Why To Ask For Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery If You’re Getting TJR

Thinking About Total Joint Replacement?

There comes a time when a doctor or orthopedic surgeon may recommend a total joint replacement (TJR) of the knee, hip, or other major joint. TJR is a surgical procedure that supports a severely damaged or diseased joint. With TJR, an orthopedic surgeon completely removes the damaged cartilage and bone of a joint that has caused chronic pain. To restore function, a ball and socket prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic is surgically inserted. After a lengthy rehabilitation, the patient should experience less pain and improved mobility. Individuals thinking about hip, knee, or other TJR have different surgical options, but robotic arm assisted surgery should be high up on the list of considerations. This innovative procedure offers fantastic benefits for patients.

Reasons to consider TJR

Each year, surgeons perform over 1 million joint replacements to help patients reduce pain and regain mobility. This procedure is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. Patients who seek out TJR typically have persistent chronic pain, due to conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that interferes with work or daily activities. Traumatic joint injuries or debilitating arthritis necessitate joint replacement, as conservative methods will not help with pain or mobility. For some people, TJR is seen as a last resort after months or years of pain management fail to improve symptoms.

Should you ask for a robot?

Most joint replacements are performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), a more desirable approach. Open surgery uses a large incision, separating tissue and muscle to access and replace the joint. MIS is less invasive, with several small incisions used with an arthroscope to complete the procedure. The scope can project images of the joint on an external monitor, allowing the surgeon to work on the joint without damaging surrounding tissue. Now, robotic arm assisted surgery allows for another option. This is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery that uses a large, robotic arm controlled by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Robotic arm surgery combines 3D mapping and other innovative programs to help the surgeon perform TJR.

More accuracy and precision

Robotic arm assisted surgery has some fantastic additional benefits and advantages. The procedure can create a more accurate and precise joint installation. The process of robotic surgery starts before the surgery. Using 3D mapping and other innovative programs, the surgical team maps out the joint and the specific size of the prosthesis in advance, increasing accuracy. The surgeon is guided by the measurements preinstalled into the device. These measurements ensure the joint replacement is installed correctly down to the nearest millimeter. The device corrects the surgeon if there are errors, leading to better functional outcomes.

Customized planning reduces tissue damage

Traditional TJR can cause some tissue damage around the joint. As a result, patients may experience more post-operative pain and a longer healing time. Robotic surgery accounts for the patient’s unique anatomy. The new joint is sized to minimize tissue damage. This customization also helps minimize bone removal and soft tissue damage. Patients will enjoy a more effective procedure and quicker recovery.

Minimally invasive benefits

Robotic arm assisted surgery uses minimally invasive approaches, similar to arthroscopic surgery. The surgeon and robotic arm device will use small incisions and a similar arthroscopic device to perform TJR. Smaller incisions mean the patient can leave the hospital or surgical center on the same day. There are also more minor scars, less post-operative pain, and a faster recovery time.

A longer-lasting implant

Robotic arm assisted surgery is more precise and can take longer than open or minimally invasive surgery. However, improving the accuracy and positioning of the implant can lead to improved longevity. The joint is less likely to fail or shift out of place. Patients will also experience better mobility with a lower likelihood of revision surgeries in the future.

Get the best TJR for you

Robotic arm assisted surgery has many benefits, but the procedure is not for everyone. A surgeon must assess the patient and advise whether robotics can help. The ideal candidate has severe joint pain but is otherwise in good health. More active individuals with adequate muscle strength and tissue around the damaged joint are great candidates. The procedure requires an extensive recovery time, complete with physical therapy (PT), to improve mobility and reduce pain. Discuss all options with the surgical team, who will determine if robotic arm assisted surgery is the best course of action.