Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before undergoing total knee replacement surgery, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess overall health and identify any underlying conditions. Pre-operative instructions are provided, which may include fasting before surgery, adjusting medications, and preparing the home environment for post-operative recovery. Patients are educated about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

The Procedure

Total knee replacement surgery begins with administering anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision over the knee joint to access the damaged knee. The ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are prepared by removing damaged cartilage and bone. The surgeon then attaches metal components to the ends of the bones using bone cement. These components include a metal femoral component that covers the end of the femur and a metal tibial component that covers the top of the tibia. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

Post-Procedure Care

After total knee replacement surgery, the patient is monitored in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. Pain management is initiated with medications, and measures are taken to prevent blood clots and infection. Physical therapy begins soon after surgery to help strengthen the knee muscles, improve range of motion, and facilitate recovery. Patients are instructed on how to safely move, sit, and perform daily activities to protect the new knee joint. Assistive devices such as walkers, crutches, or a cane may be used initially to aid mobility.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery varies based on individual factors such as overall health, age, and extent of knee damage. Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility within a few weeks after surgery. Physical therapy continues for several weeks to months to regain strength and function in the knee joint. Full recovery to resume normal activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and participating in low-impact sports, may take several months. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, assess joint function, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Conclusion

Total knee replacement surgery is a highly effective procedure for relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe knee joint damage. Successful outcomes depend on thorough pre-operative planning, precise surgical technique, and dedicated post-operative rehabilitation. Patients play a crucial role in their recovery by following medical advice, actively participating in physical therapy, and adhering to lifestyle modifications recommended by their healthcare team. With proper care and rehabilitation, patients can achieve significant pain relief and improved quality of life with their new knee joint.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before undergoing robotic knee replacement surgery, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess overall health and identify any underlying conditions. Pre-operative instructions are provided, which may include fasting before surgery, adjusting medications, and preparing the home environment for post-operative recovery. Patients are educated about the procedure, potential benefits of robotic assistance, and expected outcomes.

The Procedure

Robotic knee replacement surgery begins with administering anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon utilizes a robotic system, which includes a computer-guided navigation system and robotic arm, to assist in precise bone preparation and implant placement. Here are the key steps:

• CT-Based Planning: Before surgery, a CT scan of the patient's knee is used to create a 3D model, allowing the surgeon to plan the procedure with optimal implant size and placement.
• Robotic Arm Guidance: During surgery, the robotic arm assists the surgeon in executing the pre-planned surgical strategy. The surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove damaged bone and cartilage from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), preparing them to receive the prosthetic components.
• Implant Placement: The robotic system helps ensure accurate alignment and positioning of the implants. The artificial components, including the metal femoral component, metal or plastic tibial component, and plastic spacer, are meticulously placed to restore the knee joint's function and stability.

Post-Procedure Care

After robotic knee replacement surgery, the patient is monitored in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. Pain management is initiated with medications, and measures are taken to prevent blood clots and infection. Physical therapy begins soon after surgery to help strengthen the knee muscles, improve range of motion, and facilitate recovery. Patients receive instructions on how to safely move, perform knee exercises, and perform daily activities to protect the new knee joint. Assistive devices such as walkers or crutches may be used initially to aid mobility.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from robotic knee replacement surgery varies based on individual factors such as overall health, age, and extent of knee damage. Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility within a few weeks after surgery. Physical therapy continues for several weeks to months to regain strength and function in the knee joint. Full recovery to resume normal activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and participating in recreational activities, may take several months. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, assess joint function, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Conclusion

Robotic knee replacement surgery represents a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery, offering enhanced precision and potentially better outcomes for patients with severe knee joint damage. Successful outcomes depend on thorough pre-operative planning, precise robotic-assisted surgery, and dedicated post-operative rehabilitation. Patients play a crucial role in their recovery by following medical advice, actively participating in physical therapy, and adhering to lifestyle modifications recommended by their healthcare team. With proper care and rehabilitation, patients can achieve significant pain relief, improved knee function, and enhanced quality of life with their new knee joint.