For many years, robotic technologies have been improving medical procedures and healthcare. Recently, this advanced technology has been introduced to robotic knee replacement surgery. So, what does this advancement mean for you if you’re considering a knee replacement? And how does it impact orthopedic surgeons?
Knee replacements are known for being among the safest and most effective surgeries, with low complication risks and long-lasting improvements in quality of life. However, robotic knee replacement surgery has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction even further.
The ROSA® Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant designed for use in total knee replacement procedures.
What is robotic knee replacement surgery?
When we mention robotic knee replacement surgery, we are referring to the method used for performing the procedure, not the type of artificial joint that is implanted. In other words, you will not have a robotic knee joint following the surgery.
Instead, robotic knee replacement involves using robotic technology to enhance accuracy and precision during the surgery. The ROSA® Knee System and the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution are examples of robotic surgical assistants designed for knee replacement procedures.
And if you’re wondering whether the robot performs the surgery by itself, the answer is no.
The robot assists in performing the surgery but does not carry out the surgery independently. Its role in robotic knee replacement surgery is to give surgeons real-time information to ensure that the new joint is accurately positioned according to the patient’s unique anatomy. While the robot offers guidance for enhanced precision, the skill of your doctor remains crucial. Therefore, it’s essential to choose an orthopedic surgeon who is experienced in total knee replacements..
Is robotic knee replacement surgery a new technology?
Robotic technology itself is not new. Surgeons first used robotic-arm-assisted technology for partial knee replacements in 2006. Since then, millions of robotic-assisted procedures have been performed on various parts of the body.
They keep making refinements in terms of the technology. We’ve been waiting for robotic technology to get to the point where it makes sense for our patients – and now it has.
By investing in this technology, we’re able to offer an option that is not widely available in other healthcare systems.
What happens during robotic-assisted knee replacement?
Essentially, robotic knee replacement surgery is the same as traditional knee surgery, with the only difference being the use of advanced technology. In all knee replacement surgeries, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the joint and kneecap. An artificial joint, made from metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers, is then implanted.
Robotic technology enables doctors to be more precise and accurate when making surgical bone cuts, releasing soft tissue, and positioning the implant. This improved accuracy is due to the additional information that doctors can use during the procedure.
Before a robotic knee replacement surgery using a robotic surgical assistant, X-rays of your knee are taken to gather detailed information about your unique anatomy. These X-rays help in planning the procedure, including determining the optimal locations for the surgical cuts and the placement of the knee implant.
During the procedure, the robotic assistant uses cameras and optical tracking to monitor the precise position of your leg. It provides continuous feedback to your surgeon through infrared cameras and optical trackers, helping them make real-time decisions, enhance the customization of the surgery, and improve visibility.
If your leg moves even slightly the robot adjusts to ensure the surgery remains as precise and accurate as possible. We can alter the measurements of the cuts by as little as one millimeter to achieve the exact outcome desired.
The ROSA® Knee System includes a flexible arm that aids in achieving precise joint replacement.
Who is a candidate for robotic knee surgery?
If you are a candidate for a total knee replacement, robotic-assisted surgery may be an option for you.
Robotic knee surgery can be suitable for anyone, but it is especially beneficial for patients with complex needs, previous knee trauma, or prior surgeries. In these challenging cases, the robotic technology can provide significant assistance.
In particular, a robotic-assisted knee replacement may be an excellent choice if you have:
- Damage to the femur from an injury
- Advanced osteoarthritis from age-related cartilage thinning
- Damage to or around the knee
- Previous surgeries or hardware in the femur or tibia near the knee
Is robotic surgery better for knee replacement?
It’s too soon to determine if robotic knee replacement yields better results compared to traditional surgical methods. However, we anticipate that robotic technology will keep advancing and improving over time.
It’s considered a glimpse into the future. As we gather more data from robotic-assisted surgeries, we will be able to refine the procedure further. Hopefully, this will lead to even higher levels of patient satisfaction.
We’ve covered some of these points already, but here’s what we know so far about the potential advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery:
A less invasive knee replacement surgery option
Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform knee replacements with greater precision, potentially minimizing disruption to bone and tissue. This could lead to a shorter recovery time for you.
A better implant fit
One feature of ROSA is its ability to collect extensive data, which helps us assess how the knee will function. Since each person’s knees are unique, systems like ROSA and VELYS allow surgeons to tailor the knee replacement to an individual’s unique anatomy, potentially resulting in a well-aligned fit and a more natural feel.
Recovery time
Whether you undergo robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery or traditional surgery, you’ll need time to heal. Physical therapy will be necessary to restore strength and mobility, and you might need medication for a few weeks to manage pain during your recovery.
With robotic-assisted surgery, you might experience a shorter recovery time. While traditional knee replacement typically requires about 4-6 weeks for patients to resume normal activities such as driving or returning to work.
Greater patient satisfaction
Knee replacement procedures generally have a high success rate. In one study, 96% of implants lasted more than 10 years, with 90% lasting for 20 years. However, patient satisfaction rates can present a different perspective.
The data shows that around 85% of people are very satisfied with their knee replacements, compared to about 95% for total hip replacements. One goal of offering robotic knee replacement surgery is to improve patient satisfaction with knee replacements.
What are the potential risks or drawbacks?
robotic knee replacement surgery carries the same risks and disadvantages as traditional knee surgery. These include the potential for infection, knee stiffness, ongoing knee pain, or an implant that does not perform as expected for the patient or doctor.
Complication rates with traditional knee replacement surgery are low, with 95% of people not experiencing problems. It is not yet clear if robotic surgery will further lower the risk of complications.
All health plans are required to cover part of the cost of knee replacement, including robotic-assisted knee surgery. However, it’s a good idea to check with your health plan to determine how much of the procedure they will cover.
Deciding to have a knee replacement is a significant decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. We will support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation through to your recovery, ensuring you receive the best knee replacement treatment.
Please let us know if you have any questions and do leave a comment
Contact us for more details:
Total Orthocare
59 A, MNR Complex,
Near Steel Factory Bus Stop,
Dodda Banaswadi Main Road,
Bengaluru-560043 Phone: 080-4370 1281 Mob
