Are you suffering from knee or other joint pain? Do you need surgery but hate to think about the painful and lengthy recovery time? New joint replacement technology is making a world of difference for patients. OSMC now offers robotic knee replacement surgery and will add additional robotic assisted joint replacement options in the future.
What is Robotic Joint Replacement?
A robotic surgery method is a great choice for replacing a joint. The “robot” is a specialized technology that assists the surgeon by collecting information about the patient’s unique anatomy before, during and after surgery. Accuracy and precision allow for great alignment, quicker recovery and additional benefits for the patient.
Robotic surgery is often viewed as an independent robot completing the procedure without human interaction. It’s important to note, this is not the case! The board-certified, experienced surgeon and their care team perform your surgery – they are simply being assisted by the remarkable new joint replacement technology.
Dr. Willis Stevenson notes that the robot’s job is to guide the instruments using exact calculations provided in real-time during surgery.
“The advantage is that the surgical field is measured with extreme precision and the robotic ‘arm’ allows us to make intra-operative adjustments immediately to the implant placement,” he says. “For the patient, this means the recovery time may be shorter, and they will have a more natural-feeling joint.”
What are the advantages of Robotic Joint Replacement?
With the visual technology and data used during surgery, the robot-assisted procedure requires smaller incisions and less invasion to surrounding tissue and bone compared to a traditional procedure. This can speed up the natural healing process of your body, getting you back to your life and activities faster.
The benefits of robotic join replacement can include:
- Precise placement of the implant
- Improved motion
- Excellent balancing of the ligaments
- Increased longevity of the implant
- Reduced hospital stays
- Possible less time under anesthesia
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced injury to adjacent tissues
- Quicker recovery and relief
- A more natural-feeling joint.
- Fast return to daily activities
“We know that the more accurate we can be in positioning implants, the longer the implant will last, and the better the patient will feel and function,” Dr. Stevenson says.
Are You a Candidate for Robotic Joint Replacement for Your Knee?
Anyone who is a candidate for traditional knee replacement surgery is often also eligible for robotic knee replacement. You and your doctor will decide together what is best for your situation.
Preparing for Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery
As with other surgical procedures, prior to surgery, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination, complete routine tests and discuss your medicines, allergies, etc. X-rays may be requested prior to the surgery, or the imaging may be performed as part of the procedure. The surgical robot uses the imaging information to create a 3D model of the joint’s structure that the surgeon can view right on screen during the operation.
Are There Risks Associated with This Surgery?
With any surgery, there is the potential for complications. Though uncommon, some potential complications may include blood clots, infection, implant failure, malalignment and premature wear. Some patients may experience stiffness and pain as they adjust to their new joint. Each patient’s conditions and needs are different. Talk with your doctor about your options to determine what treatment plan is best for you.
We Would Love to Help You Get Moving!
Knee replacement surgery can help you beat pain and get moving again. We understand that anytime you opt to have surgery, it’s a big decision. The team at OSMC will discuss your joint health options with you help you pick the best choice for your unique issues. We’re pleased to add the additional robotic surgery option to improve our patient’s health and lives.
Make an appointment to discuss robotic knee replacement surgery with Dr. Craig Erekson, Dr. Mark Klaassen, or Dr. Willis Stevenson. OSMC has been serving Indiana and Michigan since 1973 and welcomes patients in our offices located in Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Nappanee.
Schedule a consultation appointment today!
