How Robotics Improves Precision in Complex Hip Surgeries

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures to be performed, as hip pain, stiffness and poor mobility are common complaints. But, the procedure itself demands a lot of preparation and precision – as a successful vs. unsuccessful hip implant is only a few millimetres off. Robot assisted hip surgery is a great way to ensure there is greater accuracy  and precision- to help reduce possible leg length discrepancies, improve the position of the implant and for better postoperative stability in the long term. 

When Is Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery Useful?

Complex hip reconstructions demand greater expertise and greater precision or placement of the implant- as the stakes are that much higher. Complex hip surgeries are called so because there is some gross anatomical abnormality, if there is pre-existing implant or hardware that needs to be worked with, high amounts of bone loss or if you require revision hip replacement surgery. 

How Precision Hip Surgery Can Help with Complex Hip Conditions-

Let us look at a few examples where robotic hip replacement can help plan procedures better- 

If someone has had an acetabular fracture before and they needed an open reduction with internal fixation, using plates and screws- we can check with the 3D model if the existing hardware can be retained with the new implant or if the older parts need to be removed.

If a person has had an anatomical abnormality or surgeries in their adolescence or childhood, their anatomy has changed a lot, but the older hardware is still present. High resolution CT scans can help construct a 3D model of the joint, which can allow the surgeon to help place the implant properly.

If there is significant distortion of anatomy, then we can see if additional implant parts will be necessary. You may require less common sizes or models and we can get them for you in advance and use it on the day of the surgery, instead of having to wait until then. Planning such a procedure also becomes easier with the robotic arm.

Revision surgery- When there is an infection at the implant, the implant is removed and an antibiotic spacer is placed there. While the infection goes away, the patient cannot use their hip due to bone loss and substantial leg length differences. The robotic arm can be used to reproduce anatomy of the hip joint almost exactly, so that the implant can match that of the native hip.

Benefits Of Robotic Hip Surgery-

1. The main advantages include minimal scarring and loss of blood, less damage to surrounding tissue as they are not manipulated, much less risk of suffering from unwanted complications and promises a swifter recovery, when compared to open surgery. 
2. However, it is always good to know that not everyone qualifies for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery or that robotic surgery may not be used for you specifically due to some underlying condition or other problem.

Conclusion

While robotic hip replacement surgery has been used often for relatively normal cases and manual surgeries are preferred for complex cases, it is time we understand how to utilize the advanced capabilities of the robotic arm in other cases too. To learn more about robotic assisted hip replacement, please get in touch with us at Dr. Adarsh’s Clinic today! 

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