SINGAPORE – A game-changing advancement in knee replacement surgery has emerged from Alexandra Hospital, thanks to an innovative AI-powered algorithm that significantly reduces the time needed for the procedure by up to 50%.

This groundbreaking technology utilizes artificial intelligence integrated within robotic systems to precisely determine the optimal positioning of implants in mere seconds, revolutionizing the traditional surgical process that has been in place for years. Total knee replacements are common in Singapore, with around 6,000 procedures performed annually, highlighting the need for improvements in surgical efficiency and accuracy.

Historically, achieving the correct alignment of implants has been a meticulous and time-consuming task, with surgeons dedicating about 15 minutes during operations to plan and adjust the positioning of the femur and tibia. This critical decision-making process has always occurred in real-time within the operating room, relying on various imaging techniques like X-rays and MRIs, which do not provide adequate information about a patient’s full range of knee movement.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Glen Liau from Alexandra Hospital, alongside medical students Dr. Matthew Ng and Mr. Ryan Loke, devised this advanced algorithm. Their combined expertise in coding allowed them to develop the technology swiftly, within just one week. The algorithm can evaluate thousands of potential implant placements and guarantee accuracy to within 0.5mm in less than 0.1 seconds.

A study conducted on 67 patients who underwent robotic total knee replacements between November 2021 and December 2023 revealed remarkable results. The operations that incorporated this AI algorithm achieved a staggering 92% accuracy within 1.5mm, compared to only 52% accuracy for those that did not utilize the technology.

Moreover, the time taken for surgical planning dropped dramatically; the algorithm enabled planning to be completed in approximately one minute, compared to over 14 minutes without it. As a direct outcome, the overall surgical time decreased from about 73 minutes to just 38 minutes when using the AI system. Patients expressed heightened satisfaction with their surgeries, attributing their positive experiences to improved alignment and reduced complications.

Dr. Liau remarked, “The results from our study suggest that this innovation could transform the landscape of robotic knee replacement surgery moving forward.” He emphasized that the reduction in surgery duration could lead to decreased infection risks and less time under anesthesia, further enhancing patient safety and recovery.

Further research is underway to fully assess the algorithm's long-term effects. In August 2024, the team filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty to protect their invention globally, building on an initial Singapore patent logged in October 2023. Their work garnered significant recognition at the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty congress in the US, where it received the prestigious P Balasubramaniam Young Orthopaedic Investigator’s Award.

Since the introduction of this innovative method, approximately 200 patients have benefitted from the new technology. Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, with 73-year-old housewife Rita Sarswathi sharing her experience of experiencing no pain after undergoing knee surgeries for both legs. Similarly, retired ship repairman Wong Chee Meng regained his ability to hike after a successful right knee replacement and is looking forward to future surgery for his left knee.

As discussions continue with various companies to commercialize this groundbreaking technology, Alexandra Hospital is positioned at the forefront of a medical evolution in knee surgery, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can lead to faster, safer, and more effective patient care.

Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary medical advancement that could reshape the future of orthopedic surgery!