Robotic knee replacement surgery is a new and innovative way to treat knee pain caused by arthritis or injury. Unlike traditional knee replacement surgery, which is performed using a scalpel and hand-held instruments, robotic knee replacement surgery is performed using a computer-assisted robotic arm. There is a common misconception that a robot alone performs the surgery which is obviously not the case. Instead, it acts as a guide throughout the surgery. This helps the surgeon to make more precise cuts and to place the artificial knee joint more accurately. Particularly when there is a pre-existing bone deformity or implants surrounding the operative joint and conventional instruments cannot be used, robotic knee replacement techniques become quite invaluable.
Advantages of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
There are several advantages to having robotic knee replacement surgery when compared to the traditional method, including:
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Reduced blood loss
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Shorter hospital stay - not more than a week.
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Faster recovery time than traditional surgery.
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Reduced risk of complications and infections.
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Less pain which leads to low doses of pain medicines post-surgery.
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Increased accuracy in the bone cuts which leads to better results.
For severe conditions, robotic surgery is suggested as they lead to improved balance in the soft tissues around the knee, and improved alignment of the joint. Visit our orthopaedic hospital in Old Airport Road, Bangalore for the treatment of knee replacement.
How is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
Robotic knee replacement surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. It is performed using a computer-assisted robotic arm. The robotic arm helps the surgeon to make more precise cuts and to place the artificial knee joint more accurately. In addition, CT scans and other imaging procedures produce an accurate 3D virtual representation of the patient's knee anatomy. The surgeon who performs the procedure, s/he can use this model as a guide while embedding the replacement knee components.
Before the surgery begins, precise planning is done using the CT scan of the knee registered into the robot. After making an incision in the knee, the surgeon will register several points of the knee for the Robot to accurately overlap the actual knee with the CT scan. This gives us the accuracy to precisely do the bone cuts with the robotic arm. There is very minimal soft tissue dissection as the Robot plans the cuts accurately to minimize soft tissue releases. The artificial knee joint is then placed into the knee. The robotic arm is used to align the joint properly. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples. A drain may be placed in the knee to remove any excess fluid. The knee will then be wrapped in a compression bandage.
Recovery from Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery from robotic knee replacement surgery is typically quicker than traditional knee replacement surgery. Most people are able to walk within a few hours after surgery and can return home the same day. Full recovery from surgery takes about 3-6 weeks. Physical therapy may be necessary to help strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Risks of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
These risks associated with robotic surgery are similar to any conventional knee replacement. It includes infection, blood clots, nerve damage, fractures, and loosening of the artificial joint. In current-day practice, all these problems have been reduced significantly to the very minimum. These risks can be further reduced by following your Surgeon’s instructions.
You can book an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon in Old Airport Road, Bangalore for any ortho-related condition and treatment.
Consultant - Orthopaedic Surgery
Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bangalore
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