Robotic Knee Prosthesis
Summary: It is a procedure used to provide a surgical solution for patients with issues such as pain or restricted movement in the knee joint. Robotic knee prosthesis surgery is performed using minimal invasive surgery, which involves the use of robotic surgical systems. It can be a less invasive option compared to traditional surgical methods, potentially resulting in faster recovery times and a lower risk of complications for patients. However, since every patient is unique, their suitability for treatment should be assessed based on their individual condition. Prior to the surgery, three-dimensional imaging of the knee joint is performed. Surgeons create a surgical plan based on radiological images. During this planning process, the patient’s anatomical structure and the necessary measurements for proper implant placement are taken into account.
In Which Cases Is It Applied?
The suitability of the surgery should be determined based on the patient’s specific condition and the severity of the damage in the joint. An orthopedic surgeon or specialist will evaluate the patient’s condition and provide an assessment to recommend the most suitable treatment options.
Robotic knee prosthesis surgery may be suitable for the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis, characterized by the wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage. In patients with severe osteoarthritis, a prosthesis can be implanted in place of the damaged joint, reducing pain and restoring mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the knee joints may benefit from robotic surgical methods.
- Post-traumatic injuries: It is a method used for degenerative changes that occur as a result of severe injuries or fractures. Robotic prosthetic surgery can provide better access to the injured area and offer an improved prosthetic placement process.
- Other degenerative conditions: Other degenerative conditions related to the knee joint, such as avascular necrosis, may require knee prosthesis. Robotic surgery can also provide better outcomes in these conditions.
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In Which Cases Is It Applied?
The suitability of the surgery should be determined based on the patient’s specific condition and the severity of the damage in the joint. An orthopedic surgeon or specialist will evaluate the patient’s condition and provide an assessment to recommend the most appropriate treatment options
Robotik knee prosthesis surgery may be suitable for the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage. In patients with severe osteoarthritis, a prosthesis can be implanted in place of the damaged joint to reduce pain and restore mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the knee joints can benefit from robotic surgical techniques.
- Post-traumatic injuries: It is a procedure used in degenerative changes that occur as a result of severe injuries or fractures. Robotic prosthesis surgery can provide better placement of the prosthesis by enabling more precise access to the injured area.
- Other degenerative conditions: Other degenerative conditions related to the knee joint, such as avascular necrosis, may require knee prosthesis. Robotic surgery has the potential to deliver better outcomes in such cases.
How is Robotic Prosthesis Surgery Performed?
During a robotic knee prosthesis surgery, the knee joint is accessed using a robotic surgical system. This system provides precise guidance to the surgeon and assists in making accurate incisions. It also provides real-time information to the surgeon to facilitate the proper placement of the implant.
The surgical procedure is planned using computerized tomography. The appropriate size of the prosthesis is determined for the patient. Three-dimensional modeling is created using specialized software. This allows the robotic systems to determine the step-by-step positioning of the implant.
First, the knee joint is cut to remove the damaged bone and tissues. Then, a metal or plastic implant is securely placed into the bones. With the placement of the prosthesis, components designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint are used.
Recovery After Robot-Assisted Knee Prosthesis
Robot-assisted knee prosthesis surgery can offer several advantages compared to traditional prosthetic surgery. Here are some of its advantages:
- More precise placement: Robotic surgical systems provide precise guidance to physicians. It helps to place the prosthesis correctly. This can increase the stability and long-term success of the implant.
- Good planning and measurement: Provides better surgical planning using preoperative imaging and three-dimensional modeling. This way, surgeons can get better guidance for determining the correct incisions and implant sizes.
Less invasive surgery: Robotic surgery is usually minimally invasive adopts an approach. It allows smaller incisions to be made and less muscle and tissue to be affected. As a result, patients’ post-operative pain can be reduced and recovery times can be shortened.
- Less risk of bleeding and infection: Unlike conventional methods, it is performed with smaller incisions. Therefore, it carries less risk of bleeding. Also, because surgical robots operate in a sterile environment, the risk of infection may be reduced.
- Fast recovery: A less invasive surgery and more precise placement often help patients have a faster recovery. Patients’ hospital stay may be shortened and their return to normal activities may decrease.
However, there may be disadvantages of robotic knee replacement surgery. The cost of this surgery may be higher and there may be access limitations in some cases.
As each patient’s situation is unique, the suitability of the robotic surgery option is a matter that requires individual consideration. An orthopedic surgeon or specialist should be consulted to evaluate the patient’s condition and determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Healing After Robotic Knee Replacement
Robotic knee replacement healing process may vary depending on the patient’s general health status, the complexity of the surgery, and personal factors. However, in general, the following factors are taken into consideration after the surgery.
Because it is a less invasive method, patients’ hospital stay may be shorter. Typically, patients may stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.
Pain management is important for improving quality of life. Patients are often prescribed medications to relieve pain. It is observed that the complaints experienced due to the procedures decrease over time.
After prosthetic surgery, it is generally recommended that patients participate in a physical therapy and rehabilitation program. Physical therapy is performed to strengthen the knee joint, regain mobility and restore the muscles to their former strength. The rehabilitation process may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the surgery.
There may be some limitations in the post-operative period. Your surgeon will advise you on what to do and what not to do during the healing process. You can limit certain activities or be limited to a certain time. For example, you may need to avoid high-impact and over-strengthening activities.
Robotic surgery usually offers a faster recovery time. However, since each patient is different, recovery time may vary. The healing process is expected to take 2-3 weeks on average. It will guide you to manage exactly what patients can expect and your recovery process.
You can contact our team for more information and examination about the new generation robotic knee replacement surgery.
What are the advantages of robotic knee replacement?
Advanced computer systems take complete measurements of the damaged joint structure, thereby ensuring minimal pain post-operation. It is noted that patients return to their social lives in a shorter period of time.
How many hours does the operation take?
It varies depending on the individual’s joint structure and the extent of the disease. It is expected to last between 1 and 2 hours. You can get comprehensive information by consulting your orthopedic and traumatology specialist doctor using robotic surgical systems.
Who is it for?
It can be applied to patients deemed appropriate by the doctor after medical evaluation. In case of severe knee pain and movement restriction, it is necessary to be examined by a specialist doctor.
How is the lifespan of the prosthesis ensured compared to other prosthetic surgical methods?
The implant is designed to fit the knee joint and muscle tissue with robotic systems. Therefore, it can be actively used for many years.
Why should robotic surgery be preferred?
The margin of error is considerably lower compared to traditional prosthetic surgical methods. It is created in accordance with the features of the existing knee joint. Therefore, it positively affects the quality of life of the patients.
Is there pain after the operation?
There is less pain after surgery compared to the traditional knee prosthesis. It is preferred in recent years because it provides an advantage to patients in terms of recovery time.