It's perfectly normal and even encouraged to have questions about robotic hip or knee replacement. We're dedicated to ensuring our patients feel well-informed and at ease before undergoing their robotic joint replacement surgeries. To assist in keeping our patients' minds at ease, we're here to address some frequently asked questions about these procedures.
Discover the most common Q & A about robotic hip and knee replacement.
What is robotic joint replacement ?
Robotic-assisted joint replacement is a minimally invasive surgical technique that utilizes a robotic arm. Before the procedure, a 3D image of your damaged joint is used by your surgeon to formulate a surgical plan which is then programmed into the robotic arm.
Does the robot perform the surgery?
No. Your orthopedic surgeon is in full control of the robotic arm, guiding it in making incisions, removing damaged tissue, and placing the joint implant. Your robotic surgeon will use the robotic arm as a tool for better precision and accuracy while her or she is performing the joint replacement surgery.
What are the benefits of robotic hip and knee replacement?
Compared to traditional joint replacement, there are several advantages to both patients and surgeons using robotic technology in joint replacement. Due to the minimally invasive procedure and enhanced precision in the operating room, patients can benefit from shorter hospital stays, less scarring, achieving a natural more configurable joint placement and outcome. While there are complication risks associated with any joint replacement procedure, robotic hip and knee replacement actually have lowered complication risks compared to traditional hip and knee replacement.1,2
How long does the procedure last?
While the length of the procedure will vary from patient to patient, you can expect the robotic joint replacement to take approximately one hour.
What does the recovery process look like?
In most cases, patients undergoing robotic hip or knee replacement will be able to leave the hospital the same or next day following their surgery, and recover in comfort at home. Many patients can bear weight and even walk on their new implant just a few hours after the procedure. Physical therapy will be necessary to ensure you are recovering adequately. Depending on the joint replaced, a complete recovery can occur anywhere between 2-6 months.
Robotic hip and knee replacement represents a superior treatment alternative for individuals afflicted with osteoarthritis, injury, or enduring joint discomfort. If you have other concerns or questions regarding robotic joint replacement, Dr. Andrew Ehmke is happy to answer them!
AUTHOR: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.
- https://www.newswise.com/articles/study-finds-knee-replacement-with-robotic-assistance-leads-to-lower-complication-rate-first-90-days-after-surgery#:~:text=Robotic%2Dassisted%20surgery%20also%20led,Westrich%20noted
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992373/#:~:text=The%20lower%20rate%20of%20intraoperative,risks%20of%20intraoperative%20femoral%20fracture
