Technology brings a great revolution in the field of orthopedic surgery. In orthopedic surgery, it is necessary to maintain the accurate and precise balance of all the joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedic surgery has been evolving for centuries. The use of technology in orthopedic surgery starts with the introduction of metal devices. Now it is going on with the introduction of the latest technology. Now all the Sciences are used in orthopedic surgery like computer science, physics chemistry, and biology. It is easy to attain precision and accuracy in orthopedic surgery with the help of digital medical technology.
Different types of software, imaging technology, and evolved instruments bring a revolutionary change in orthopedic surgery. If any patient is looking for a successful orthopedic treatment, he should consult a doctor with expertise in the latest technology. These things bring a revelation not only in the whole world but also in Pakistan. A lot of orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan are using these technologies for successful surgeries.
Diagnostic Technology:
Surgeons use the following diagnostics tools before any surgery or other treatment for better understanding and plan.
Magnetic Resonance Image scans MRI:
This technology enables orthopedic surgeons to read any problem in the patient’s body before diagnostic. During this scan electromagnetic waves pass-through the patient body. Then the computer captures these radio frequencies to create black and white images of the diseased area. The whole process takes 25 to 60 minutes.
CT scans:
In this scan, the patient takes barium salt in different forms. Then the patient lies in a tube-like machine where multiple X-rays spins around you. That produces images of the area of the problem. Some surgeons use colour dyes according to requirements.
Arthrography:
Arthrography is like a CT scan. It involves taking several images in the series after injecting iodine to highlight problems in tissues.
Some other diagnostic tests are Arthroscopy, Electromyography, radiography, ultrasonography, and absorptiometry.
Almost all orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan are using the above technologies for a better understanding of the problem.
Computer-Assisted Surgery:
Computer-assisted surgery brings a big change in orthopedic surgery. It provides help orthopedic surgeons in magnifying vision, improved access, and instrument implementation. The main feature of this type of surgery is its 3D plan and unique software. This technology also includes endoscopic instruments that give four degrees of freedom. Many orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan are using this technology for successful surgeries.
The following technologies are part of computer-assisted surgeries.
Semiactive Surgery:
This type is semiactive robotic surgery. It does not perform directly but can direct the placement of tools. In this technique first surgeon point out the desired positions and orientation of the implant. Then the robot positions the saw and drill guides so that surgeon can make necessary cuts.
Virtual Imaging/ 3D dataset:
The most important part of the CAS is the creation of patient images off the required body part of the patient. CT scan, MRI, ultrasounds, and such techniques use for this purpose. All these images are scanned and interpreted through different software. After the application of different software, the result comes in the form of 3D datasets. These datasets produce the exact geometrical situation of the normal and pathological tissues and structure of the region. The contrast techniques of the 3D dataset provide the detail of soft and hard tissues separately. That helps in the differentiation of tissues.
Analysis and Processing of images:
Image analysis provides the extracted relevant information of the data. The application of differing contrast levels on different body tissues gives a clearer picture of the part of the body. That is very helpful in orthopedic surgery.
Robotic Surgery:
Robotic Surgery is very helpful for surgeons in complex surgeries. It allows the doctor to perform surgeries with the correlation of the robotic surgeon. It is a minimally invasive surgery. It is very helpful in knee replacement surgery. The benefit of this type of surgery is less blood, less scarring, reduce the risk of infection, and fast healing process.
Mako Robotic-Arm Surgery:
Mako robotic-arm surgery is a type of robotic surgery that gives a whole surgical plan according to patient anatomy. The unique feature of this technology is its decision making. A few orthopedic Surgeons in Pakistan are using this technology for different surgeries.
Application of computer-assisted surgery in Orthopedic?
The following are some common applications of computer-assisted or robotic surgeries.
Joint replacement:
It is believed that these technologies are developed mainly for different joint replacement surgeries. Before all these developments, all procedures for replacements were very complexed. CAS helps the surgeon to place accurately implants and modify surrounding tissues to hold them appropriately.
Fracture Repair:
Computer-assisted orthopedic surgeries are very helpful in fracture repair. Orthopedic surgeons use CAOS methods to remove fragments tissues and fill tiny cracks in a patient bone.
Spinal Surgery:
Spinal surgeries are very complexed. The vertebra and surrounding discs are very sensitive. During any treatment, any little damage can lead to lifetime disability. Imaging technology helps surgeons to understand the problem in a broad spectrum.
Use of laser technology in orthopedic surgery:
Low power laser LPL:
Low power laser uses to enhance the healing of orthopedic surgeries. It is also known as cold laser. This type of laser produces a focused beam of light at a specific wavelength to treat different problems of orthopedic surgeries. The main feature of this technology is non-invasive and pain-free.
Thermal capsular shrinkage:
In the case of loose or damaged tissue in the shoulder laser beam can stabilize the blood vessels and reduce the pain in the joint. Thermal capsule shrinkage requires frequent application of a laser beam of a specific wavelength to remain effective.
Arthroscopy:
Orthopedic Surgeons use arthroscopy to create an incision, remove damaged tissues, and shrink inflamed cells.
It is a kind of powerful laser beam that applies with endoscopic instruments to modify the tissue.
Spine injuries:
The laser is a very useful and successful tool to treat the spine. Advanced options of the laser can adjust, repair, and removal of tissues.
laser therapy is also useful for the following problems:
- Muscular pack pain
- Tendinitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Post-surgical pain
- Whiplash injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Epicondylitis
