'I was back with my new knee in time for supper'

GEORGE NEWS - Georgian André Brandon (62) was back in time for supper on the day he underwent a robotic assisted total knee replacement procedure, and was walking and driving short distances just two weeks later.

The procedure was done on 20 October.

Dr Chris McCready, the orthopaedic surgeon who pioneered Mako robotic arm assisted total knee replacements in South Africa, performed the procedure on Brandon.

He says robotic assisted knee and hip replacements are showing great benefits and convenience for patients. Most people return home within 24 hours of surgery, if not the same day.

Brandon's operation was done during World Bone and Joint Week. It was McCready's 500th such procedure within three years at Netcare Linksfield Hospital.

"When we started, robotic assisted joint replacements were quite novel and yet now it has become normal and is quickly establishing as the new standard. I find it allows for accurately reproduceable yet personalised hip and knee replacements," says McCready.

Brandon had his other knee replaced by McCready with traditional surgery nine years ago, and is in the rare position of being able to compare his experience of both types of knee replacement.

"When I had my other knee replaced in 2011, I spent four days in hospital. I was surprised that this time I did not even have to spend a night in hospital. I went in early and had the operation first thing in the morning. I was discharged at 16:00 the same day, back with my new knee in time for supper."

Brandon says physiotherapy has been integral to his recovery from both knee replacements.

"You have to put in the work, and learn to trust your new knee. It is no good waiting until you are fully healed from the surgery, if you only start doing the physio exercises when your knee feels better, it is too late."

Reaching milestones sooner

Brandon's physiotherapist, Julie Keal Schietekat, has been working with McCready's patients for over 13 years.

She said the robotic assisted replacement patients are reaching their milestones much sooner.

"At six weeks they no longer need even one crutch. Before, it was a challenge convincing patients they no longer needed a walking aid whereas now we find most people regain independence and full mobility much sooner."

André Brandon is driving again.