Recent years have seen stellar advancements in medical treatments, robotics, and surgical technologies, including robotic knee surgery. That name would have sounded like science fiction even a few decades ago. While not everyone is a candidate for robotic knee surgery, the advanced technology does offer many benefits for patients who suffer from degenerative “wear and tear” arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis) who are ideally suited to this tissue and bone sparing, yet highly sophisticated approach.
How Robotic Partial Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Works
Robotic knee surgery technology allows Dr. Jeffrey Carrol, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, to customize a partial knee replacement, which is crafted to fit your specific measurements. Using a sophisticated CT (computed tomography) scanning system and highly specialized software, Dr. Carroll first creates a perfectly sized, 3-D model of your knee.
Then, using a minimally invasive procedure with the assistance of precision robotic instruments (which can bend, move, and manipulate very small surgical tools in minuscule joint spaces in ways that human hands cannot), he is able to conserve healthy tissue while removing and replacing only the damaged knee components. Robotic hands also reduce any unforeseen movements that human hands can generate since they do not tire.
Bear in mind that a traditional “open” surgery requires cutting down through layers of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. In contrast, minimally invasive robotic surgery uses tiny instruments that can fit into a hole that is roughly a quarter of an inch in size. This is less traumatic for the body and requires fewer stitches to close the area. Robotic partial knee replacement surgery can be far superior to traditional knee joint replacement surgeries in several ways, such as:
- Less chance of post-operative infections
- Faster healing & shorter recovery time
- Reduced chances of complications such as blood clots
- Minimal scarring
- Can be performed as an outpatient procedure
- Shorter hospital stays
- Less discomfort and downtime
- Preservation of healthy structures
Customized joint replacements offer movement that more closely mimics natural joint function. Simply put, robotic-assisted knee replacement offers exceptional maneuverability, customized joint replacement components, precision placement with less recovery time and better surgical outcomes.
Are you wondering if you are a candidate for robotic knee surgery? Only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can tell you for sure. If you would like to be evaluated or wish to know more about robotic knee surgery or any other advanced orthopaedic treatment, contact Dr. Carroll in the Clinton Township area. Please call Movement Orthopedics today at (586) 436-3785 or register for an appointment online
