Faster Recovery, Better Results: Benefits of Robotic Knee & Hip Replacements

Are You Considering A Joint Replacement?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of American adults must decide whether to proceed with a knee or hip replacement. This is a major decision that can impact future mobility and quality of life. Knee and hip replacements are the most common joint replacements performed today. These large joints are subject to osteoarthritis, the wear and tear of cartilage and bone. Long-term degeneration leads to chronic pain, stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility. Over the years, surgeons performed joint replacements using large, open incisions. Now, there are minimally invasive options that include robotics. The evidence shows that combining technology with medicine can lead to improved outcomes.

Knee and hip replacements with robotics

A knee or hip replacement seeks to remove a damaged or degenerative joint to install a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthetic replacement. The procedure is ideal for severe cases of arthritis or injury at an advanced age, where non-surgical strategies fail to bring relief. Open procedures depend on the surgeon to manually remove the bone, measure, and install the new replacement. Robotic joint replacement, on the other hand, uses a robotic arm-assisted device to perform the procedure. The surgeon uses a console connected to the device to guide the removal and installation of the joint. The robotic arm supports an otherwise complex procedure, leading to numerous benefits.

Robotics produce accurate procedures

The technology behind the robotic arm has multiple uses. Using high-quality scans, the device can gauge the precise dimensions of the knee and surrounding ligaments. This data is used to generate the optimal size of the prosthesis and location of the joint. In other words, the procedure begins long before the patient arrives in the hospital. On the day of the surgery, the surgeon can confidently remove and install the prosthesis. The surgeon performs the joint replacement behind the console as the device has high-precision tools, allowing for more dexterity and accuracy. This option is ideal for complex cases, potentially increasing the success rate.

Robotics speed up recovery

Knee and hip replacements require extensive recovery time. The average patient needs several months of pain management and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. The many benefits of robotic knee replacements reduce this timeline. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning less blood loss and postoperative pain. The device also seeks to preserve as much tissue and bone as possible, reducing inflammation and recovery time. Patients can typically leave the surgical center the same day, kickstarting the recovery process sooner. Robotic knee or hip replacements have a reduced risk of complications as the implant is less likely to fail. Studies show that patients with robotic joint replacement can return to everyday activities within 3 weeks.

Robotics may produce better results

A knee or hip replacement is only as good as the long-term outcome for the patient. The goal, after all, is to reduce pain and improve mobility. Robotic joint replacement promises improved accuracy during surgery and precision in the implant preparation. The device ensures the new joint is positioned and aligned accurately, leading to less pain and improved function. Research shows that robotic joint replacement produces improved joint alignment, accuracy, and safety compared to conventional means. If the patient starts preparations before the surgery, such as physical therapy, the outcomes will improve even further. For the ideal candidate, robotic knee or hip replacement produces better results.

Get a knee or hip replacement with confidence

Joint replacements have evolved thanks to the use of robotics. The technology behind robotic-arm-assisted surgery leads to more accuracy, dexterity, and long-term results. While effective, an orthopedic surgeon can advise if the surgery is suitable. For instance, certain medical conditions may make someone a less suitable candidate. The severity of the joint damage and the surgeon’s expertise all matter. Enjoy the many benefits of robotics, leading to a more mobile, pain-free future.