Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 17 Aug 2024
Robotic vs. Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery: What Are The Pros and Cons?
Robot t assist the surgeon during the procedure, even as traditional surgery relies on the surgeon's skills and experience
Knee replacement surgery – also known as knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure conducted to replace all or some of your knee joints, which includes damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthetic joint.
According to experts, with the advancement in technology, knee replacement surgery now uses a robot to assist the surgeon during the procedure, even as traditional surgery, which is also popular, relies on the surgeon's skills and experience. “Robotic knee replacement is relatively new technology some surgeons practice is joint replacement surgeries,” Dr. Srikanth Madikattu, Consultant Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital, told Times Now.
How is robotic knee replacement different from the traditional one?
Dr. Madikattu says for the robotic procedure, the surgeon uses a robot to help guide them through a plan that has been created in advance. The robot uses 3D imaging and CT scans to create a model of the patient's knee joint, which helps the surgeon plan and execute the surgery more precisely.
The robot also helps in the preparation of the bone and placing 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 their skills and experience to make accurate cuts and place the implant correctly, while also balancing the soft tissues.
What are the pros and cons of robotic knee replacement surgery?
“Robotic knee replacement is a relatively new technology some surgeons practice in joint replacement surgeries,” said Dr. Madikattu, adding that it has a lower complication rate.
The pros include:
- Increased accuracy and precision in surgery
- Improved implant alignment and positioning
- Minimal soft tissue release
- Higher cost and limited access to technology
- Potential technical issues and reliance on technology
- Limited evidence to support long-term outcomes
Should you go in for a traditional total knee replacement?
A few pros and cons of the traditional type of surgery, include:
Pros:
- They have been performed for many decades and so have long-term data to support their benefits
- They are less expensive than robotic knee replacement
- They can be performed in a shorter amount of time
Cons:
- Traditional surgery cannot be performed in a patient having severe extra-articular deformity and implants around the knee joint
- It requires more soft release depending on the deformity of the knee
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 the advanced stage. In a few people, the swelling and stiffness around the knee, along with discomfort, becomes severe, limiting normal mobility and everyday activities.
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