How Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement Improves Your Results

Did you know that your knee is the largest joint in your body? This important and large joint is divided into three sections: the inside, the outside and the kneecap. During knee replacement surgery, one or all of the sections can be replaced. If only one or two of the sections need to be replaced, the surgery is called a partial knee replacement.

If you have to undergo a partial knee replacement, then you should find a surgeon who is experienced with robotic-assisted surgeries. If you are wondering why, then this article is for you. Here, Dr. Brian Cohen, our world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, explains how robotic-assisted partial knee replacement improves your results.

Robotic-assisted surgery is just that: surgery performed with the assistance of a robot. Dr. Cohen utilizes MAKO SmartRobotics™ for knee replacement surgery.

Prior to surgery, Dr. Cohen utilizes MAKO’s 3D CT-based planning software to create an individualized joint replacement surgical plan. During robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Cohen guides the robot’s arm to perform the procedure.

Robotic-assisted surgery has paved the way for partial knee replacement. Before robotic-assisted surgery, most orthopedic surgeons opted for total knee replacement over partial knee replacement. This is because partial knee replacements had a higher failure rate. Now, robotic-assisted surgery improves your partial knee replacement results. We will discuss some of these improvements below.

Robotic-assisted partial knee replacement is the least invasive surgical option. It focuses on replacing only the damaged or diseased areas of the knee. This is less invasive than total knee replacement or non-robotic assisted (open) surgery. During the procedure, there is less blood loss and less overall damage. Additionally, less invasive procedures are generally better for healing and recovery.

The MAKO robotic-arm assisted technology enables Dr. Cohen to create and follow a detailed surgical plan. During surgery, Dr. Cohen is able to accurately guide the robotic arm in accordance with the plan. One study actually found that robotics improves alignment accuracy in uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty (knee surgery involving only one section of the knee).

Increased accuracy and precision also improve results with regards to revision surgeries. A revision surgery is performed to change or modify a previous surgery. The same study mentioned above found that robotic surgery reduced early revision rates for uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty.

Patients are generally happier with efficient surgeries that offer better results and shorter recovery times. Robotic-arm assisted technology offers both.

Dr. Cohen is a renowned orthopedic surgeon who uses the latest technologies, including MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement. Schedule your knee replacement consultation with Dr. Cohen today to discuss your knee replacement options.