The Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

There’s no question that knee replacement surgery is a success in concept and in practice. Though development dates back to the 1960s, it was just before the turn of the century that the procedure really took hold. 

Technological advances followed, and today’s standard for knee replacement uses robotic assistance to ensure the best possible patient experience. The team at 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, specializes in surgical joint replacement and recommends it. 

It’s all about the benefits, and with robotics, that means precision. As a patient, what does this precision mean to you? Let’s take a look at this powerful way to reduce pain and extend mobility. 

What does “robotic-assisted” mean? 

Anyone concerned about being the only human in the operating room can breathe easy, as surgical robots are there to enhance the skill of our living, breathing surgeons rather than having an active role in your treatment. 

The surgical skill that plans and executes your knee replacement belongs entirely to your doctor. Robotics supports preoperative planning while ensuring accuracy and precision during the procedure. As always, your surgeon is in control. 

We use advanced medical imaging, typically computed tomography (CT scan), to create a personalized surgical profile based on 3-D X-rays and precise measurements. This leads to increased accuracy when placing your prosthetic implants. 

In surgery, precision means better outcomes. Here are some of the key benefits robotic assistance provides to total knee replacement patients. 

Alignment, planning, and precision

For all that people are alike, your specific anatomy is unique to you. There’s no cookie-cutter approach to knee replacement. Instead, many intraoperative decisions are made on the fly while surgery is in progress. 

Robotic assistance dramatically decreases the number of spontaneous decisions required during surgery. This allows for better alignment of your prosthesis, a key characteristic in ensuring solid outcomes and longer implant life. 

Soft tissue impact

Robotically assisted knee replacements are minimally invasive when compared with conventional open surgery. Incisions for knee replacement are generally 6 inches or less, about half the length of those in open surgery. 

This means less damage to muscle tissue, a key factor in the speed of recovery. There’s also less bleeding and a reduced need for postsurgical wound drainage. You’re likely to experience less pain, inflammation, and swelling after your procedure. 

Recovery

Robotic-assisted knee replacement provides greater patient satisfaction and better recovery outcomes than traditional open-surgery joint replacement techniques. Most patients can stand on the leg the same day as their procedure. 

Hitting mobility and rehabilitation milestones happens more quickly, and hospital stays, if any, are short. In some cases, knee replacement can be treated as an outpatient procedure. 

The improved precision offered with robotic assistance places your prosthetic more accurately, ensuring natural joint movement. Soft tissue balance is maintained, improving comfort and range of motion compared with your presurgical condition. You can expect quick improvements in the quality of life after your surgery. 

Find out more about robotic-assisted knee surgery by contacting 360 Orthopedics at our nearest location. Call (941) 360-2233 to book an appointment at any of our offices today.