Why Consider a Knee Replacement
The most common reason patients get knee replacement surgery is to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. Other conditions that cause knee damage include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hemophilia
- Gout
- Knee injury
A knee replacement is a major procedure, therefore it is normally only recommended whenever other treatments, such as physical therapy or steroid injections, haven’t helped reduce pain or improve mobility.
Manual Total Knee Replacement
Manual total knee replacement surgery has been performed for decades. During the procedure, the surgeon uses manual tools to remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replace it with an artificial implant.
The surgeon typically follows four steps:
- Preparing the bone. During this stage, the doctor removes the damaged cartilage.
- Positioning the metal implants.
- Resurfacing the kneecap. Here, the surgeon makes a cut on the undersurface of the kneecap and resurfaces it with a plastic button.
- Inserting a spacer. A medical-grade spacer is inserted to create a smooth gliding surface.
Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement
Despite the very futuristic name, the surgery is not performed by a robot alone. Instead, it is very much like the manual replacement surgery, but where a robotic arm assists the surgeon to ensure better accuracy. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its precision.
Before the robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, you’ll get specialized CAT scans that create a 3-D image of your knee joint, bone structure, and surrounding tissues. Thanks to this detailed picture, your surgeon can plan your surgery in great detail in advance. As a result, they can make cuts precision to the millimeter, and therefore also pick the right implant size and positioning.
The surgery typically entails the following steps:
- Your surgeon will use tracking pins so that the robotic arm can confirm that it has received correct size and positioning data from your CAT scans.
- Following, the robotic arm positions itself and your surgeon uses the hand-held tool to perform your knee replacement, like in a manual surgery. The tool guides the doctor throughout the procedure. As a consequence, their experience and skills are supported and enhanced.
Manual vs. Robotic Knee Replacement: The Comparison
Both procedures are performed with the same goal. Some surgeons might prefer one over the other to adapt to the patient’s specific needs. Below, you will find a comparison based on points they might share or differ on.
Accuracy and Precision
Many professionals consider robotic knee replacement surgery to be more accurate and precise. Because the robotic arm can help make more precise cuts and adjustments, the implant may fit and align better. As a result, outcomes can be better and recovery time, faster.
Cost
Because there is a need for more advanced technology, robotic total knee replacement surgery is typically more costly.
Conclusion
In the manual vs. robotic knee replacement surgery debate, we find that both are effective methods to treat damage and give back functionality. Ultimately, the decision to undergo one or the other should be based on the healthcare professional’s opinion taking into consideration the individual patient’s needs and preferences.
At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, the team is committed to providing personalized care by listening attentively to each patient’s needs and respecting their individual preferences. Treatment plans are carefully tailored to address the specific concerns of every patient, ensuring a comprehensive and customized approach.
Welcome to Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, where we are devoted to keeping you strong, one step at a time.
