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Robotic vs.Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery

Robotic vs. Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery

Are you living with constant knee pain, limiting your ability to enjoy life to the fullest? If so, you may have heard about the advancements in knee replacement surgery. Robotic knee surgery is one of the most exciting developments in this field.

But what is robotic knee replacement surgery, and how does it compare to traditional knee replacement surgery? 

This blog will shed light on the differences between these approaches, including procedure time and success rates. 

What is robotic knee replacement surgery?

Robotic knee replacement surgery, also termed as robotic-assisted knee replacement, is a cutting-edge surgical technique that combines the expertise of skilled surgeons with advanced robotic technology. Unlike traditional knee replacement surgery, where the surgeon manually guides the instruments and implants into place, robotic knee replacement utilizes a sophisticated robotic system to perform precise and accurate movements during the procedure.

So how does it work? 

Before surgery, a 3D model of your knee joint is created using specialized imaging techniques. This virtual model serves as a roadmap for the surgeon and allows for careful planning before entering the operating room. Once in surgery, the surgeon uses a computer-controlled console to guide the robot’s arm, which holds specially designed surgical instruments.

The robot acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hand, providing enhanced accuracy and control while making incisions and removing damaged bone or cartilage. The real-time sensor feedback on both ends ensures that every movement aligns perfectly with pre-operative plans. This precision helps optimize implant positioning, improving alignment and potentially longer-lasting prosthetic joints.

Note: While some may worry about relying solely on machines during such an important procedure, it’s important to note that robotic-assisted surgeries are always performed by highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons who have undergone specialized training in this innovative technique. The role of robotics is to enhance their skills and provide greater accuracy than would be possible with manual methods alone.

Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery VS. Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is widely used to treat knee joint pain and dysfunction. There are two primary approaches to this surgery: traditional and robotic. Each method has its own set of advantages and considerations.

Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery:

Traditional knee replacement surgery has a long history of successful outcomes and involves manual intervention by the surgeon. Here are some key aspects of traditional knee replacement:

  • Procedure: In traditional surgery, the surgeon manually removes damaged bone from the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial implant.
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: The surgeon relies on their skill and experience to make precise cuts and place the implant correctly.
  • Accuracy: The accuracy of the procedure largely depends on the surgeon’s skill and experience, and there may be slight variations.

Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery:

Robotic knee replacement surgery is a recent advancement incorporating advanced technology to assist the surgeon. Here are the key features of robotic knee replacement:

  • Personalized Surgical Plan: Robotic assistance enables the surgeon to develop a surgical plan that suits the patient’s unique knee anatomy, enhancing precision.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: The robotic system guides the surgeon’s movements, ensuring precise cuts and implant placement, potentially leading to better outcomes.
  • Faster Recovery: Studies suggest that patients who undergo robot-assisted knee replacement may experience reduced pain, brief hospital stays, and rapid return to regular activities.

Not every patient is a suitable candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery. Factors that determine the most suitable surgical approach are:

  • Patient’s age
  • Overall health condition
  • The complexity of their case 

Consulting with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon is essential to determine the best treatment option for each individual.

How long does robotic knee surgery take

Robotic knee surgery generally takes about 1.5-2 hours to complete. However, it’s important to note that this timeframe refers to the actual surgical procedure and doesn’t include pre-operative preparations or post-operative recovery time.

Robotic knee surgery allows surgeons to plan each procedure step using detailed imaging scans. This pre-operative planning helps streamline the surgical process, ensuring accuracy and minimizing complications.

While traditional knee replacement surgeries typically last around 1-2 hours, robotic knee surgery offers enhanced precision and potential benefits for patients during their procedure and subsequent recovery.

Robotic knee replacement adds 10-15 mins to the procedur, which can be justified by the added accuracy, provided by the robotic assistance.As surgeons get more experince with robotic surgery in time there won’t be any difference between traditional and robotic knee replacement surgery.

What is the success rate of robotic knee replacement?

One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating any medical procedure is its success rate. So, what is the success rate of robotic knee replacement surgery? Here’s a closer look at the success rate of robotic knee surgery:

  • Promising Outcomes: Robotic knee replacement surgery has demonstrated promising outcomes in multiple studies. Thanks to robotic assistance, it stands out for its ability to provide surgeons with enhanced control and efficiency during the procedure.
  • Varied Success Rates: The success rate of robotic knee replacement surgery can differ based on several factors. These factors include patient selection, the surgeon’s experience, and post-operative care. On average, studies have reported success rates ranging from 85% to 95%. These numbers reflect the procedure’s effectiveness in alleviating pain and restoring function for individuals with knee joint issues.
  • Customized Approach: One of the key strengths of robotic knee replacement surgery is its ability to customize implant positioning based on the patient’s unique anatomy. This personalized approach improves alignment and stability, ultimately enhancing surgical outcomes.

Which type of surgery is best for you?

Traditional knee replacement surgery has been performed for several years and has a proven track record of success. 

On the other hand, robotic knee replacement surgery is a newer technology that uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing precise and accurate movements during the procedure. This can result in better alignment and potentially improved outcomes.

The choice between traditional and robotic knee replacement ultimately depends on your needs, preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendation. 

Some patients may benefit more from traditional knee replacement surgery if they have straightforward cases or prefer a tried-and-true method. Others may opt for robotic surgery if they desire enhanced precision or have complex anatomical considerations.

What matters most is choosing a surgical approach that aligns with your goals for pain relief, mobility improvement, and overall quality of life after knee replacement surgery.

Dr. Omar Sabri, one of the early adopters of new technology  is an expert in both traditional and robotic knee replacement surgery

To determine which type of surgery is best suited for you, consulting with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon is crucial. Dr. Omar Sabri is one of the few surgeons around the world to be certified NAVEO – Cori and MAKO Robotic systems for knee replacement.

Heis a highly skilled orthopaedic specialist who performs robotic knee replacement surgeries with utmost precision at his state-of-the-art facility.

In your journey to find the best treatment option for knee replacement surgery, it is important to consider all aspects and make an informed decision. Traditional and robotic knee replacement surgeries have their merits, but they ultimately depend on your needs and preferences.

Book your appointment today!