Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)

Dr. Mustafa Alttahir specialises in Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery using the latest robotic-assisted technology. His goal is to provide you with the most precise and effective treatment, ensuring you can return to your daily activities as quickly as possible. Let us walk you through the process and benefits of this advanced technique, along with our emphasis on accelerated rehabilitation and the option of "No Gap Joint Replacement Surgery", which involves no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery is a transformative procedure for individuals suffering from severe knee arthritis or damage. The advent of robotic-assisted technology has further refined this procedure, offering unparalleled precision with the goal of improved patient outcomes.

Total Knee Replacement surgery is typically recommended when other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and injections, have failed to relieve knee pain and improve function. The primary indications include:

• Severe osteoarthritis causing debilitating pain and stiffness
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases
• Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury
• Significant deformities, such as bowlegs or knock-knees
• Failure of previous knee surgeries or implants

Patients who benefit from TKR often present with:

• Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities, even at rest
• Swelling and inflammation around the knee
• Reduced range of motion and knee stiffness
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position
• A feeling of instability or the knee giving way

During your consultation, Dr. Mustafa Alttahir will conduct a thorough examination, which includes:

• Alignment Examination: Assessing the clinical alignment of your knee, correctability of deformity, misalignment above or below the knee joint.
• Gait Analysis: Observing how you walk to identify any compensatory movements or limping.
• Palpation: Checking for areas of tenderness, swelling, or warmth.
• Joint Profile: Assessing the range of motion and stability.

Before the surgery, Dr. Mustafa Alttahir conducts several important investigations to ensure the best possible results:

• EOS Scan: This scan provides a full-body image to accurately assess alignment and posture.
• Weightbearing X-Rays: These X-rays help Dr. Alttahir identify any deformities in your knee when you are standing, which is essential for surgical technique planning.
• MRI Scan: An MRI gives Dr. Alttahir a detailed view of the knee compartments, helping him understand the extent of the damage.
• 3D Modelling: Dr. Mustafa Alttahir is proficient in using 3D Modelling software (Materialise Mimics and 3-Matic) and by using advanced modelling software, Dr. Alttahir can create a precise surgical plan, especially beneficial in complex cases. This step minimises errors and aims to optimise outcomes by allowing Dr. Alttahir to visualize and plan the procedure in detail in advance.

The Zimmer ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) system can enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of Total Knee Replacement surgery through:  

1. Increased Precision: The robotic system enhances the accuracy of bone cuts and implant placement and aids in achieving the best possible alignment.
2. Customized Planning: You will be required to undergo a ROSA protocol standing x-ray, which will be sent to engineers at the implant company. The engineers utilise algorithms to analyse and provide a provisional plan for surgery. Each surgical plan is customised to your unique anatomy, which is aimed at helping to achieve a more natural knee movement after surgery. Dr. Mustafa Alttahir will review the plans, modify them to match your requirements, and approves them to be uploaded to the ROSA-Robot.
3. Minimised Tissue Damage: Robotic approach can result in less disturbance to surrounding tissues by avoiding intramedullary instrumentation, resulting in potential reduced risk of marrow embolisation, less post-operative blood loss, reduced pain and aiming for a quicker recovery.
4. Accelerated Rehabilitation: With more accurate implant placement and reduced tissue trauma, the aim is to start rehabilitation sooner, which is crucial for regaining knee function quickly.

The Zimmer ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) system is aimed at enhancing the precision of Total Knee Replacement surgery. Here's how the procedure works:

1. Preoperative Planning: A ROSA-protocol standing x-ray is organised to create a detailed model of your knee, and a plan is formulated. Dr. Mustafa Alttahir audits and approves the plan as required.The personalized surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy is uploaded to the ROSA-Robot in preparation for your surgery.
2. Robotic Assistance: During surgery, the Zimmer ROSA system provides Dr. Mustafa Alttahir real-time data and assists in making precise bone cuts through robotic arm live-monitoring, and validation of every bone cut with accuracy.
3. Implant Placement: The robotic system is utilised to ensure optimal alignment and balance of the knee implant, through detailed analysis and graphs of all the relevant parameters, which is crucial for accurate placement of the implant, and the subsequent longevity and functionality of the prosthesis.
4. Joint Balancing: Careful attention is paid to balancing the ligaments and patellofemoral joint, which is crucial for a successful and functional knee replacement.

Following surgery, Dr. Mustafa Alttahir's comprehensive post-operative care plan focuses on your rapid recovery and successful rehabilitation:

• Pain Management: Effective pain management is a cornerstone of Dr. Alttahir's accelerated rehabilitation program, using multimodal pain relief strategies, including medications, nerve blocks, and physical therapy, to keep discomfort at bay and facilitate early movement. With the assistance of experienced anaesthetists, and if necessary Pain Specialists, Dr. Alttahir employs advanced pain control techniques to keep you comfortable, enabling you to participate actively in your rehabilitation.
• Early Mobilisation: You'll be encouraged to start walking with support within a day of surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications. Early mobilisation helps prevent stiffness, reduces the risk of blood clots, and promotes faster recovery.
• Physical Therapy: Dr. Alttahir's accelerated rehabilitation program begins within hours of your surgery. This includes gentle exercises to enhance mobility and strengthen the      knee, and progress at an optimal pace. 
• Ongoing Support: As part of the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program, you will have access to outpatient physiotherapy in the home to provide continued rehabilitation after your discharge. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Mustafa Alttahir will be arranged to monitor your progress and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed to ensure the best outcomes.

Dr. Mustafa Alttahir understand that the financial aspect of surgery can be a significant concern for many patients. To make robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery accessible to more individuals, Dr. Alttahir offers No Gap Joint Replacement surgery for eligible patients. This means that many patients can undergo the procedure without any out-of-pocket expenses, reducing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their recovery.

Robotic-assisted Total Knee Replacement represents a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery. By integrating state-of-the-art robotic technology with a patient-specific approach, Dr. Mustafa Alttahir aims to offer superior outcomes and a faster return to normal life. His focus on accelerated rehabilitation and the "No Gap Joint Replacement" program for eligible patients underscores his commitment to providing excellent care without the financial burden.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Mustafa Alttahir's team below. He is dedicated to helping you on your journey to a pain-free, active lifestyle with the support of the latest advancements in knee replacement surgery.