For those suffering from chronic knee pain and who are considering knee replacement surgery, robotic knee replacements may be the answer. With about 790,000 knee replacements each year, surgeons can utilize cutting-edge technology and robotics to perform precise and minimally invasive surgeries to replace worn-out and damaged knees with new ones that can last for years. Though this revolutionary technology has improved surgical outcomes, many patients may have questions about the procedure.

What is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery?

Robotic knee replacement surgery specifically means using advanced technology to assist with pre-planning surgery to make the surgery more accurate. This process uses a pre-surgical plan to optimize the patient’s overall alignment function and outcome. The robotic system is designed to provide surgeons with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control during the operation, allowing for more precise placement of the new joint. This minimizes the risk of complications and ensures better outcomes for patients.

The robotic system also allows for a minimally invasive approach, reducing the amount of trauma to surrounding tissues and speeding up recovery time. During the procedure, surgeons use computer-assisted tools to map out the exact placement of components to ensure optimal results. Afterward, patients can enjoy greater mobility and less pain from their new knee joint. Robotic knee replacements have been shown to provide excellent long-term results, often lasting over 15 years or more with proper care.

What is the Effectiveness of Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

Robotic knee replacement surgery is incredibly effective for treating chronic joint pain. Studies have shown that the robotic approach can provide excellent long-term results, with many patients experiencing improved mobility and reduced pain after the operation. In addition, because of the precision of robotic surgery, complications are much less common than with traditional methods.

To determine the effectiveness of the surgery, experts examine the overall functional outcome on the patient side of the surgery, which means how well someone does with their overall range of motion, strength, and function.

Robotic knee replacements are highly customizable and can be tailored to each patient’s anatomy and needs. The robotic system allows surgeons to make precise adjustments during the operation, ensuring optimal placement of components for the best possible outcome. This level of customization helps ensure that the new joint will last longer and provide more natural movement over time.

Additionally, recovery times after robotic knee replacement surgery are shorter than with traditional procedures because there is less trauma to surrounding tissues. Compared to conventional knee replacements, robotic knee surgeries have a 95%-99% patient satisfaction rate compared to 85%-90% traditional surgery.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Orthopedic Robotic Knee Surgery?

Robotic orthopedic surgery offers several advantages for patients who are considering knee surgery. Technology like Mako robotic knee replacement technology allows surgeons to very accurately pre-plan the exact size and alignment of the knee components to that patient’s specific anatomy. As a result, nothing is oversized or malaligned. This allows surgeons to execute the plan accurately to optimize the patient’s overall outcome.

Robotic knee replacement surgery does come with one disadvantage. The surgery requires a patient to get a CT scan done of their knee pre-operatively and some slices (images) of the hip and ankle, as well. As a result, there is a little bit more radiation exposure.

How Long After Robotic Knee Surgery Can You Walk?

After robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery, most patients can walk with a walker or crutches within a few days. In fact, one of the main goals is to get patients walking about two hours post-surgery. Patients will most likely use assistive devices such as a walker or cane for the first two to four weeks before weaning away from the devices.

However, depending on the individual’s age, health condition, and type of surgery, it can take several weeks before patients can walk without assistance. In general, patients can expect about 80% recovery by about six to eight weeks and full recovery by about 10 to 12 weeks.

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery after robotic knee replacement surgery. Patients typically begin physical therapy soon after surgery and gradually increase their activity level as they regain strength and range of motion in their knee joints. Strengthening exercises such as squats and leg lifts help build muscle around the new joint and improve balance. Additionally, stretching exercises can help reduce swelling and pain while improving flexibility in the knee joint.

How Can Town Center Orthopaedics Help?

Town Center Orthopaedics is a leading provider of robotic knee replacement surgery. Our surgeons are highly trained and experienced in utilizing the latest robotic technology to provide superior outcomes for our patients. In addition, Town Center Orthopaedics offers comprehensive post-operative care to ensure patients have the best possible outcome from their robotic knee replacement procedure. To meet with one of our top providers, request an appointment.