Things to Know About Robotic Knee Replacement

While a potential cure for arthritis might be a long way ahead, medical science has advanced enough to be able to provide patients suffering from severe knee pain with long-term, effective relief. Mostly, in cases of osteoarthritis, a robotic knee replacement surgery can be helpful in providing long-term outcomes with lesser recovery duration. In a conventional knee replacement, the surgeon removes the affected tissue and replaces it with a fabricated joint. A robotic knee replacement surgery is nothing but the same procedure performed with the aid of a robotic arm. 

In this article, we are going to discuss in detail the things one must know about robotic knee replacement surgery: 

Who needs to undergo a robotic knee replacement? While robotic surgery is the most recommended method, your doctor will examine you thoroughly so as to suggest alternate methods of treatment (if applicable) such as: - Physical therapy - Cortisone Shots - Knee Braces - Anti-inflammatory medications - Weight loss Traditionally, only older patients were recommended knee surgery because an ideal knee replacement would only last 10-20 years, However, with today’s advanced techniques, it is now becoming more possible to perform it on younger patients. The outcomes are appearing to be more promising and long-lasting as well. It is not completely robotic surgery While the regular misconception is that it is a fully robotic method, it is, in fact performed by the surgeon only with the assistance of a robotic arm that helps achieve higher precision metrics. Robot-assisted techniques reduce recovery time

Although the long term benefits of robotic knee replacement are still being pursued for validation, one of the most observed benefits is that it reduces the recovery duration as it uses smaller incisions. After a conventional surgery, the patient may take up to 4 - 6 weeks to be completely mobile; but robotic surgery cuts the duration by half, and also ensures that the patient returns to their normal, active lifestyle in the least possible time. What are the risks associated with knee replacement surgery?

The risks in both traditional and robotic surgery remain the same: 

- Nerve damage

- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)

- Infection

- Allergic reaction

Expertise counts the most Use of advanced robotics in surgeries is not a new feat and has till date gone through many tests and trials before being so widely used today. And, no matter how good the technology, a successful robotic knee replacement surgery, to be performed with minor risks and better long-term outcomes, will, undoubtedly, still require the expertise of a seasoned robotic replacement surgeon.