Dr M Balaraju Naidu: Uplifting Quality of Life with Robotic-Assisted Surgery

The musculoskeletal system is one of the most important parts of the human body. It gives the body a definite structure and shape so that we can move around easily. If anything wrong happens to one of the parts of this system, the body leads to pain and decreased range of motion.

Experts in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal system explore all possibilities of treatments with their knowledge and experience. Moreover, with the emergence of technologies and mainly robotics, orthopaedic surgeons can perform precise and quality surgeries. A leading expert in this regard who has implemented robotic-assisted surgery with excellency is Dr M Balaraju Naidu. He works at ONUS Robotics Hospitals as a Managing Director and dedicates his life to lifelong learning, personalised patient care and a holistic approach.

Healing by Compassion

Providing successful examples of surgeries performed by him, Dr Naidu mentions that,

Mrs Vijayalakshmi was brought in with unbearable knee pain and was terrified of surgery. Upon diagnosis, a total knee replacement surgery was recommended. She was discharged with fully restored mobility and recovered in just two weeks from the surgery with complete pain relief, improved walking patterns, and a better lifestyle.

Another patient, Mrs Laxmi, had been su­ering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis for a few years, severely limiting her active lifestyle. Following an examination, Total Knee Replacement was recommended. After only 15 days of surgery, the patient is pain-free and can easily walk and perform her household chores.

Similarly, Mr Shivaji Patel had been su­ering from chronic knee pain for a long time. He was advised to undergo UKR, a partial knee replacement operation; however, treatment had to be tailored to his speci?c health conditions, as he had been diagnosed with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Parkinson’s. Mr Patel was back on his feet the next day after the procedure and was discharged on the third day, indicating that the surgery was successful.

Dr Naidu is extensively trained in this field and has decades of successful operative experience. In addition to his inherent medical knowledge and surgical skills, cutting-edge technology like Computer Navigation and hi-flexion knees are utilised to optimize the treatment outcomes. Depending on the patient’s needs and requirements, an individualized postoperative plan combining physical therapy and medications is provided for the best functional results.

Fostering a Holistic Healthcare Ecosystem

With the mission to be the most preferred healthcare services brand by providing affordable care and the best clinical outcomes to our patients, ONUS Robotics Hospitals distinguishes itself as a great place to work for doctors and employees. Dr Naidu shares, “Our USP and Mission are: Providing affordable quality care to our patients with patient-centric systems and processes.”

Enabling clinical outcome-driven excellence by engaging modern medical technology and providing a strong impetus for doctors to pursue academics and medical research how Dr Naidu and his team at ONUS give personalized care to every individual, and they follow their core values: Compassionate Care, Clear Communication, Highly Empathetic, Positive Team and Family Spirit, Pursue Growth and Innovation, Patient-Centric Hospital, Responsible, Reliability, Respect, and WOW Through Service. Dr Naidu says, “We promise you Greet and listen, Privacy, and Safe Care.”

Dr Balaraju Naidu is currently positioned as one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in India because of his excellent patient-centric services and outcomes, with more than 4000 happy patients and 5-star rating feedback.

Changing Patient’s Lives 

As an orthopaedic doctor, Dr Naidu specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The services include providing comprehensive evaluations, offering treatment options, and performing surgical procedures when necessary. Moreover, he always endeavours to make a difference in arthritis patients’ lives and restore mobility.

Dr Naidu shares his experience of robotics surgery, “I was fortunate to perform total knee replacement surgery with a fully active CUVIS Joint Robotic System and found the system a class apart.” He adds that it undertakes a personalized pre-planning approach to deliver the utmost accuracy and safety. As it has better Implant positioning and alignment with much lower chances of human error or soft tissue Injuries, the surgery helps patients with early rehabilitation and mobility to increase overall postoperative satisfaction.

CUVIS – World’s First Active Robotic System

According to Dr Naidu, CUVIS provides unmatched features and benefits, including,

Simplicity; Accuracy; Flexibility; and Safety.

