Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai

Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai – About Us

Meet Dr Z Moonda

Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai is a highly skilled specialist practicing at Melomed Tokai and Gatesville. Dr Zaheer Moonda obtained his undergraduate medical degree at Wits University in 1997. He then completed his internship at Groote Schuur Hospital before spending two years in the UK. During this time, he gained experience in various disciplines, including orthopaedics. After returning to South Africa, he worked at a GP practice in Midrand, Johannesburg, where he developed expertise in general practice and evidence-based patient care.

Services Offered by Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai

• Hip Arthroplasty
• Knee Arthroplasty
• Robotic Arthroplasty
• Joint Preservation

Knee Arthroplasty

Knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery) helps relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the thigh bone, kneecap, and shin bone, replacing them with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made from high-grade plastics, metal alloys, and polymers.

To determine whether knee replacement is suitable, Dr Moonda assesses your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of the damage. If you’re experiencing severe knee pain, contact Dr Moonda for a comprehensive consultation. He will evaluate your symptoms and medical history before recommending the most effective treatment options.

Why Knee Arthroplasty is Necessary

Knee replacement surgery primarily reduces severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. Patients who need knee replacements often struggle with walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting comfortably. Some also experience knee pain while at rest.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr Moonda uses a minimally invasive procedure that allows a magnified view of the joint through a specialised scope. The scope consists of a flexible fibre optic tube with a small camera, transferring images to a monitor for precision during surgery.

Why Hip Arthroplasty is Necessary

Several conditions may require hip arthroplasty, including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An overactive immune system causes inflammation, eroding cartilage and underlying bone. This results in damaged and deformed joints.
• Osteoarthritis: Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, it damages the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones.
• Osteonecrosis: Insufficient blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint can lead to bone deformation and collapse.

Robotic Arthroplasty with Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai

Robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery is used for total and partial knee replacements as well as total hip replacements. During joint replacement procedures, Dr Moonda removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces them with artificial components made from high-grade plastic, metal alloys, and polymers.

Types of Robotic Arthroplasty Procedures

• Knee Replacement: A total knee replacement replaces the entire joint. A partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint.
• Total Hip Replacement: Both sections of the joint are removed and replaced.

How Robotic Arthroplasty Works

At Melomed Hospitals, a CT scan before surgery helps plan precisely how much bone should be removed. This maximises the accuracy of implant placement and alignment. The robotic arm ensures precise execution of the surgical plan, preserving as much healthy bone as possible.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery

• Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions and greater surgical precision result in less tissue disruption, speeding up healing.
• Increased Accuracy: Customised implants lead to a more natural post-surgical feel.

Joint Preservation

Joint preservation involves surgical and non-surgical techniques to protect deteriorating joints, delaying or avoiding joint replacement surgery. These procedures lower the risk of complications such as infections and implant failures.

When is Joint Preservation Used?

It is performed in the late stages of osteoarthritis when other treatments fail. The goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and preserve cartilage.

Types of Joint Preservation Techniques

• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections reduce joint inflammation.
• Cartilage Transplant: This involves replacing damaged cartilage with healthy cartilage from another source.
• Partial Replacement: This technique replaces only the affected part of the joint, preserving most of the natural bone.

Recovery After Surgery with Dr Moonda Orthopaedic Surgeon Tokai

Post-surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, or longer if necessary. Pain medication is administered, and vital signs are monitored. With minimally invasive procedures, symptom relief is often immediate. Patients may recover fully within weeks to months, depending on the procedure’s success.

The day after surgery, a physical therapist assists in walking. Some patients choose rehabilitation facilities for extra care. Preparing for recovery is essential—arrange for transportation and home assistance for a smoother healing process.