Minimally Invasive, Maximum Results: Robotic Surgery For Joint Replacement

A New Form Of Joint Replacement

Joint replacements are an essential procedure today. With over 1 million knee, hip, and shoulder replacements performed annually, the surgery gives individuals a new lease of life. Over time, the cartilage and bone wear away, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and bones rubbing on each other. These are often symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a long-standing injury. A total joint replacement swaps out the damaged joint and installs a prosthesis tailored to the patient’s joint. Robotic surgery is now an option and stands at the forefront of joint replacements. The minimally invasive option can provide fantastic results for what can be a challenging procedure.

Why consider minimally invasive surgery?

To perform a total joint replacement, a surgeon must make an incision along the joint to access and replace the bone. Traditional open surgery necessitates a large incision several inches long. While effective, open surgery leads to more blood loss, larger scars, and more postoperative pain. There is also a larger risk of infection. Some patients can benefit from minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to perform the procedure. This strategy uses multiple small incisions of less than an inch to access the joint. An arthroscope device goes through an incision that can view the surgical site with a camera and light attachment. The smaller incisions lead to smaller scars, less pain, and a shorter recovery time.

How robotics in joint replacements work

Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery that can be used to perform total joint replacements. At the core of the surgery is a robotic-arm-assisted device that has motor skills to perform many surgical actions. The device is controlled by the surgeon behind a console. The robotic arm is programmed to move with amazing accuracy, performing to the nearest millimeter. The device also maps out the surgery in advance, creating a plan and recommended joint replacement specific to the patient. During the procedure, the surgeon follows the plan, using the device to make incisions, remove damaged tissue, and install the new prosthesis.

Benefits for patients

Along with all the benefits of MIS, robotic surgery has multiple benefits. There is more precise alignment and accuracy in the procedure since the joint is mapped beforehand with 3D modeling. A customized plan leads to better outcomes, preservation of surrounding tissue, and fewer mistakes. The new joint will be unique to the patient's anatomy, leading to more efficient recovery and a longer-lasting replacement. Studies suggest that robotic-assisted joints have a longer survival rate than traditional procedures. Surgeons also benefit from using robotic surgery. There is more confidence in performing the surgery as there is a significantly lower risk of misalignment or using the wrong implant size. More inexperienced surgeons have an additional guide, allowing patients to feel more comfortable with the decision to replace the joint.

Amazing results you can't ignore

Surgeons are turning to robotic surgery as an effective way to perform joint replacements. With high success rates and patient satisfaction, this may soon become the standard in the process. Studies show that the procedure can lead to similar outcomes compared to traditional surgery. While the procedure may be longer, the reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and less postoperative pain make up for the attention to detail. Robotic surgery can have 94% success rates, but the results depend on patient health and individual circumstances.

Consider minimally invasive robotic surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a major decision. After months or even years of pain and discomfort, installing a prosthesis can help patients reclaim mobility. More individuals are opting for total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. The procedure now contains innovative options like robotic surgery. This technological marvel leads to better planning, increased surgeon confidence, and more accurate results. An orthopedic surgeon can perform a comprehensive review to determine if robotic surgery is the best course of action.