Robotic Knee Replacement

Dr Alvin Tan Chin Kwong
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Primary & Revision Hip & Knee Arthroplasty, Joint Preservation Surgery, & Hip Fracture)
Pinnacle Orthopaedic Group

‍
Robotic Knee Replacement

‍
Total Knee Replacements have been done traditionally with the use of analogue instruments that guide the surgeons in making bone cuts that prepares the knee joint to receive the knee prosthesis. Variations in the patients’ anatomy can occasionally lead to inaccurate placement of the knee implants. As such, various techniques such as patient specific instruments and  computer aided surgery have been developed to overcome these problems.  One exciting innovation in the field of knee replacement surgery is robotic knee replacement, which offers benefits that can greatly improve your outcome.

When robotic knee surgery is utilised, radiographic imaging and software are used to generate a three-dimensional model of your knee prior to surgery. This allows the surgeon to visualise and cater to your unique anatomy. Special trackers are then used in the operating room to allow the robot to know precisely what the condition of your knee is like; and under direct, hands-on surgeon control, the knee replacement surgery is performed in a quick and accurate manner.

There are several benefits to undergoing a robotic knee replacement. These include:

Enhanced Precision and Accuracy:

With the aid of real-time tracking, the robotic system constantly monitors the position of the knee in space during surgery. This allows the robotic arm to position itself and provide a stable platform from which accurate bone cuts can be made. This precision in bone cuts allows the surgeon to make sure that the knee implants can be placed in the exact position that he wants them to be in.

Precise alignment and accurate positioning of the implant is crucial in knee replacement surgery as it is a significant factor that determines implant longevity. This is because proper alignment reduces stresses on the implant and reduces the rate of wear and tear on the implant. Conversely, total knee components that have been placed in suboptimal positions can experience accelerated wear and may result in the need for earlier revision knee surgery.

‍

Personalized Knee Balancing:

Every knee is different. The arthritic process will result in the contracture of some knee ligaments and the loosening of others. Robotic knee replacement technology provides surgeons with real-time feedback about the state of the knee and its ligament during each stage of the knee replacement procedure. Using this empirical and objective data provided by the robot, the surgeon can make adjustments and optimize the surgical plan for the best possible outcome. He can also simulate various implant positions in the robotic system to determine which is the optimal implant position that will result in a long-lasting, natural-feeling knee.

‍

Preservation of Healthy Tissue:

Another major advantage of robotic knee replacement is the preservation of healthy tissue. The robotic system enables precise removal of only the damaged parts of your knee joint, leaving the healthy bone and ligaments intact. Excessive ligament releases are avoided. This minimizes the inflammation as a result of the surgical trauma and can result in less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

Robotic knee replacement surgery brings significant advantages. This cutting-edge technology is transforming the field of knee replacement surgery. If you’re considering knee replacement, consult with us to discuss the potential benefits of robotic knee replacement and determine if it’s suitable for you. Together, you can make an informed decision and embark on a journey towards restored mobility and an active, pain-free lifestyle.