Robotic Total Knee Replacement
What is Robotic Total Knee Replacement?
Robotic total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is an advanced technique that combines the precision of robotic technology with traditional joint replacement surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a robotic arm system to assist in the surgical steps involved in replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant.
The technique typically involves the following steps:
- Preoperative planning: Prior to surgery, the surgeon obtains a CT scan of the patient's knee, allowing virtual 3D modeling of the joint. This helps in creating a personalized surgical plan tailored to the individual patient's anatomy.
- Surgical preparation: The surgeon prepares the patient's knee joint, including removing damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) to accommodate the artificial implant.
- Robotic assistance: Once the joint is prepared, the surgeon uses a robotic arm system. This system provides real-time feedback and assists in accurately positioning the implant components (such as the femoral and tibial components) based on the preoperative plan. The robotic arm is guided by the surgeon but provides enhanced precision and control.
- Implant placement: After the robotic arm helps position the implant components, the surgeon verifies their alignment using computer guidance. The artificial components are then securely attached to the bone.
- Closure: The surgeon closes the incision, and the patient enters the postoperative recovery phase.
Why Robotic Total Knee Replacement(TKR) ?
The goals of robotic TKR surgery include improving implant positioning precision, potentially enhancing implant longevity, and potentially leading to improved patient outcomes, including reduced pain and quicker recovery.
With each Robotic joint Replacement success story,we are reminded of incredible progress Humanity is making. Robotic Joint Replacement is not just a procedure,but a symbol of hope and endless possibilities.
FAQs
When Dr Rewat suggests a Robotic total knee replacement you will most probably have a lot of queries.
Here, he address the most common queries we get from our patients.
Do I really need surgery.
Surgery is generally recommended to you if the pain is unbearable , Anti inflammatory medications,lifestyle modifications are not effective any more , you are restricted in your activities and dependency on others have increased off late .other indications like deformities (bow legs ,knock knees).
What happens during surgery, and how long does it take?
- The doctor will make an incision over the front of your knee to expose the damaged area of your joint.
- The standard incision size varies from approximately 4-5 inches in length.
- During the operation, damaged joint surfaces are reshaped.
- They then replace the damaged tissue with new metal and polyethylene components.
- The components combine to form an artificial joint that is biologically compatible and mimics the movement of your natural knee.
- Most knee replacement procedures take 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
What are the knee implants?
Knee implants consist of metal and medical-grade plastic called polyethylene.
Dr Rewat Uses Hi-Flex variety which gives better stability and maximum bending in his patients.
Average knee replacements survive for 25 years.
Which anesthesia will be given to me? is it safe?
Any operation done with anesthesia has its own risks.Risk can be minimised by a thorough Pre anaesthetic checkup and systemic evaluation (fitness for surgery) by the experts.cardiologist and physician’s opinion is sought by Dr Rewat regarding your fitness for surgery.Risks are generally categorised as mild ,moderate or severe and optimisation options are spelled out.
The options for TKR include:
- Spinal or epidural
- A regional nerve block anesthesia
An anesthesia team will decide on the most suitable options for you but most knee replacement surgery is done using a combination of the above.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
There will be minimal pain after your operation but your surgery team will do everything possible to keep it manageable.
You will y receive a nerve block prior to your operation and your surgeon may also use a long-acting local anesthetic during the procedure to help with pain relief after the procedure.
When you leave the hospital, the doctor will give you pain relief medication as pills or tablets.
After you recover from surgery, your knee should be significantly less painful than it was before.
Following your doctor’s instructions after surgery is the best way to manage pain, comply with physical therapy and achieve the best result possible.
Your doctor will also prescribe intravenous antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
What can I expect during recovery and rehabilitation?
Most people are up and walking by the same evening with the aid of a walker or crutches.
Following your operation, a physical therapist will help you bend and straighten your knee, get out of bed, and ultimately learn to walk with your new knee. This is often done on the same day of your operation.
Most people are discharged from the hospital 2–3 days after surgery.
After you return home, therapy will continue regularly for several weeks. Specific exercises will aim to improve the functionality of the knee.
Most people recover within 4-6weeks.