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Robotic vs. traditional knee replacement surgery: What are the advantages and disadvantages?How is robotic knee replacement different from traditional replacement?What are the advantages and disadvantages of robotic knee replacement surgery?Should you have a traditional total knee replacement?Benefit:Shortcoming:Who is suitable for knee surgery?
Robotic vs. traditional knee replacement surgery: What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Total knee replacement is a common but life-changing orthopedic surgery that involves implanting a knee joint to enhance the quality of life of individuals suffering from end-stage osteoarthritis or other physical problems. In recent years, the age group receiving this treatment has decreased. With younger patients receiving robotic knee replacement surgery, doctors say that even traditional surgery – which widely uses X-ray imaging and manual techniques to remove damaged bone and cartilage – is a good option. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Read on to know in detail.
The robot cannot assist the surgeon during the procedure, while traditional surgery relies on the skill and experience of the surgeon
Knee replacement surgery – also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace all or some of the joint in your knee, including damaged cartilage and bone, with an artificial joint.
According to experts, with advances in technology, knee replacement surgery now uses robots to assist the surgeon during the procedure, while traditional surgery, which is also popular, relies on the surgeon’s skill and experience. “Robotic knee replacement is a relatively new technology, with few surgeons practising joint replacement surgery,” Dr Srikanth Madikattu, Consultant Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospitals, told Times Now.
How is robotic knee replacement different from traditional replacement?
For the robotic procedure, the surgeon uses the robot to guide him through a plan that has already been created, says Dr. Madikattu. The robot uses 3D imaging and CT scans to create a model of the patient’s knee joint, which helps the surgeon plan and perform the surgery more precisely.
The robot also helps prepare the bone and place the artificial joint components.
However, in traditional surgery, a surgeon extensively uses X-ray imaging and manual techniques to remove damaged bone and cartilage. The surgeon then relies on his skills and experience to make precise cuts and place the implants correctly, as well as balance the soft tissues.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of robotic knee replacement surgery?
“Robotic knee replacement is a relatively new technology that is being used by some surgeons in joint replacement surgery,” Dr. Madikattu said, adding that it has a low complication rate.
Its benefits include:
- Increasing accuracy and precision in surgery
- improving implant alignment and position
- minimal soft tissue release
However, there are some downsides to this technologically advanced process:
- High cost and limited access to technology
- Potential technical issues and dependence on technology
- Limited evidence to support long-term outcomes
Should you have a traditional total knee replacement?
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of traditional types of surgery:
Benefit:
- They have been used for several decades, so there is long-term data to support their benefits.
- They are less expensive than robotic knee replacement
- These can be executed in less time
Shortcoming:
- Traditional surgery cannot be performed in a patient with severe extra-articular deformity and implants around the knee joint
- It requires a more gentle release depending on the knee deformity
Who is suitable for knee surgery?
According to Dr. Madikattu, patients with osteoarthritis are suitable candidates for robotic knee surgery. However, their condition should not have reached an advanced stage. In some people, the swelling and stiffness around the knee, as well as the discomfort, become severe, limiting normal mobility and everyday activities.
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