The NAVIO robotic-assisted partial knee replacement is conducted with the use of a robotic handpiece that offers surgeons unprecedented precision and skill. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, this advanced procedure allows for better accuracy of implant placement (and thus, better feel & function). Incorrect placement of an implant can lead to further degradation of knee tissue, so robot-assisted knee replacements are especially ideal for those looking to resume athletic activities soon after treatment. And as far as aesthetics go, there is no contest; the hand-held device makes minuscule incisions – leaving behind much smaller scars than traditional scalpels.
Adhering to the “safety first” motto, robotic knee surgery has minimal risks; this is great news for the 21 million Americans suffering from Osteoarthritis (the most common joint disorder). Osteoarthritis occurs when our cartilage, the cushioning between our joints, degrades. This causes painful friction to occur during high-impact activities. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this progressive disease; however, robotic knee surgery can help patients manage the pain and delay the need for more extreme measures, such as total knee construction.
Unlike total knee replacement – which disrupts many layers of blood vessels and connective tissues, robotic surgery tackles arthritic compartments of the knee only. Surgeons are able to focus on targeting & replacing the diseased areas, utilizing very small incisions and tiny tools. Thus, the procedure promises lower rates of complications, a reduced risk of blood clots, and a significantly shorter recovery period of a few weeks (versus the months of rest required following “open” surgery).
Whether it’s true or not that robots might replace much of this country’s workforce, it doesn’t seem likely that robotic knee surgery will completely replace total knee replacements. Although robotic knee procedures present a host of benefits, durability is one area where traditional surgeries reign supreme. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a total knee replacement can hold up and allow patients to remain active for up to 20 years following surgery. Partial knee replacements, on the other hand, tend to have a higher revision rate. For this reason, many younger patients who foresee an active future are opting for a total knee replacement.
Are you suffering from persistent knee discomfort? If you’ve tried physical therapy, ointments, injections, or anti-inflammatory drugs with no success, don’t delay treatment any longer. Movement Orthopedics offers many advanced orthopedic therapies that can help, including robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. It seems that the future of knee restoration is looking very bright. To learn more, call (586)436-3785.
