Three Common Questions About Robotic Knee Replacements
Conventional knee replacements are one of the most successful surgeries available. However, Dr. Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic are always looking for ways to improve the patient experience. That’s why Dr. Cafferky is offering his patients robotic replacements for both partial and total knee.
Even though robotic knee systems have been around for years, the idea of a robot in the operating room can seem scary to some. Here are three common questions Team Cafferky receives about robotic knee replacements.
Are There Benefits to Robotic Knee Replacements Over Traditional Surgery?
Because robotic surgery allows for greater precision in total knee replacements, the patient has some clear benefits. These include:
Implant Personalization: Before your surgery, the Robot Surgical Assistant (ROSA) uses x-rays to create a model of your knee, allowing the implant to be tailored to your knee’s unique anatomy.
Personalized Surgery: Robotic systems use anatomical landmarks to provide the surgeon information about the soft tissue and bone around an arthritic knee. These data points guide the surgeon’s cuts and allow patient-specific bone removal, implant placement, and joint alignment.
Implant Placement: During your procedure, ROSA provides the surgeon with real-time data about your knee, its range of motion, and how the implant's placement impacts the knee’s movements. The surgeon can adjust your implant to ensure its placement is optimal for restoring rotation and flexion using this information.
While more data is needed to determine if there are long-term benefits to robotic knee replacements, robotic surgical assistants can turn subjective data into objective data. This removes the guesswork from your knee replacement and provides a more personalized approach to your care.
Is the Robotic System Performing Surgery?
In his practice at The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Cafferky utilizes the Zimmer Biomet ROSA. The device is composed of two units, one positioned on each side of the operating table:
A robotic unit consisting of a compact robotic arm and a touchscreen.
An optical sensor and a touchscreen
The robotic arm is equipped with a force sensor that allows the surgeon to manually move the robotic unit to location. Different attachments (for measuring or cutting) can be fitted onto the robotic arm.
Sensors are placed into the knee at certain points, which allows the optical unit to create a roadmap of the patient’s knee. The ROSA touch screen will display a guide for soft tissue releases, balancing, and bone cuts using that roadmap.
This robotic system is operated by the surgeon throughout the procedure. Dr. Cafferky is still making the incisions, removing the damaged bone, tissue, and cartilage, and placing the implant. ROSA simply offers the data that allows for the accuracy of the work.
Who’s a Candidate for Robotic Knee Replacements?
If you’re a candidate for a knee replacement, then you qualify for a robotic knee replacement.
The most common reason for receiving a knee replacement is damage to the knee joint from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that sits between the two bones of the knee begins the breakdown. This can be the result of a past orthopaedic injury to the knee or just wear-and-tear from living an active life.
When the cartilage breaks down, the tibia and femur rub against each other. This can cause:
Pain
Swelling
A grind or clicking sensation
Difficulty moving
Impacted range of motion in the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis is initially treated nonsurgically. This could be anything from lifestyle changes to anti-inflammatory medications to steroid injections. However, when conservative treatments do nothing to relieve your pain and inflammation, it’s time to speak to an orthopaedic physician specializing in adult joint reconstruction.
Your knee will be assisted through a physical exam, imaging tests, and medical history. Once your healthcare team understands the impacts of your osteoarthritis on the knee’s bones, cartilage, and tissue, they will recommend a treatment option that’s right for you.
If a knee replacement is recommended, be sure to ask about the possibility of using a robotic assistant during the surgery.
Contact Dr. Cafferky About Robotic Knee Replacements Today!
Dr. Cafferky is leading the way in joint innovation! Known throughout Colorado for his expertise, compassion, and surgical skill, Dr. Cafferky has become the go-to orthopaedic physician for robotic knee replacements.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cafferky and his team today! Call (970) 476-1100 or request an appointment online. Telehealth appointments are available!
