Understanding Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery: State-of-the-Art Precision and Care

Knee replacement surgery has undergone significant advancements in recent years, with robotic-assisted technology now playing a pivotal role in enhancing surgical precision and optimising recovery times. Robotic-assisted knee replacement offers many benefits and represents the future of orthopaedic care. In this post, I’ll explore the key advantages of this procedure, how it works, and who may benefit from it.

What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement is an innovative surgical approach that uses robotic systems to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure with unparalleled precision. While the robot does not perform the surgery on its own, it works in tandem with the surgeon, providing greater accuracy in the planning, execution, and positioning of the knee implant.

How Does the Procedure Work?

1. Preoperative Planning

   • Imaging scans such as X-rays or CT scans are used to create a detailed 3D model of your knee. This allows us to assess the extent of joint damage and plan the most effective approach for your surgery.

   • The 3D model helps us ensure that the knee implant will be positioned optimally to enhance joint function and alignment.

2. The Surgical Procedure

   • During surgery, the robotic system guides the surgeon’s instruments with remarkable accuracy, ensuring that only the damaged tissue is removed and healthy bone is preserved.

   • The implant is positioned precisely according to the preoperative plan. Real-time feedback from the robotic system helps make any necessary adjustments, reducing the margin for error and ensuring optimal results.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

1. Enhanced Precision

   • Robotic-assisted knee replacement offers extraordinary precision, ensuring that the knee implant is placed accurately. This is crucial for maintaining the knee's natural movement and preventing complications.

2. Personalised Surgery

   • Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to tailor the procedure to fit your specific anatomy. This personalised approach ensures the best possible outcome for your knee.

3. Minimally Invasive

   • The use of robotic technology enables smaller incisions, which reduces the disruption to surrounding tissues. This means less pain post-surgery, quicker recovery times, and a lower risk of infection.

4. Faster Recovery

   • With less damage to surrounding tissues, patients often experience quicker rehabilitation and a faster return to normal activities compared to traditional knee replacement methods.

5. Improved Implant Longevity

   • The precision of robotic-assisted surgery helps ensure the knee implant is accurately aligned, which can reduce wear and tear, potentially extending the implant’s lifespan.

6. Reduced Risk of Malposition

   • The robotic system provides real-time data and feedback, significantly reducing the likelihood of complications caused by incorrect implant placement, such as instability or uneven wear.

Risks of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

While robotic-assisted knee replacement offers numerous benefits, it is still a major surgical procedure. As with all surgeries, there are some risks to consider:

• Infection: The risk of infection, particularly around the incision site or within the knee joint.

• Blood Clots: There is a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) following surgery.

• Implant Issues: In rare cases, the knee implant may loosen or wear out over time, requiring revision surgery.

• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Although robotic systems minimise human error, there is still a small risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels.

• Post-Surgery Pain: Some patients may experience persistent or new pain after surgery, which could be related to misalignment, implant issues, or healing of soft tissues.

Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Right for You?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe arthritis or joint damage who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physiotherapy or medication. During your consultation, I will evaluate your condition, medical history, and specific needs to determine whether this advanced surgical option is appropriate for you.

For many patients, robotic-assisted knee replacement offers a way to improve knee function with less pain and a quicker recovery. The enhanced precision and personalised approach are key advantages that help achieve better outcomes with fewer complications.

Conclusion

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is transforming the way knee joint replacement is performed, offering improved precision, faster recovery, and a more personalised approach to care. If you're considering knee replacement surgery, discussing the option of robotic assistance with your surgeon could significantly improve your treatment experience and long-term outcome.

Khalid Malik, Orthopaedic Surgeon