KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17: Dr. Tariq Rushdi, a consulting orthopedic surgeon specializing in artificial joint procedures at Al-Razi Hospital, affirmed that knee and hip joint replacements stand as remarkably successful surgical interventions, emphasizing their notably high success rates, reports Al-Rai daily.

During a lecture at Sinmar Hall within Sabah Al-Salem University's administrative building in Al-Shadadiya, Dr. Rushdi, who conducted Kuwait's first total knee joint replacement utilizing robotic assistance, expounded on detrimental practices that contribute to knee osteoarthritis, a condition affecting many individuals.

Factors such as sports injuries and prolonged sitting on the floor were identified as potential causes. He stressed the importance of a gradual treatment approach before resorting to knee replacement surgery, urging those dealing with knee osteoarthritis to seek medical attention without delay.

He put at rest another misconception since many were of the opinion that the robot acts as a surgeon. He said the robot is not the operative entity; rather, it serves as a valuable aid to the surgeon, assisting in precise measurements and accurate placement of the artificial joint during the surgery.

This collaboration, he said, ensures an improved outcome for the patient, although the ultimate decision-making authority during the operation rests with the consultant surgeon, not the robot.

On another note, Fatima Bahman, the Director of the Community Service and Continuing Education Center at Kuwait University, affirmed that the informative lecture was a part of this year's academic agenda, focusing on enlightening students about the health aspects of various diseases, their symptoms, and preventive measures.

She mentioned that the agenda includes other informative sessions covering religious, social, sports, recreational, and legal topics, all aimed at equipping students with valuable knowledge to tackle life challenges and enhance their academic success.

Bahman noted the enthusiastic response from the audience during the lecture on knee osteoarthritis, underscoring the importance of Dr. Tariq's engaging delivery, which significantly impacted the students' engagement and understanding of the subject matter.