Dubai, UAE – The pioneering robotic knee surgery at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital has helped a 49-year-old Indian homemaker and mother of one recover from a decade-long agonizing bilateral osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition that affects both knees. Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Al Qusais, achieved a significant medical milestone with this advanced robotic knee surgery led by Dr. Karthikraj Kuberakani, enabling the patient to walk within two hours of the procedure. This innovative surgery is the first of its kind performed by an orthopedic surgeon at Medcare and has prevented the need for a future total knee replacement.
The patient had endured arthritis for over ten years, with her condition worsening in the past six months to the point where everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs became difficult. The pain intensified after a fall at the airport, leading to significant swelling in her right knee. “The agony was excruciating at times. I couldn’t walk more than a few minutes without feeling like my knees were giving way,” the patient said. After her fall, she sought a solution to her worsening condition.
Initially advised to undergo a total knee replacement for her left knee, the patient sought a second opinion with Dr. Karthikraj at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. Dr. Karthikraj recommended robotic knee surgery as a more effective long-term solution due to its precision and the ability to tailor the procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy. “Joint implants are more durable, and robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery improves accuracy and precision over traditional approaches,” he explained.
Robotic knee surgery, preferred for its precision, involves using robot-assisted technology to place implants accurately while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. This approach prevents post-operative pain and speeds up recovery time. “The surgery lasted 1.5 hours, and the patient was able to walk after two hours, with significant pain relief,” said Dr. Karthikraj.
Commenting on the patient’s recovery, Dr. Karthikraj stated, “The results were immediately promising. The patient returned to her daily activities within six weeks, and her ability to walk so soon after the surgery and resume her tasks was a great success.” He added that the patient’s prognosis is excellent, with ongoing home physiotherapy to strengthen her knees.
Expressing her gratitude, the patient said, “I’m so thankful to Dr. Karthikraj and the entire Medcare team for their incredible care. After years of pain, I can now live without constant knee pain and look forward to staying active again.”
Thanks to the success of the robotic surgery, the patient has regained her independence and can enjoy daily life without the burden of chronic pain.