Robotic knee surgery is becoming increasingly popular to treat various knee conditions. This type of surgery can offer many benefits, including a faster recovery time and less knee pain. But how long does robotic knee surgery take?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open knee surgery. This type of surgery uses a computer-assisted device to allow the surgeon to operate more precisely. Robotic technology surgery can be performed as either partial knee replacement surgery or total knee replacement surgery.
In this article, we will discuss how long robotic knee surgery takes, the benefits of this type of surgery, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Candidates for Robotic Knee Surgery:
Robotic knee surgery is typically recommended for patients with joint pain, joint degeneration, or arthritis. This type of surgery can be an effective way to treat these medical conditions and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Your doctor will likely recommend this type of surgery if you have tried other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, and you have not seen any improvements.
Robotic knee surgery can be an effective and best treatment for:
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Knee deformities
The above conditions can cause the cartilage in your knee joint to break down. This breakdown can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you are dealing with any of these symptoms, your doctor may recommend robotic joint replacement surgery to treat the condition and improve your quality of life.
However, it is important to note that this type of surgery is not for everyone. Your doctor will need to evaluate your case to determine if you are a good candidate for robotic knee surgery.
Recommendations before having Robotic Knee Surgery:
Before going in for robotic knee surgery, your doctor will give you a physical exam. This is to check your overall health and to make sure that you can have the surgery. You may also need to get some tests, such as X-rays, an MRI, or blood work.
Your doctor will also go over the risks of having robotic knee surgery. These include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and reactions to general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
Before you have surgery, your doctor will likely recommend that you:
- Stop smoking
- Receive cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Lose weight
- Wear knee Braces
Smoking can delay your healing process and increase your risk of complications. If you are a smoker, your doctor will likely recommend you quit at least two weeks before your surgery.
Cortisone shots or injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain medication. These shots may be recommended in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your knee. This can be beneficial in the faster recovery process.
If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend losing weight before surgery. This can help to reduce the stress on your knee and improve your overall health. The doctor may also recommend knee braces to help support your knee and protect it from further injury.
What to Expect During Robotic Knee Surgery?
There is a common misconception that robotic knee surgery is an entirely automated procedure. However, this is not the case. The orthopaedic surgeon is still in complete control of the robotic arm during the surgery in the operating room.
The most significant benefit of using a robot for knee surgery is the level of accuracy it provides for total knee arthroplasty. This is especially beneficial for patients who have susceptible bones or ligaments. The robot can make precise movements, which helps minimize damage to these tissues.
Robotic knee surgery usually takes between one and two hours before taking you to the recovery room. This includes the time it takes to prep the patient for surgery and close the incisions afterward. The actual surgical procedure itself typically only takes around 30 minutes.
Patients who undergo robotic surgical techniques usually have a shorter hospital stays of one to two nights. This is so that the surgical team can closely monitor the patient and ensure that everything is healing properly.
Robotic knee surgery is a relatively new technology, but it has helped countless patients recover from knee injuries and conditions. If you are considering this type of surgery, be sure to discuss all your options with your surgeon.
How the Mako Technology Works?
Mako technology is a robotic-assisted surgery platform that provides surgeons with real-time 3D imaging of the patient’s joint during surgery. This allows for the precise removal of damaged bone and cartilage while sparing healthy tissue.
The Mako System was designed to treat patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder. It can also be used for partial robotic knee replacement surgery.
The orthopedic surgeon first creates a 3D model of the patient’s joint during Mako surgery using CT imaging. This model is then used to plan and create a personalized surgical plan.
The Mako System consists of a robotic arm attached to a surgical table. The surgeon sits at a computer console and uses a joystick to control the robotic arm. The mako robotic-arm is designed to give the surgeon greater control and accuracy during surgery.
Benefits of Robotic Knee Surgery:
Robotic-assisted knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic arm to help the surgeon perform the surgery. This type of surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, and it can help the patient’s new knee recover more quickly.
Here are some of the benefits of robotic knee surgery:
Robotic Knee Surgery is Less Invasive:
While traditional open knee surgery involves making a large incision to access the knee joint, robotic knee surgery only requires a few smaller incisions. This means more minor damage to the surrounding tissues and less knee pain and swelling after the surgery.
Robotic Knee Surgery is More Precise:
The greater precision of a robotic knee implant is made possible by using a robotic arm. This arm is equipped with a camera that gives the surgeon a magnified, 3D view of the original or artificial joint. This allows the surgeon to make very precise movements when performing the surgery.
Robotic Knee Surgery Has a Shorter Recovery Time:
The recovery time of surgery depends on many factors. Still, the minimally invasive nature of robotic knee surgery usually leads to a shorter recovery time when compared to traditional open knee surgery. Patients with robotic knee surgery often report less pain and swelling after the surgery, and they can return to their daily activities more quickly.
Robotic Knee Surgery is Less Risky:
As with any surgery, there are always risks involved. However, the risks associated with robotic knee surgery are typically lower than those associated with traditional open knee surgery. This is because robotic knee surgery is less invasive and more precise.
Overall, robotic knee surgery offers many benefits when compared to traditional open knee surgery.
How Long Does Robotic Knee Surgery Take?
Robotic knee surgery is typically very quick, and most procedures are completed in less than two hours. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed to complete the surgery.
During robotic knee surgery, the surgeon will make a few small incisions to access the original or artificial knee joint. A camera will give the surgeon a 3D view of the knee joint. The surgeon will then use a robotic arm to perform the surgery.
After the day of surgery, patients will usually stay in the hospital for one or two nights. This is so that the staff can monitor the patient and make sure that they are recovering properly.
The recovery time after robotic knee surgery is typically shorter than the recovery time after traditional open knee surgery. If you are considering knee surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon if robotic-assisted surgery is an option for you.
Robotic knee surgery offers many benefits and is a safe and effective option for many people. The length of the surgery will depend on the procedure being performed, but most procedures are completed in less than two hours. It is essential to speak with your surgeon about the best option for you.
Recovery after Robotic Knee Surgery
After you go home from the hospital, you will continue your recovery. You will likely need to use a cane or crutches for support while walking. Your surgeon will tell you when you can start putting weight on your leg.
You will also need to do a range of motion exercises to keep your knee flexible. Physical therapy can help you learn the right exercises to do. You may need to see a physical therapist two or three times a week for several weeks or months depending on your situation.
You will likely need to take it easy four to six weeks after surgery. This means no running, jumping, or other high-impact activities. You should avoid any activity level that puts strain on your knee.
You will probably need to wear a knee brace to support your knee as it heals. As your knee heals, you will gradually be able to return to your normal activities. Most people can return to all their usual activities within three to six months.
Conclusion
Robotic knee surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that can be used to replace a damaged knee joint. The surgery is performed using a robotic arm to guide the surgeon’s movements.
This surgery can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. The time will depend on the severity of the surgery and the person’s health. Recovery times vary but are typically shorter with this type of surgery than with traditional methods.
To find out what your treatment options for in your situation talk to your primary care provider.