Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery: A Precision Tool.
With ageing our body undergoes many degenerative changes. There will be loss of muscle mass, bone mass, brain volume, etc. The joints undergo wear and tears after years of use eroding the smooth surface called cartilage at the opposing ends of bones. This is much more common in weight bearing joints, especially the knee joints. This is called osteoarthritis.
Common complaints include pain, swelling, decreased movements, difficulty in walking, crepitus on moving the joints and deformity. This is mainly caused by the erosion of a layer called cartilage on the surface of the joints and the underlying bone starts eroding against each other.
About 28-33 % of people develop severe debilitating osteoarthritis leading to complete loss cartilage layer & erosion of underlying bones causing severe pain, deformity of the knees & significant disability. Women are more commonly affected than men & the prevalence increases with age. Joint destruction may also be seen in inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis or post traumatic arthritis.
Modalities of treatment in the earlier stages include exercises, lifestyle modifications, weight loss, medications, footwear modifications, walking aids and certain intra-articular injections providing varying degrees of relief.
But none of these modalities of treatment will help reverse the condition after it reaches a particular stage and will only provide symptomatic relief. This is when surgical modalities of treatment step in where the most significant and effective one is called joint replacement or Arthroplasty which is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing worn out cartilage of the joints with metal and polyethylene.
Nowadays, replacement is done by conventional methods or by using Robotic arm assisted technology. This type of robotic assisted replacement can be done both for Knee and Hip surgeries It is important to know that the surgery is called robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries which means that the surgery is done by the surgeon himself and the robot is only used as a device to offer enhanced precision and accuracy in implant placement, potentially leading to improved outcomes, including better alignment and a more natural-feeling joint.
With the use of imaging methods like CT scans and 3D modelling, this novel treatment uses robotic arms that the surgeon controls to map out the patient’s anatomy with remarkable accuracy. With planning done prior to the procedure & precision control during the procedure, robotic technology enables surgeons to understand every individual’s unique deformity, guaranteeing that all the parts are placed optimally for the best possible result. With this degree of personalization, the replaced joint will endure longer & eventually offer more natural mobility.
As CT scans are done prior to the surgery, surgeons may carefully plan the treatment and ensure exact implant placement and alignment based on the patient’s unique anatomy by generating a virtual 3D blueprint of the joint. The robotic arm aids in precision bone cutting with only the damaged cartilage and minimal bone being removed and accurate placement of the implants as planned pre-operatively and confirmed intraoperatively leading to a more natural and long-lasting joint.
The advantages of robotic arthroplasty are:
Robotic technology allows surgeons to achieve sub-millimeter accuracy in implant placement, ensuring optimal alignment and restoring natural joint function.
Pre-operative planning and imaging to create a customized surgical plan tailored to individuals’ unique anatomy, leading to a more natural-feeling and functional joint.
Robotic assistance ensures accurate alignment of the new knee implant, minimizing the risk of complications and maximizing long-term durability.
Research suggests that robotic-assisted surgery may be associated with a faster recovery time.
With the enhanced precision of robotic surgery, it is expected to have long term durability.
How Soon Can One Walk After Robotic Knee Surgery?
Post-op physiotherapy and exercises are similar to that of conventional joint replacements with patients walking the next day of the surgery with a walker. As directed by their surgeon and physical therapist, they progressively increase their level of activity. Although recovery durations for each patient are different, many walk independently and climb stairs within just a few weeks. Early movement promotes blood flow, reduces fluid retention, and speeds up the healing process. To guarantee a secure and fruitful recovery following robotic surgery, it is imperative to adhere to postoperative recommendations closely.
Kasturba Hospital, Manipal offers a very concise treatment plan for patients suffering with chronic knee pain with both robotic and conventional knee replacement surgery with short hospital stays of 3-4 days and early mobilization of knee and rapid recovery.
