The first robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery in Coimbatore and South Tamil Nadu was successfully performed at Rex Ortho Hospital using the Stryker Mako Robotic System from the United States.
According to hospital sources, the advanced procedure is designed for patients suffering from severe hip pain, difficulty in walking and stiffness that restrict daily activities. The surgery involves replacing the ball and socket joint of the hip, commonly performed for patients affected by hip arthritis.
Doctors said arthritis of the hip may occur due to several reasons including rheumatism, prolonged steroid intake—especially during the COVID-19 period—alcohol consumption, and hip fractures commonly seen among elderly patients.
C. Rex, senior hip arthroplasty surgeon and Chairman of Rex Ortho Hospital, said the robotic-assisted procedure marks a technological advancement in hip replacement surgery. He explained that the system uses artificial intelligence to ensure highly accurate placement of the socket and stem components of the hip joint.
According to him, the technology enables consistent precision, improves functional movement and enhances the lifespan of the implant, which may potentially last for many years.
Although the robotic procedure is slightly more expensive than conventional surgery, it offers long-term benefits by reducing the chances of major revision surgeries, he said.
Rex, who has performed more than 5,000 hip replacement surgeries and received training in Manchester in the United Kingdom, said he has witnessed the evolution of hip replacement from early implants to sophisticated robotic-assisted techniques using ceramic and titanium implants.
He added that the procedure allows quicker recovery, maintains equal leg length and enables patients to walk without pain or limp, helping them return to normal life with improved mobility.
