In fact, robotic surgery for joint replacement is quickly becoming the optimal choice. According to the National Institutes of Health, robots provide accuracy, stability, and a greater range of motion that human hands alone just can’t offer. Today, robotic-assisted surgeries are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) – a form of degenerative joint disease marked by symptoms including swelling, stiffness, pain, and difficulty with daily movements.
The Centers for Disease Control states that approximately 27 million adults in the U.S. struggle with osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis. While many things can cause this ailment to develop, doctors frequently report obesity or weight gain, genetics, aging, and injury among the causes. Our knees do a lot of work supporting our body’s weight; when the cartilage that cushions between the joints degrades, the friction of bones rubbing against each can cause excruciating pain.
While anti-inflammatory medications help to mask the pain, they are only a fleeting fix. Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA; however, many surgical teams are making great strides with the use of robotic-assisted surgeries that effectively manage pain and keep the disease under control.
Dr. Jeffrey Carroll and the experienced team at Movement Orthopedics are utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to perform surgeries such as the NAVIO robotics-assisted partial knee replacement. So, how does it work? Unlike a total knee surgery – which can put a strain on one’s range of movement, PKR preserves the healthy tissue and bones, replacing only the damaged parts with prosthetic materials. Each patient’s needs are different; the NAVIO system works in tandem with your doctor’s hands to achieve the ideal result for you.
Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, NAVIO PKR harnesses an advanced computer program that retrieves detailed information about your knee and sends it to a robotics-assisted tool used by your physician. Traditional, invasive surgeries of yesteryear required extensive recuperation periods and visible scarring; minimally-invasive partial knee replacements, on the other hand, employ robotic-assisted handpieces that can access affected areas through smaller incisions. Consequently, they leave behind smaller scars and result in swifter recovery times. Cleveland Clinic reports that some patients can start moving their knee as soon as one day after surgery!
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons touts unicompartmental knee replacement for its fast recovery times, minimal blood loss, and reduced risk of aches & pain following surgery. Surgeries like NAVIO only replace the damaged regions (and avoid touching the strong parts of a patient’s knee), so movements tend to feel more natural than with a full surgery. Preserving some of the original cartilage also keeps a patent’s options open – should they require a complete knee replacement down the line.
Don’t let discomfort keep you from participating in the activities you love. If you’re knee deep in pain or experiencing mobility issues, robotic knee surgery could be the answer to your woes. For more information and to schedule a consultation, call Movement Orthopedics at (586) 436-3785.
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