~ Moreover, it results in more accurate cuts and implant placement.

~Reduces the risk of injury to adjacent tissues and lessens the risk of infection.

~Lower blood loss and smaller incisions help in quicker recovery.

~Early rehabilitation leads to early discharge from the hospital.

~Thus, improved quality of life.

Distinguished Leader 

Being an accomplished leader, what sets Dr Naidu apart is his commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and techniques in orthopaedics. He continuously develops professionally and attends conferences to pursue emerging technologies and evidence-based practices. Not just this, he also cares for his patients, invests in understanding their unique needs, concerns, and goals, and develops tailored treatment plans accordingly. He focuses on a collaborative approach, involves patients in their care decisions, and provides them with the necessary information to make informed choices.

Additionally, as physical aspects of orthopaedic conditions and the emotional and social factors can impact recovery, Dr Naidu emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care. For that, he addresses the entire well-being of his patients, strives to optimize their outcomes and enhances their quality of life.

Orthopedics, Robotics and Benefits

The use of robotics in orthopaedics brings several immersive benefits to patients.

Precision and Accuracy: Robotics-assisted orthopaedic surgery allows for higher precision and accuracy in surgical procedures. It can result in improved surgical outcomes, reduced complications, and faster patient recovery times.

Personalized Treatment: Robotics enables personalized treatment planning for each patient. Before the surgery, detailed imaging data is used to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s anatomy. Surgeons can then use this model to develop a customized surgical plan, optimizing the procedure specifically for them.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Robotic systems often facilitate minimally invasive surgery, with smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. It can lead to reduced trauma to the surrounding tissues, less blood loss, and faster healing. Patients typically experience smaller scars, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

Enhanced Safety: Such surgery offers increased safety measures during the procedure. The real-time feedback helps surgeons avoid potential risks and precisely navigate critical structures. The chances of errors or complications are minimized, ensuring a safer surgical experience for patients.

Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation: It contributes to shorter recovery times. Minimally invasive procedures and accurate implant placement can reduce tissue damage, less postoperative pain, and quicker rehabilitation. Patients may experience improved joint function and return to their normal activities sooner.

However, while robotics in orthopaedics brings many benefits, each patient’s situation is unique, says Dr Naidu. Thus, he advises consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in robotic-assisted procedures to help determine the best course of action based on individual needs and circumstances.

Decades of Success 

Dr Balaraju Naidu has decades of successful operative experience. In addition, he implements cutting-edge technology like Computer Navigation and hi-flexion knees to optimize the treatment outcomes. He provides an individualized postoperative plan combining physical therapy and medications depending on the patient’s needs and requirements. Revision joint reconstruction to manage a failed joint replacement is another challenging procedure, and with his skills, Dr Naidu has dealt with the same with specialized expertise. He has an experience at the Omega Institute of Orthopaedics.

Dr Naidu and the team ensure that the patients leave the Hospital with a positive outcome. For complex problems like painful joints such as Congenital Hip Dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease, fractures, infections, avascular necrosis, and osteopetrosis, the unit provides optimum results with expertise to ensure these young patients have the best care and comfort. The unit has also become a Reference Centre for the training of navigated joint replacement surgeries for many trainees all over India.

Impact of Robotics

The adoption of modern technologies like robotics has had a significant impact on the modern orthopaedic treatment sector. Robotic-assisted surgeries offer several benefits, including improved precision, enhanced visualization, and reduced invasiveness. It results in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and decreased patient complications.

Additionally, they assist orthopaedic surgeons in performing procedures with higher accuracy and control. They can help with joint replacement surgeries, spine surgeries, and other orthopaedic procedures. Robotics also allows surgeons to better preoperative planning and simulation and decide the optimal surgical approach.

Fighting the Challenges 

According to Dr Naidu, there are many challenges the healthcare industry faces, and he recommends potential strategies to overcome them.

