Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and resurfaced with artificial implants.
Dr. Charters is always trying to provide the highest quality joint replacement for his patients. A newer technology we have available for to patients is robotic-assisted knee replacement. The advantages of a robotic-assisted knee replacement include more precise implant placement which could provide you a knee replacement that lasts longer than a knee replacement performed without robotic assistance. Dr. Charters provides diagnosis and minimally invasive knee replacement surgery using robotic-arm technology in Metro Detroit, MI. Dr. Charters also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact the office of Dr. Charters to schedule an appointment today!
What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is an alternative to the conventional knee replacement procedure. In a robotic-assisted knee replacement, the surgeon performs the entire surgery from start to finish. The surgeon has more detailed knowledge of the anatomy of your knee and is able to customize the knee replacement to your individual anatomy. A robotic knee replacement is a more complex procedure than a standard knee replacement. If you are having a robotic knee replacement, it is important to make sure your surgeon has specialized training in knee replacement (an extra year of training known as a "joint replacement fellowship").
What is Arthritis?
The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone) and the patella (kneecap). The two menisci, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serve as a cushion and help absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury or other diseases of the joint can damage this protective layer of cartilage, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial implants.
Indications of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is indicated if you are suffering from degenerative knee diseases such as osteoarthritis. Your doctor may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options have failed to relieve your symptoms.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Procedure
The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the function of your knee. In a robotic-assisted knee replacement, the surgeon performs the entire surgery from start to finish.
The robotic knee replacement surgery starts before the patient enters the operating room when the surgeon obtains specialized X-Ray views to create a virtual 3D model of the patient's knee. With this 3D model, your surgeon is able to start planning the knee replacement before the surgery to start customizing the knee to your anatomy.
With the 3D model as a guide, the surgeon then uses the robotic arm to customize the location of the components so there is precise placement of the knee implants. Your surgeon will use the robotic arm to guide removal of the damaged portions of the femur and tibia and for placement of the implants in the optimal location.
After the damaged bone has been removed from the femur and tibia, the components are attached to the bone with or without bone cement. A plastic piece is placed between the implants to provide a smooth gliding surface for movement. This plastic insert will support the body’s weight and allow the femur to move over the tibia, like the original meniscus cartilage.
The femur and tibia with the new components are then put together to form the new knee joint. To make sure the patella (kneecap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is also prepared to receive a plastic component. All these steps are performed with the help of the robotic arms.
With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The incision is then closed with stitches that are all buried underneath the skin and dissolve on their own over time. There are no stitches or staples that need to be removed. A waterproof antibacterial band-aid is placed over the incision and keeps it protected for 7 days.
Patients are walking within a few hours of surgery. Patients walk several times the same day as the surgery, and many patients feel comfortable going home the same day as the surgery.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
The benefits of the robotic-assisted knee replacement include:
- Smaller incisions
- Rapid recovery
- Precise placement of the implant
- Reduced injury to adjacent tissues
- Increased longevity of the implant
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, please contact Dr. Charters, serving the communities of Metro Detroit, MI.
