Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase a whopping 673 percent by 2030. Yet studies reveal that about 30% of knee replacement patients are dissatisfied with the results after conventional surgery.
Fortunately, there is a more advanced, less invasive knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve the chronic pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis and other joint problems.
Robotic-arm assisted knee surgery is a state-of-the-art system that utilizes robotic instruments to execute the treatment as flawlessly as possible. That’s because the robotic arm bends and rotates more flexible than the human hand, thereby providing enhanced precision, vision, and control.
Conventional vs. Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery
Under the conventional surgery protocol, a surgeon visually identifies the correct alignment and positioning for the metal implant based on X-rays of the joint. After manually inserting the implant, the surgeon cements the prosthesis in place.
Here is where the precision of the procedure is critical. Improper alignment of the prosthesis can result in excess wear and may cause the implant to loosen prematurely. Patients may also experience problems with the surrounding components of the knee joint that wouldn’t otherwise occur if the implant was aligned more precisely.
In contrast, robotic-arm assisted knee surgery (also known as arthroplasty) greatly reduces the risk of improper alignment. This is how it works:
Using a CT scan and specialized software, your orthopedic surgeon can create a virtual three-dimensional model of your knee as part of a pre-operative surgical plan. This enables the physician to customize your total or partial knee replacement based on your unique anatomy for a precise fit of the custom implant. It also ensures increased bone preservation, added stability, and reduced pain.
During the minimally invasive surgical procedure, the robotic instruments can remove the diseased or damaged portion of your knee while leaving the healthy structures around the area unharmed. The surgeon can also make any necessary adjustments to the surgical plan while guiding the robotic arm.
Research shows that even among orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience in performing arthroplasty procedures, the use of a robotic arm allowed them to provide a significantly improved outcome for their patients.
A State-of-the-Art Solution for Chronic Knee Pain
Knee replacement surgery can be life-altering for those suffering from osteoarthritis and other joint problems. As an alternative to more invasive open knee surgery, robotic-arm assisted surgery offers numerous benefits, including:
- The elimination of pain and restoration of mobility
- A lower rate of complications
- A reduced risk of blood clots
- A shorter, nearly painless recovery period
- A quicker return to your pre-operative abilities
- Is often performed as an outpatient procedure
If your knees are suffering from the degenerative wear-and-tear condition known as osteoarthritis, you may be a good candidate for robotic-arm assisted surgery. Call the specialist at Movement Orthopedics at (586) 436-3785 for more information about this cutting-edge technology, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
