Farrer Park Hospital introduces Robotic-Arm Assisted surgery for Full Hip and Knee replacement procedures

SINGAPORE,May 20,2019 -- Farrer Park Hospital Singapore is the only private hospital in Singapore that implements Makoplasty Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for total hip replacementswithtotal knee replacement procedure soon to follow.

Osteoarthritis is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joints in the body. It commonly occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips,knees,and spine. It also affects the fingers,thumb,neck,and large toe.

Most people over age 60 have osteoarthritis to some degree. In a Chinese population aged above 60 years,the prevalence of knee OA was 22% in men and 43% in women. Even people in their 20s and 30s can get osteoarthritis,although there is often an underlying reason,such as joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse. When osteoarthritis pain is not managed,the pain can prevent patients from doing daily activities,then patients may want to consider surgery.

Total hip replacement surgery involves the removal of arthritic bone and damage cartilage,and replacing them with hip implants that are designed to replicate the joint.

Meanwhile,partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that helps relieve arthritis in one or two of the three compartments of the knee. Partial knee replacement will only be conducted at the damaged area,which may help to minimize trauma to healthy bone and tissue.

"As a hospital built and managed by Specialists,our founding doctors have great insights into the clinical realm of new treatment options. Technology must be combined with a skilled surgeon and a well-trained team. In the example of Makoplasty,Dr Jeffrey Chew who practices at Farrer Park Hospital,is one of Singapore's foremost Orthopedic surgeons. It is the good combination of surgeon,modern Operating Theatre and skilled team together with good technology that delivers good clinical outcome," shares Dr. Timothy Low,Board Director at FPH. "Our focus has always been on Value. Good clinical outcome,fair prices,comfortable environs and caring staff. This focus has enabled the hospital to win the coveted Value Based Hospital award,voted by patients and vetted by regional healthcare experts,at the Global Health and Travel Award in April this year."

Dr Chew adds: "Orthopaedic surgery employs many mechanical and technical factors in order to place implants correctly. Prior to the advent of robotics surgery,a lot of the final placement would require the surgeon to rely on his or her experience and visual landmarks to gauge in trying to ensure accuracy.

With robotic surgery,this estimation is taken out of the equation. Robotic surgery is akin to using a global positioning system (GPS) to direct accurate cuts and placement of components. The traditional surgery is like using a road map rather than aGPS plotter and planner.

In the near future,robotic systems to aid surgeons in surgery will become widely acceptable. Using smart phones with GPSis now the norm and it will be intuitive for patients to accept robotic systems. I think that it will be a matter of time before patients will be asking the surgeon whether they employ the use of a robotic system to help them conduct the joint replacement.

With information easily available on the internet,patients have resources on hand to know more and to compare different options. With the passage of time I expect more patients to ask and even demand for it."

For more information,please visit: www.farrerpark.com/hospital

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