Robotic Knee Replacement

What is Robotic Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. Arthritic damage to one side of the knee is common. Partial knee replacement surgery or total knee replacement are options that your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you. The goals of total knee replacement are to relieve pain, improve function, correct deformity, improve gait, and increase range of motion.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive method that typically utilizes a few small ports, as opposed to a full incision. The 3D video technology is magnified to the highest definition, which is 20x magnification of the naked eye. The surgeon controls tiny instruments that can twist, bend, and rotate in ways that no human hand could ever orchestrate conventional surgical instrumentation. The physician can visualize the field with greater visibility and has unprecedented control from the monitor to move the tools with precision and accuracy.

Knee Replacement

Issues with knee joints are almost always progressive in nature. The options for robotic-assisted surgery and traditional knee replacement surgery are discussed with patients after conservative treatment methods have not achieved the optimal results or no longer help the condition of the knee.

Robotic-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery

More than 3 million people worldwide have had remarkable outcomes due to robotic-assisted surgery’s advanced technology and sophistication. At Doctors Hospital in Sarasota, Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine have been using robotic-assisted surgery for many years and with remarkable patient outcomes. It is by far one of the most significant advancements to affect the medical world over the past century.

How robotics can help

The Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Quicker recovery times
Improved visual magnification for the surgeon
Precise placement of device
Minor scarring
Minimal discomfort
Proven results
Advanced outcomes

Why we use the Mako Robotics System

The robotic-assisted device from Stryker, called Mako is the most advanced robot. Stryker’s joint replacement solutions offer a combination of market-leading implants for hips and knees, along with Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology and Performance Solutions. This robotic device yields greater accuracy by utilizing advanced technological protocols and CT scan imaging, whereas other machines use standard x-ray and do not provide the intricate details needed for orthopedic surgery. Additionally, the haptic technology, which is the simulation of the senses of touch and motion, in this surgical procedure, is on a much greater level than other robotic devices. These haptics allow accurate tensioning of support structures while increasing precision.

Mako robotic-assisted surgery provides accurate implant positioning, which is achieved through a detailed pre-operative planning process from the data generated from a CT scan. The scan is used to create a 3D model of the patient’s bone structure, which is used to customize a preoperative plan specifically and precisely for the patient before surgery, which yields exceptional outcomes.

Types of Robotic Assisted Knee Replacements

There are multiple procedures that the robotic-assisted surgical device can perform; orthopedic procedures include the following: total knee, partial knee, and hip arthroscopy. It enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience when performing joint replacement surgery.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery of the Surgical Knee Details

Robotic-assisted knee surgery is designed to treat and relieve pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. This procedure can also intricately treat part of the knee that is damaged and by selectively targeting the diseased area of the knee joint, we can resurface portions of the knee, while sparing the healthy ligaments and bone around the knee joint. We follow our preoperative plan to guide the robotic arms to remove damaged areas and to position the new joint implant.

Physical Therapy after Knee Replacement

Physical therapy is provided after surgery and is specific to each patient, but people will need physical therapy for a few weeks to a few months post-op.

Physical therapy exercises are designed to improve range of motion, mobility, and stability and restore a normal gait. Knee joint prosthetics are made from ultra-strong materials such as polyethylene and metals and are made to last and withstand pressure.