people are looking something that is not available outside we provide them.

M.S: Are robotic assisted surgeries becoming more accessible and affordable for patients?

Dr. – Yes. Because everyone has realised that there is a  demand Because of agitation. Now people have become more aware of robotic existence about the better outcome. As soon as people demand this robotic surgery Hospitals become helping them. Hopefully in Kodagu will have Robotics.this year.

M.S: What message would you like to share with patients who may feel apprehensive about undergoing robotic assisted surgeries?

Dr. – Undergoing any surgery you are bound to have apprehensions, bound to have questions. All of this things are good. I think no patients should go into surgery blindly, always have questions answered. One should be comfortable about the treatment one is undergoing and I think that is more important. Patients has to ask questions related to their issues and demand answers.

Doctor’s views on Coffeeland News. 

Coffeeland News brings back memories for  me. Since this is the only English paper I remember my grandparents used to read .whenever I see the picture of CLN memories and emotions sits in my mind.

Dr. Kushalappa, can be reached at –  Narayana Health City, 258/A , Hosur Road , Bommasandra Industrial Area, Anekal , Bengaluru.

Email k.s.kushaappa.dr@narayanahealth.org