As you age, certain parts of your body start developing wear and tear. One of the areas that sees wear and tear are the joints, particularly the cartilage that lines them. This condition is called arthritis, and it is a gradual wearing away of the protective tissue.
If you have arthritis, you may not feel it in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, you may begin to experience the telltale stiffness in your joints. Arthritis can affect most joints in the body, but orthopedic surgeons see a lot more cases in the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.
Individuals with advanced arthritis may be recommended for joint replacement surgery to replace the damaged joint and remove inflamed tissue. This is to get the joint working again and get the patient to experience greater relief from pain.
Advances in orthopedic surgery are continual. Here, we will talk about the latest in joint replacement surgery: robotic surgery.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is an exciting development in the field of joint replacement surgery. Unlike traditional surgery, where a surgeon performs the procedure with their hands, robotic surgery utilizes advanced technology – a machine with robotic arms – which the doctor guides throughout the procedure.
The surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms that perform the operation. The surgeon sees the inside of the joint on a screen at the console and aligns the virtual model with the actual joint.
One of the most cutting-edge aspects of robotic surgery is the ability of the orthopedic surgeon to make micro adjustments during the surgery, helping them control accuracy to submillimeter precision and achieve their goals. This leads to extremely precise implant alignment, which results in a better, more natural feel for the patient.
The Advantages of Robotic Surgery for Joint Replacement
Here are some of the features of robotic surgery that can enhance patient outcomes:
#1 Enhanced Pre-Operative Planning
During robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, a preoperative scan of the joint is utilized to generate a precise 3D model. This model serves as a guide for determining the placement of the incisions, the amount of bone that needs to be removed, and the optimal positioning of the joint implant.
Throughout the surgery, the 3D model of the joint is displayed on a monitor, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to align the actual bone with the virtual model. This ensures that the robot maintains visual tracking of the leg even as it is moved and flexed during the procedure.
#2 Accurate Implant Positioning
The robotic system assists the surgeon in the accurate positioning and aligning of the implant based on the preoperative plan. Real-time feedback from the robotic system helps ensure optimal placement and stability of the implant.
The robot ensures that the gaps on both the inside and outside of the knee remain consistent throughout the full range of motion. This meticulous monitoring guarantees that the knee joint maintains proper alignment and allows for seamless movement.
#3 Minimum Tissue Disturbance
The 3D model displays the arthritic portions of the bone as a green field, guiding the surgeon’s actions. Using the robotic arm, the surgeon effectively removes the arthritic bone swiftly and effectively. With the assistance of haptic technology, which is extremely sensitive to touch, the surgeon can confidently operate within the designated area, minimizing the risk of harm to healthy tissues.
While minimally invasive joint replacement is not new, the use of robotic assistance during surgery adds an extra layer of personalization for patients, including those with complex cases.
If you have a complicated medical history, robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery may be the treatment to help restore you to a pain-free life.
Robotic Surgery for Hip and Knee Replacement in Naples, FL
At the Joint Replacement Institute, our orthopedic surgeons are trained in the latest robotic-assisted joint replacement. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients with a history of trauma and surgery.
In addition to our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons, we have a skilled physical therapy team who will assist you throughout your recovery. We offer comprehensive care in our world-class facility in Naples.
To find out if you are a good candidate for robotic surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons. Call us today at (239) 261-2663 or use our request form.
