Knee Replacement is an established and very successful procedure in relieving pain and discomfort due to knee arthritis. Knee replacement involves resurfacing the damaged articular surfaces of bone with metal implants. Despite it being a highly successful procedure, constant efforts are being made to improve the outcomes, reduce risks and increase its longevity. State of the art Robotic Knee replacement is one of such development which is hailed as a significant technological advancement to achieve these goals. Robotic surgery doesn’t mean any humanoid robot operating on patient, instead, surgeons use a robotic surgical arm to plan and execute bone cuts to achieve better balancing and accurate cuts in the safest possible way. This is achieved by array of trackers fixed to bone and robotic arm, with continuous monitoring with infrared cameras and optical tracking system to follow exact location of your knee and assist in precise bone cuts.
Advantages of Robotic Knee Replacement
Precise Implant Positioning and Balance: It helps in accurate placement of implants better matched to patient anatomy along with better balancing of ligaments with lesser soft tissue releases
Superior Safety: Cutting tool / saw attached to robotic arm restricts the cutting action within the safety margins of proposed cuts and doesn’t allow it to operate outside the planned field, this reduces risk of accidental bone or soft tissue damage. Contrary to conventional TKR, Robotic & Computer Navigation removes the need for intramedullary rod in femur, resulting in less blood loss and less postoperative pain
Improved function: Because of better alignment and soft tissue balancing, recovery is fast and patients feel more natural in their day-to-day activities
In some patients with severe deformities or with need / choice of specific implants, role of robotic system is restricted, in such cases Computer Navigated surgery is available which does not restrict the choice of implant to be used and at same time offer many advantages of robotic knee surgery.
Technology is a great addition but still a supplement to experience and skill of operating surgeon and together with other advances in postoperative care and pain management helps in achieving better results with fewer complications and lesser postoperative pain.
Dr. Aman Dua
Director: Robotic Joint Replacement
