Revolutionizing Knee Surgery: AI Innovation Slashes Procedure Time by Half
SINGAPORE – In a groundbreaking advancement for orthopaedic surgery, Alexandra Hospital has announced a revolutionary technique that could potentially reduce the time taken for total knee replacement procedures by up to fifty percent. This pioneering technology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into robotic systems, fundamentally transforming the landscape of knee surgeries.
The Role of AI in Orthopaedic Surgery
Artificial intelligence has been making waves across various industries, and healthcare is no exception. The newly developed AI-powered algorithm assists robotic systems in determining the optimal positioning of surgical implants in mere seconds. This significantly enhances the precision associated with the operation, addressing one of the most critical factors in the success of total knee replacements.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in Singapore, with approximately 6,000 cases undertaken each year. It involves substituting damaged knee joints with artificial implants, providing relief and improved functionality for patients suffering from joint conditions. However, despite its commonality, the process is fraught with challenges, primarily related to the accurate placement of these implants.
The Complexity of Implant Positioning
One of the most pressing hurdles in knee surgeries is the difficulty associated with determining the ideal placement of the implants. The uniqueness of each patient’s bone and ligament structure complicates this process. Surgeons currently rely on manual planning during the operation, dedicating an extensive 15 minutes to refine implant positioning for the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).
Challenges with Manual Planning
Surgeons often face time constraints in the operating theatre, which limits their ability to explore alternative positioning solutions. Current imaging technologies, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, fail to provide comprehensive information about a patient’s knee range of motion prior to surgery. As a result, surgeons must make crucial decisions during the procedure without fully equipped data.
Innovative Algorithm Development
Addressing these challenges, Dr. Glen Liau, an orthopaedic consultant at Alexandra Hospital, collaborated with Dr. Matthew Ng and Mr. Ryan Loke, both medical students at the time. Their team utilized their expertise in coding and programming to develop an AI algorithm aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of robotic knee replacement surgeries. Remarkably, the algorithm was crafted within just one week.
Unmatched Precision and Speed
The AI algorithm boasts the remarkable ability to compute thousands of implant positioning permutations within 0.1 seconds, achieving accuracy to within 0.5 mm. In a recent prospective study involving 67 patients who underwent robotic knee replacements, 25 of these cases utilized the new algorithm. The results were striking.
Study Findings: A Clear Advantage
The findings indicated that 92% of procedures using the AI algorithm achieved positioning accuracy within 1.5 mm. In contrast, only 52% of surgeries conducted without the algorithm matched this level of precision. The algorithm drastically shortened the planning time during procedures to about one minute, compared to over 14 minutes for traditional methods, thereby reducing overall surgical time significantly—down to just 38 minutes with the algorithm versus 73 minutes without it.
Positive Patient Outcomes
Patients who benefited from the robotic procedures enhanced by the algorithm expressed higher satisfaction levels regarding their knee replacements, noting improved alignment and a reduction in complications.
Potential Game Changer for Surgical Procedures
Dr. Liau articulated the significance of these results during a media briefing held on February 10, stating, “These outcomes are potentially a game changer, influencing the accuracy and efficiency of all robotic total knee replacement surgeries in the future.” The implication of reduced surgery times extends beyond mere efficiency; it could also lead to decreased infection risks and reduced anaesthesia exposure for patients.
Continued Research and Development
Alexandra Hospital’s team emphasizes that further studies are ongoing to comprehensively assess the long-term effects of the algorithm on surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Their commitment to innovation in healthcare signals a promising future for robotic-assisted surgeries.
Securing Global Patents
In a bid to protect their intellectual property, the research team filed an international Patent Cooperation Treaty in August 2024, covering the technology in 150 countries after previously securing a Singapore patent in October 2023. This proactive step ensures that the innovative algorithm maintains its competitive edge in the growing field of robotic-assisted surgery.
Presenting Innovations to the World
The project has garnered attention at global forums, including a presentation at the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty Congress in the United States in 2024. The accolades continued as the team received the P Balasubramaniam Young Orthopaedic Investigator’s Award in Singapore the same year, recognizing their contributions to orthopaedic surgery.
Commercialization Talks Underway
Looking ahead, Dr. Liau indicated that discussions are in progress with various companies to facilitate the commercialization of this groundbreaking technology. The intention is to integrate this innovative approach into medical practices worldwide, ensuring that more patients have access to improved surgical outcomes.
Real-life Transformations
Since August 2023, approximately 200 patients have undergone successful surgeries employing this advanced method. Housewife Rita Sarswathi, 73, who struggled with knee pain for three years, reported that following her surgeries—first on her right knee and then her left—she can now walk faster and for much longer with “no pain at all.”
Another patient, Wong Chee Meng, also 73, experienced significant improvements following his right knee surgery. By April 2024, just four months post-operation, he was able to trek up mountains during a holiday in China’s Guizhou province. Scheduled for surgery on his left knee in January 2026, Mr. Wong expressed gratitude for his newfound mobility.
In Conclusion: A Bright Future for Knee Replacement Surgery
Alexandra Hospital’s revolutionary AI algorithm marks a significant leap forward in the realm of robotic total knee replacements. As these innovations continue to evolve and gain traction, the time saved in surgery and the enhanced precision in implant positioning will undoubtedly lead to a new standard in patient care. With ongoing research, patents secured, and a growing interest in commercialization, the future of knee surgery appears bright and filled with promise. Patients can now look forward to quicker recoveries, better outcomes, and an overall improved quality of life thanks to these technological advancements.
