Robotic knee replacement, also known as robotic knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses robotic technology to repair a damaged knee. The procedure uses a hand held robot arm to make incisions. This makes it less invasive than traditional conventional methods of knee replacement.
The procedure is similar to that used in regular knee replacement, whereby the orthopedic surgeon replaces affected knee tissues with an artificial joint after removing the damaged ones. The difference is that the procedure is done with assistance from a robotic arm.
Anybody can undergo robotic knee surgery. It is particularly beneficial for those with complex needs, injuries, or previous knee surgery.
Ideally, a robotic-assisted knee replacement may be a good option for individuals who have:
Robotic knee surgery is similar to conventional minimally invasive knee surgery however the key difference is the technology involved, which provides a higher level of precision and accuracy when cutting surgically through bone, releasing soft tissue, and positioning the implant.
All knee replacement surgeries begin with the removal of the kneecap’s deteriorated bone and cartilage, followed by the implantation of an artificial joint comprised of metal alloys, premium plastics, and polymers.
Before robotic knee surgery, an X-ray of the patient’s knee is done to get in-depth details about the specific anatomy of the knee. The X-ray will then be used to plan out the procedure including the ideal places for surgical incisions and the knee implant.
During the procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, the robot uses cameras and optical lens tracking to follow the exact position of the patient’s leg. The robot adapts whenever the patient’s leg moves even a little bit, to make the surgery as precise and accurate as possible.
The measurements of the cuts may be adjusted by the surgeon if he/she finds it necessary to achieve the predetermined objective in the procedure.
The use of more exact incisions and assistance in achieving appropriate alignment during robotic knee replacement may result in a better and faster recovery. After surgery, the surgeon and the care team will monitor the patient closely, provide pain relief medication and map out a plan for at-home recovery.
Robotic knee replacement has shown promising results in terms of improving the accuracy of implant placement and reducing the risk of complications such as implant loosening and instability. However, the experience and skill of the surgeon is still going to be the primary success factor, combined with any other factors such as case complexity.
The main difference between traditional knee replacement and robotic knee replacement is the level of precision and accuracy in which the implant is placed. Robotic knee replacement uses computer-aided technology to create a 3D model of the patient's knee and the robotic device assists the surgeon in making more precise cuts and more accurate positioning of the implant, customised to each patient.
Potential advantages of robotic knee replacement include: - Smaller incisions - Reduced blood loss - Reduced post-operative pain and swelling - Shorter hospital stays - Faster recovery times - Better long-term outcomes and joint function
A robotic knee replacement (robotic knee arthroplasty) is a minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedure where the surgeon uses a robotic arm (hand held) to guide and assist (via 3D modelling) with the removal of damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint and the placement of an artificial knee implant.
