The innovation of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery has been revolutionary for the precision with which surgeons perform knee replacements. Robotic technology involves a specialized surgeon with advanced training in using robotics to perform complex joint replacements with a degree of accuracy and precision that is not obtained in traditional knee surgery. The surgeon controls the robotic arm during the surgery while receiving visual, auditory, and haptic responses in real-time.
The most impressive outcome of robotic technology has been the reporting of increased patient satisfaction with their surgical aftermath. Many patients report that their knee implant feels "more natural" when replaced with robotic technology." The focus on soft tissue preservation has contributed to the success and accelerated the recovery of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery1.
Here is a list of how robotic technology can improve your knee replacement surgery:
- Less surgical complications: there are fewer risks of surgical complications such as postsurgical infections due to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery.
- Shorter hospital stays: robotic surgery is minimally invasive and typically performed in an outpatient setting. Robotic technology allows patients to return to their home's comfort either the same day or after an overnight stay.
- A natural, comfortable fit: the ability to keep more of the healthy bone, tendon, muscles and ligaments make for a more comfortable fit of the knee replacement with a natural range of motion to your new knee.
- Longer-lasting knee replacement: robotic-assisted techniques are associated with increased accuracy and precision in knee placement, creating a longer-lasting joint.
- Fewer Surgical Complications: There are fewer risks of surgical complications such as postsurgical infections due to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery.
- Less scarring: the precision used in robotic surgeries results in minimal scarring improving the aesthetics while preventing adhesions and blood loss.
If you are considering knee replacement surgery for knee pain and disability, you might be a candidate for robotic-assisted knee replacement. Don’t let knee pain keep you from living an active life.
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.
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/about/pac-20394974.
