For people with crippling knee pain and limited mobility, knee replacement surgery has been a game-changing treatment. Conventional knee replacement surgeries have been performed for a long time and are a quite popular and affordable alternative. However, the introduction of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery has given this area a fresh perspective, promising more precision, individualized care, and maybe better patient outcomes.

While both methods have their own pros and cons, a patient must consider a lot of factors before deciding the best treatment alternative. In this article, we will try to understand the basic differences between traditional and robotic knee replacement surgeries.

Conventional Knee replacement surgery

Total knee arthroplasty, often known as conventional knee replacement surgery, is a well known treatment that has been carried out for many years. Patients with severe knee arthritis, major joint destruction, or persistent knee discomfort are frequently advised to get it. In a traditional knee replacement procedure, the afflicted joint is accessed by the orthopedic surgeon making an incision at the front of the knee. The residual bone is then prepped to fit the prosthetic components after the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces of the knee joint have been removed.

To achieve adequate alignment and stability, the surgeon balances the ligaments that surround the knee. Its limits in terms of precision and customization, however, have prompted the creation of robotic-assisted knee replacement procedures.

Procedure

Traditional knee replacement surgery, entails the following crucial steps:

• Anesthesia: The patient receives either regional anesthesia, which numbs the lower body, or general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious.
• Incision: An 8 to 10-inch-long incision is normally made in the front of the knee by the orthopedic surgeon. Smaller incisions may be made in some situations thanks to the use of minimally invasive procedures.
• Bone preparation: Using specialized surgical equipment, the worn-out cartilage and bone surfaces within the knee joint are meticulously removed. To provide a smooth surface for the prosthetic components, the surgeon cuts the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) ends.
• Implant placement: The doctor fixes the prosthetic parts to the cleaned-out surfaces of the bone. The tibial component, which is normally composed of metal with a plastic insert, is fixed to the top of the tibia, while the femoral component, which is typically made of metal, is fixed to the end of the femur. A patellar component (a plastic button) may also be placed in some circumstances to replace the kneecap’s underside.
• Ligament balancing: To ensure that the knee joint is properly aligned and stable, the surgeon evaluates and modifies the tension of the surrounding ligaments. This stage is essential for developing a stable and effective knee.
• Closing the wound: The incision is stitched or stapled shut, and a sterile dressing is placed over it to keep it clean.
• Recovery and rehab: Following surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery room and under close observation. Immediately following surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation activities are usually started in order to speed up the healing process, regain range of motion, strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, and make it easier to walk and bear weight.

It is important to understand that the procedure’s exact specifications may change depending upon the patient’s situation and the surgeon’s preferences. The surgeon’s ability and experience in making accurate bone incisions, obtaining optimal component alignment, and maintaining adequate ligament balance are crucial to the outcome of traditional knee replacement surgery.

Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

Robotic knee replacement surgery is a cutting-edge medical advancement that makes use of robotic-assisted technology to improve the precision, accuracy, and customizability of the surgery. A robotic system is used along with the orthopedic surgeon’s knowledge, frequently using a robotic arm which is a specialized surgical platform.

Procedure

The steps followed in a robotic knee replacement procedure are typical as follows:

• Preoperative planning: Imaging scans, such as CT or MRIs, are performed on the patient before surgery in order to produce a 3D virtual model of the patient’s knee joint. The surgeon can use this digital model to plan the process, including the precise placement and alignment of the implants.
• Robotic assistance: The orthopedic surgeon controls the robotic arm during surgery using a computerized system. The surgeon uses a console to operate the cutting tools and specialized instruments that are mounted on the robotic arm. The robotic system helps to carry out the predetermined surgical approach by providing real-time feedback.
• Mapping knee joint: The robotic technology maps the patient’s knee joint in great detail, enabling precise identification of the bone surfaces, ligaments, and other structures. The mapping aids the surgeon in deciding where and how to align the implants for the best results.
• Bone preparation and implant placement: The robotic arm helps the surgeon to precisely shape the bone surfaces to accommodate the prosthetic components during the preparation of the bone and implant insertion. The robotic device ensures the diseased tissue is removed precisely and bone cutting is done accurately. Following careful positioning, the implants are fixed in place.
• Real-time modifications: As the procedure progresses, the robotic system gives the surgeon feedback in real-time, allowing the surgeon to make exact adjustments based on the patient’s particular anatomy and alignment.
• Recovery: Following the completion of the robotically assisted surgery, the incision is closed, and the patient is then transferred to a recovery area. The recovery and rehabilitation process is just similar to the traditional recovery.

There are numerous advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery such as increased implant location precision, decreased chance of problems, lessened tissue damage, quicker recovery, and greater long-term results. It’s crucial to keep in mind that not all patients may be good candidates for this method and that hospitals and surgeons may not all have access to robotic-assisted systems.

Robotic vs Conventional Knee Surgery; Which is Better

With the help of robotic technology, robotic knee replacement surgery can increase the precision and accuracy of the implant. The surgeon can make the required adjustments during the procedure with the help of the robotic system’s real-time input, resulting in the best possible results.

Traditional knee replacement surgery has a long and successful history. Experienced surgeons have had great success with these treatments in terms of pain alleviation, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction. The availability and accessibility of traditional surgery are much greater than those of robotic-assisted surgery, which may only be performed at a few centers.

It is important to understand that the result of knee replacement surgery depends on a number of factors like personal choices of the patient, postoperative care, and rehabilitation. A careful approach should be taken for each patient’s circumstances, including factors like severity of their ailment, their anatomy, and level of experience of the surgeon.