In the world of hip surgery, an exciting revolution is on the horizon, and a surgeon from Cambridge, Vikas Khanduja, is playing a key role. He works at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and firmly believes that robots and artificial intelligence will shape the future of hip surgeries. These advancements promise greater precision and tailored care, especially for young patients and athletes, while also addressing the increasing demand for hip preservation procedures.
Why is hip preservation so important? This area of hip surgery aims to delay or prevent degenerative changes in the hip, primarily affecting young patients and athletes who often suffer from genetically inherited issues or injuries. A common procedure in hip preservation is arthroscopy, also known as keyhole surgery. This method is known for its low invasiveness and short recovery times, which are crucial in today’s healthcare landscape, particularly post-COVID-19.
One area where AI will play a significant role is disease stratification. This essentially means gaining a better understanding of the impact of diseases over time. AI can assist in making precise predictions about how patients will respond to specific treatments, allowing surgeons to create better, personalized plans and execute surgeries with greater accuracy. All of this leads to better outcomes for patients.
Robots won’t replace surgeons, but they will have a vital role in hip surgery. They will aid in performing precise procedures, particularly in hip preservation surgeries, where accuracy is paramount. This minimizes human errors and increases the long-term success rates of these procedures.
The application of AI and robotics is particularly promising for young patients and athletes. These groups often require tailored treatments to maintain their active lifestyles and reduce the risk of degenerative hip conditions. AI’s ability to predict individual outcomes and create personalized treatment plans enhances the effectiveness of hip preservation procedures in these populations.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital has a rich history of pioneering hip surgery. Richard Villar, a mentor to Vikas Khanduja, was the first surgeon in the United Kingdom to perform hip arthroscopy, an achievement celebrated in 2023 as it marks its 35th anniversary. The hospital continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art virtual reality systems, to educate the next generation of surgeons in these innovative techniques.
In the ever-evolving field of orthopedic surgery, the integration of complex robotics and artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize hip surgery. Thanks to Vikas Khanduja’s visionary insights and commitment to hip preservation, young patients, athletes, and many others can hope for personalized, precise, and effective treatments. This not only has the potential to reduce wait times but also to improve patient outcomes and optimize healthcare resources. The future of hip surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and beyond is looking promising.
