Specialist in Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Surgery in Metro Detroit, MI
Robotic-assisted partial knee surgery is an innovative surgical technique that can benefit people who have degenerative knee diseases such as osteoarthritis. Dr. Charters provides diagnosis and minimally-invasive partial knee surgery using robotic-arm technology in Metro Detroit, MI. Contact the office of Dr. Charters to schedule an appointment today!
What is Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Surgery?
Robotic-assisted partial knee surgery is an innovative alternative to the conventional surgical procedure to treat degenerative knee diseases such as osteoarthritis. It is performed using robotic-arm technology that allows your surgeon to precisely perform the surgery through small incisions.
What is Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement?
Partial (Unicompartmental) knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. It is also called a partial knee replacement.
The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone, the medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. A partial knee replacement replaces one of these 3 compartments of the knee. In other words, one-third of the knee is replaced.
The advantages of a partial knee replacement compared to total knee replacement are a quicker recovery and a less artificial feel of the knee replacement. However, not all patients are candidates for partial knee replacement because many patients have arthritis in more than one compartment of the knee.
Indications for Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Surgery
The procedure is beneficial for patients with arthritis in one area (compartment) of the knee. Robotic-assisted partial knee surgery can be considered if you have early-to-mid-stage osteoarthritis associated with symptoms such as knee pain, knee swelling, and knee locking. The procedure results in resolution of symptoms and a natural knee movement.
Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Surgery Procedure
This procedure utilizes X-rays and CT scans to determine the damaged areas of the joint that need to be removed for the precise placement of the knee implant. In partial knee resurfacing, only the diseased portion of your knee is removed, preserving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue. An implant is then secured over the prepared portion of your knee joint that results in resolution of symptoms and natural knee movement. As it employs a minimally invasive technique, the incidence of scarring and blood loss is very low.
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 Partial Knee Surgery
The benefits of the robotic-assisted partial knee surgery 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 partial knee surgery, please contact Dr. Charters, serving the communities of Metro Detroit, MI.
