The knee joint is one of the most crucial joints in the body, which helps us move about in a stable manner, all our lives. While normal wear and tear can be expected as someone ages, too much can also be bad. This can manifest in the form of severe pain, low range of motion, poor flexibility, and even cause long-term instability-related issues. When all conventional, non-surgical methods have failed to work for someone who has to deal with debilitating pain on a daily basis, joint replacement surgery can be a boon to help restore mobility and improve quality of life. Robotic Knee Replacement is a type of joint replacement surgery that uses a very specialised robot to assist an experienced surgeon during knee replacement surgery.
What is Robotic Knee Surgery?
Robotic knee surgery is a specialized type of joint replacement surgery under orthopaedic robotics, where a surgeon uses a robotic assistant to first create a 3-D model of the joint. This model is created using a CT or MRI scan, and it can help the surgeon understand the extent of damage that has occurred, what kind of prosthetic is needed and how the implant can be precisely aligned in the right way, to ensure the best fit overall. The robot makes a great assistant as it can give the surgeon real-time feedback and provide imaging at the same time, while also allowing smaller and better placed incisions – all of which can culminate in shorter healing times and lesser bleeding.
It is definitely better than conventional knee replacement surgery as the surgeon will need to make a long incision, which can scar prominently. The surgical field is very limited and the surgeon needs to manipulate a lot of the surrounding tissue to get a better view and angle- resulting in more damage. The procedure takes a long time and the alignment needs to be perfect, or it can become problematic in the future.
Why Choose Robotic Knee Surgery?
Here are a few reasons as to why robotic surgery wins hands down in the joint replacement surgery arena today-
- Robotic knee surgery also ensures lesser blood loss, minimal scarring, and can help create a more personalised treatment plan.
- It allows for great pre-operative planning, as it provides an accurate 3D model of the patient’s knee joint. This is when the surgeon will require all information to formulate the necessary course of action.
- During surgery itself, the robot can give real-time feedback on where the bone needs to be cut, the alignment of the knee and how much it can rotate. This will help the experienced surgeon guide the robotic arm which has various specialised instruments attached to it, to make the right incision at the right time.
- In the end, the robot really only assists the surgeon in doing a better job, so that the joint is properly aligned, the implant is properly placed, and is not too tight or loose. This can provide a more natural fit and improve functional stability in the long run.
- During surgery, small instruments are used, which means that incisions are smaller and the right place to cut is also well known, which means that when the instruments proceed, they will not disturb the surrounding soft tissue unnecessarily, preventing soft tissue injury. This translates to a lesser recovery time.
- Robotic knee surgery also ensures lesser blood loss, minimal scarring, and can help create a more personalised treatment plan.
Conclusion
Robotic joint replacement ensures that there is lesser risk of complications, during the recovery and rehabilitation period. But, it is still important to remember that joint replacement surgery is a major procedure and that not everyone is an ideal candidate for robotic surgery. You should still pay attention to what you eat, how you move and ensure that you do all physical therapy exercises regularly. Since robotic surgery ensures precision knee replacement, you can expect to get back to life sooner, rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robotic knee replacement surgery?
Robotic knee replacement surgery uses computer-assisted robotic technology to help surgeons perform knee joint replacement with greater precision. During the procedure, a 3D model of the patient’s knee is created using CT or MRI scans. The robotic system then guides the surgeon in removing damaged bone and cartilage and placing the implant with exact alignment and balance, based on the patient’s anatomy.
How does robotic knee replacement reduce soft tissue damage?
The use of robotic guidance reduces soft tissue damage by allowing accurate cuts and movements within pre-set boundaries. The robot ensures that surgical instruments stay within the planned area, preventing unnecessary injury to muscles, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. This precision can lead to less bleeding, reduced pain, and faster rehabilitation.
Is robotic knee replacement better than traditional surgery?
Compared to traditional knee replacement, robotic surgery offers better implant positioning and improved joint stability. These advantages can enhance movement, reduce wear on the implant, and improve long-term function. However, the surgeon’s expertise remains the most important factor in achieving a successful outcome.
What is the recovery time after robotic knee replacement?
Recovery after robotic knee replacement is often faster due to smaller incisions and reduced soft tissue trauma. Many patients begin gentle movement within a day of surgery and progress to walking with support soon after. Full recovery and return to normal activities usually occur within six to twelve weeks, depending on fitness and adherence to physiotherapy.