Need Knee Replacement Surgery? Here's What You Should Know About Our Robotic-Assisted Approach

If you’re suffering from persistent knee pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or injury, you may be a candidate for a total knee replacement. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year. 

The four steps of a knee replacement

For traditional knee replacements, you can expect the following:

1. Removal of damaged tibia and femur 
2. Replacement removed cartilage and bone with metal components
3. Resurfacing of your patella with a plastic covering
4. Insertion of plastic spacer to support smooth movement

Your new joint looks and functions like your natural knee. In most cases, knee replacement patients are up and walking within 24 hours of the surgery.

At all three of our offices, J. Michael Bennett, MD, PA, performs total knee replacement surgery with robot assistance. Because of the complexity of the operation, robot assistance significantly increases surgical accuracy and leads to excellent outcomes like improved function, feel, and longevity of the replacement. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know about our robotic-assisted approach.

Am I a candidate for robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery?

Before Dr. Bennett recommends a total knee replacement, he works with you to exhaust all other non-invasive treatment options, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Braces
• Weight loss
• Movement modifications
• Cortisone shots
• Use of a cane or walker
• Biologics

If you aren’t having any success with these interventions, you may benefit from a knee replacement.

How does robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery work?

While it may sound like a robot performs the surgery, that is a myth. Before your procedure, our team captures a CT scan of your knee. Equipped with that image, Dr. Bennett uses a robotic arm to precisely shape the bone and place the implant. Software and photographic imagery provide a boundary for the robotic-arm to make its precision movements and corrections.

What is the recovery time?

Remarkably, in most cases, knee replacement with robotic assistance seems to reduce the recovery time by several weeks, down from 4-6 weeks with traditional surgery to 2-3 weeks. Dr. Bennett works with you before the surgery to set expectations per your unique health condition and health history, so you’ll know what to expect. 

If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain that deters your quality of life and you’ve tried other remedies, turn to our trusted team to learn more about a robotic-assisted knee replacement. Call the office or book your consultation online.