Every year, more than 600,000 knee replacement procedures are conducted in the United States.
Degenerative wear and tear of the knees, also known as knee osteoarthritis, is one of the most common sources of knee pain; an estimated 14 million Americans experience it, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Knee osteoarthritis can cause simple, everyday movements – like walking, standing, and sitting down – feel like an uphill battle. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. Traditional surgeries provide relief from pain, but they require considerable recuperation periods, scarring, and leave room for error.
Today, robots are revolutionizing the work done in many fields, including manufacturing, farming, food, and medicine. Robots equipped with artificial intelligence once brought to mind Star Wars’ C-3P0, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, or even Pixar’s lovable WALL-E. But now robots are taking on entirely new personas as groundbreaking strides are made in the surgical field, using cutting-edge robotic technology.
Knee replacement surgery is one specialized area that has experienced vast improvements due to robotics. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty proved superior to conventional surgical techniques – even when the surgeon was highly experienced in those traditional techniques.
When it comes to surgery, being able to map out the desired outcome is highly beneficial for both doctor and patient. After all, a goal without a plan is just a wish, as the saying goes.
Robot-assisted surgeries, such as NAVIO partial knee replacement, harness high-tech planning software to customize each procedure for a patient’s individual needs. Invented by a team of engineers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, robot-assisted surgeries were originally developed for use in partial knee replacements, but it has now been cleared by the FDA for full knee arthroplasty, as well.
NAVIO-assisted knee surgery can alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis once and for all. Its computer mapping program transmits information to a robotics-assisted hand piece held by your surgeon. Unlike traditional surgeries that require larger incisions, robot-assisted procedures access the injured part of the knee through miniscule openings.
Placing a prosthesis is a precise task that requires the utmost care. Robotic tools offer unprecedented precision, allowing an implant to not only feel more natural, but increased longevity. This can lessen the likelihood of supplemental surgeries in the future.
It’s always best to select a surgeon who is board certified and highly skilled, but human error isn’t always avoidable. Robotic systems act as a second set of eyes, so to speak. Should issues arise during surgery, NAVIO would be able to alert the surgeon and assist in making the necessary choices.
As an osteoarthritis sufferer, you may miss out on everyday activities due to persistent pain. Robotic knee surgery sets you up for a swift and nearly painless recovery so you can get back to doing the things you love. You’ve spent enough time warming the bench; isn’t it time you got back into the game?
Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Carroll and the team at Movement Orthopedics diagnose and treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and can help you heal. To schedule a consultation, call (586) 436-3785.
