Dr Michael van Steijn, an orthopedic surgeon at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre (DBAJ), A member of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), performed the country’s first bilateral computer-assisted total knee replacement procedure today at the City Hospital, DHCC is a member of Tatweer.

The operation, which was successfully executed on a 64-year old patient who had suffered from osteoarthritis of the knees for years, significantly elevates the level of orthopedic services available in the region.

Dr Michael van Steijn said: "The surgery utilizes state-of-the-art technology to guide placement of the artificial knee (implant) into the ideal position. If this position differs from normal alignment by even three degrees, early wear of the implant will occur, shortening its life-span. Computer-assisted navigation allows for precise control and ensures normal alignment. The procedure eliminates the need for preoperative planning including additional CT-scans or X-rays and less blood loss is involved.

“The computer-assisted method gives me confidence that I have done everything I can for my patient, offering their best chance for a new knee that will last for a very long time."

Total knee replacement is a well known procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The ultimate goal is to achieve a pain-free knee that will last for as long as possible. Computer-assisted surgery allows the surgeon better control and more accurate alignment compared with conventional instruments. The procedure includes a computer display of the entire leg, clearly visible to the surgeon. This allows the surgeon to more effectively   navigate his instruments, ensuring accurate and precise cuts can be made to the bones.

Suzanne Al Houby, Vice President of DBAJ, said: “Although knee replacement is a common procedure, computer-assisted knee replacement is an innovative new offering from DBAJ. The success of this procedure once again places DBAJ at the forefront of treatments in this region.”