ROBOTIC-ASSISTED KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Robotic technology can now be used for partial knee replacement (PKR), a procedure designed to relieve the patient of the pain caused by degenerative osteoarthritis in one or both of the knee joints. By selectively replacing that part of the knee that has been degenerated due to osteoarthritis, the surgeon can only replace one part of the knee while maintaining healthy bones with their articular surfaces and ligaments around them.
Robotic technology provides the surgeon with a 3-D model to plan partial knee arthroplasty. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic arm based on patient-specific measurements. In this way, the surgeon removes only the degenerated part of the bone, maintaining healthy bones and soft molecules, and is able to place the implant in the correct anatomical position.
HOW DOES IT WORK
- A PERSONALIZED DESIGN FOR THE PATIENT
It all starts with a CT scan of the joint through which a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee anatomy is reconstructed. This virtual model is loaded into a computer’s software system and is used to create customized preoperative designs.
- DURING SURGERY
In the operating room, the orthopedist will use the robotic system to assist him in performing the surgery based on the patient’s personalized preoperative plan. This system allows the surgeon to make adjustments to the plan during surgery, as appropriate. When preparing the bone for the prosthesis, the robotic system guides the surgeon within the predetermined area by preventing possible micro-motions outside the planned range, thus offering a more precise positioning and alignment of the prosthesis.
- POST-OPERATIVELY
After surgery, the surgeon, nurses and physiotherapists will set goals for a quick and painless recovery. Together, they will closely monitor the patient’s progress, and the orthopedist will request radiographic imaging of the joint for the final assessment of the placement of the prosthesis.