Knee replacements are relatively common orthopedic surgical procedures that involve removing diseased or damaged bone and tissue in the knee and replacing it with prosthetic materials to restore pain-free movement. Ever since the first robot-assisted knee replacement in 1985, robotic surgeries have become much more common as they help surgeons be as precise as possible during the surgery, and can even decrease recovery time.
Let’s talk about what robotic surgery is, how long it takes to recover from a robotic knee replacement, and where you can go in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda for outstanding orthopedic care to treat your knee pain successfully.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is any type of surgical procedure in which the surgeon uses some sort of robotic equipment to assist them with a surgical procedure. Keep in mind, the surgeon is still in control of the procedure – the robotic arm or device just helps them perform the procedure with more precision
In robotic knee replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon uses a robotic arm or robotic handheld device to remove the damaged bone and cartilage in the knee, which is usually caused by arthritis. The surgeon then replaces it with prosthetic materials (an implant) to help the joint move seamlessly and without pain.
How MAKOplasty Knee Replacement Works
There are a few different types of robotic equipment used in robotic knee replacements, and one of the most revolutionary is MAKOplasty.
Before MAKOplasty surgery, a CT scan (a 3D X-ray) of your knee will be taken to help the surgeon plan exactly where and how they will operate. In addition, these images will be used by the MAKOplasty robotic arm to help the surgeon be as accurate as possible when performing the incisions and cuts.
During the surgery, the robotic arm provides tactile, auditory, and visual feedback to the surgeon and takes the guesswork out of the surgical process.
Recovery After a Robotic Knee Replacement
As with traditional knee replacement recovery times can vary, but most patients are pain free within 2-6 weeks. The recovery includes physical therapy. Today, the majority of knee replacement surgeries are done on an outpatient basis whether at a hospital or a surgery center. More and more surgery centers are investing in robotics and most hospitals already have some sort of robotic system in place with MAKO, owned by Stryker orthopedics, being one of the most popular.Robotic Knee Replacement in Southwest Florida
If you are interested in robotic knee replacement using MAKOplasty, our talented orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopedic Center are more than happy to discuss your surgical options with you.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (941) 629-6262, or click here to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you get back to your life pain-free!
