A Robotic TKR (total knee replacement) is similar to a traditional knee replacement. The difference is the surgeon performs the surgery with assistance from a robotic arm. The surgeon removes damaged tissue in your knee and replaces it with an artificial joint.
Robotic assistant technology allows more precise and accurate placement of the implant, which can result in a faster recovery and natural feeling outcome for the patient.
The procedure begins with creating a 3D model of the patient’s knee using advanced imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans. The robotic system then uses this model to plan the surgery and create a personalised surgical plan for each patient.
Benefits of a robotic knee replacement include:
- Improved accuracy and precision of implant placement.
- Less damage to surrounding tissues.
- Reduced pain.
- Natural feeling joint
- Faster recovery times.
- A potentially longer lifespan for the implant.
The preliminary goal of screening is to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for robotic knee replacement. These are some of the prominent factors that are typically considered during the screening process:
Age: While age is not necessarily a deciding factor, patients in their 60s or older may be more likely to experience age-related health issues that could affect the outcome of the surgery.
Overall Health & Wellness: Patients should be healthy enough to undergo robotic knee replacement surgery. Patients with chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, or diabetes may not be fit to undergo a robotic knee replacement surgery.
Joint damage: Patients with severe knee joint damage may be more suitable for robotic knee replacement surgery than those with less severe damage.
Knee stability: Patients with stable knees may be better suited for robotic knee replacement surgery than those with unstable knees.
Previous surgeries: Patients who have undergone previous knee surgeries may or may not be suitable candidates for robotic knee replacement surgery.
Expectations: Patients must have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery and be willing to achieve the following rehabilitation process.
Robotic joint replacement is a surgical procedure that uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing the joint replacement. The process for robotic joint replacement typically involves the following steps:
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
The treatment process starts with an initial consultation with the dedicated orthopaedic surgeon, who will evaluate the patient’s condition and determine whether they are a right fit for joint replacement surgery.
Step 2 – Pre-operative Planning
Before the surgery, the surgeon will use avant imaging technology to create an intricate 3D model of the patient’s joint. This 3D model is used to plan the surgery and determine the optimal placement of the prosthetic joint.
Step 3 – Surgical Procedure
The surgeon will use the robotic arm for assistance and replace the damaged joint with a prosthetic joint. The patient will be under general anaesthesia during the surgery.
Step 4 – Postoperative Care
After the surgery, patients typically spend a few days in the hospital to monitor their recovery. The physical therapy specialist will also prescribe therapy and rehabilitation exercises to help them regain strength and mobility in the knees.
Robotic total knee replacement offers several advantages over traditional surgery. The robotic arm allows for greater precision and accuracy in the placement of the prosthetic joint, which can result in a natural feeling and a longer-lasting joint. Additionally, the minimally invasive procedure can lead to less pain, scarring and a faster recovery time for the patient. The patient can even walk home the next day.
While knee replacement surgery can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from severe knee pain and damage, there are some preventive lifestyle changes that people can adopt to delay or avoid the need for surgery:
Exercise regularly: Regular workouts or even low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, can help the muscles around your knees strengthen and reduce strain on the joints.
Maintain a healthy weight: being overweight can strain your knee joint and cause wear and tear. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce strain and prevent damage to the knee joints.
Protect your knees: Using proper technique when exercising or performing physical tasks can help to prevent injuries that can lead to knee damage. Wearing supportive shoes and knee pads when appropriate can also help to protect the knee joint.
Avoid high-impact activities: Refrain from high-impact activities involving sudden stops or jumping, as it can put the knee joints under a lot of stress and increase the risk of injury and damage.
Treat knee injuries promptly: Your knees are the most stressed joints in your body. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience a knee injury to reduce the need for surgery.