Embracing and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies can be a challenge. Hospitals can address this by investing in digital infrastructure, adopting electronic health records (EHRs), and implementing telemedicine solutions to improve accessibility and efficiency. Protecting patient data from cyber threats is crucial. Healthcare organizations can prioritize cybersecurity measures, including regular system audits, staff training, and implementing strong encryption protocols.

Moreover, cost management is a significant challenge. To reduce expenses, clinics and hospitals can focus on optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining workflows, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and exploring alternative payment models. The next challenge is Healthcare workforce shortages in certain regions, and for that, Organizations can promote education and training programs, provide competitive compensation packages, and leverage technology to automate tasks and ease the burden on staff.

Improving patient satisfaction is vital for clinics and hospitals. It can be achieved by enhancing communication channels, offering personalized care, reducing wait times, and implementing continuous patient feedback mechanisms to improve services. Regulatory compliance is one more challenge the industry faces, and to overcome this, Hospitals can invest in dedicated compliance teams, regularly educate staff on regulatory updates, and establish robust policies and procedures to ensure adherence.

Advice to Budding Professionals

For aspirants who wish to venture into the orthopaedic treatments industry, here are a few pieces of advice from Dr Naidu:

Acquire a solid medical educational foundation, followed by specialized training in orthopaedics. Stay updated with the latest advancements and techniques in the field. Also, seek opportunities to work in hospitals or clinics where you can observe and assist experienced orthopaedic professionals. Hands-on experience is crucial for honing your skills and understanding patient care.

Moreover, to build a network and connect with orthopaedic surgeons, physicians, and other professionals in the field. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded individuals and stay informed about industry trends. Stay committed to lifelong learning by participating in continuing education programs, reading medical journals, and engaging in professional development activities.

Develop good communication skills for patients, their families, and colleagues. Be a compassionate listener and an empathetic communicator to establish trust and provide excellent patient care. To cultivate strong teamwork, collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure comprehensive patient care. Last, develop adaptability and resilience to handle unexpected situations, stay updated with new treatment methods, and embrace innovation.

Future Expansion

Dr Naidu says they have already devised a plan for ONUS’s future.  

Infrastructure: Expanding physical infrastructure, such as adding more buildings, beds, and medical equipment, can help accommodate a larger patient volume and provide a broader range of services.

Technology: Advanced technologies like electronic health records, telemedicine, and remote monitoring can enhance efficiency, accessibility, and the scope of healthcare services.

Specialized Departments: This can cater to specific medical specialities, enabling the hospital to offer comprehensive care in those areas.

Staffing: Hiring and training additional healthcare professionals can meet increased demand and offer wider services.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Forming partnerships with other healthcare institutions, research centres, or universities can facilitate knowledge sharing, research collaborations, and the development of innovative treatments.

Patient-centric Approach: Focusing on patient satisfaction and experience by providing personalized care, implementing portals for easy access to medical information, and offering convenience-driven services can attract and retain patients.

Preventive and Wellness Programs: Preventive care initiatives, health education programs, and wellness services can promote healthier communities and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

Dr M Balaraju Naidu is

• MS(ORTHO), DNB(ORTHO), MNAMS.

• Fellow in Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, Modena, Italy.

• Fellowship in Hip and Knee Joint Replacements Cardiff, United Kingdom

• Fellow in Hip Replacement Surgery, Milan, Italy.

• Fellow in Computer Navigation Replacement Surgery, Tubingen, Germany.

• Fellow in Peri Prosthetic Fracture Fixation, Lyon, France.

• Advanced Management Programme for Healthcare(AMPH)-ISB.

• Chief and Head of the Department of Robotic Robotic Joint Replacements, Arthroscopic Knee and Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine and Trauma Surgery.

• Managing Director, ONUS HOSPITALS.

Book your appointment now https://www.onushospitals.com/doctor-appointment/dr.balaraju-naidu