Different Between Robotic and Conventional Knee Replacement Surgery

A joint is a part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow and carry out the movements. They are present everywhere in our bodies. For example, wrist joints, elbow joints, shoulder joints, hip joints, ankle joints, etc., are all the common joints found in our body. The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints among all these. This is also one of the most hardworking and painstaking joints in our body. But many of us cannot carry out even the simplest day-to-day activities, especially old age patients.

These symptoms are seen in conditions like knee osteoarthritis, knee effusion, meniscus tear, ligament tear, etc. When these conditions worsen, these patients are left with only one option: knee replacement. Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure done to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint. This can be done with two methods: conventional knee replacement surgery and robotic knee replacement. This replaces the pain and disability of the patients usually experienced in joint disorders. Knee replacement surgery can also be complete or partial.

The main motto is to replace the damaged part and make it a fully functional entity. Let us study more about both the treatment modalities in detail.

Knee Joint

The knee joint is a joint that connects the thigh bone or the femur bone to the shin, which is the tibia bone. One smaller bone runs alongside the shin, the fibula, and a knee cap known as the patella are the other bones that make up the knee joint. Many other muscles and fibres run along this knee joint to make it work more efficiently. These include the tendons that connect the knee and knee ligaments that provide more stability to the joint.

For example, the anterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding backwards on the tibia, the posterior cruciate prevents the femur from sliding forward on the tibia, and the medial and the lateral ligament prevent the femur from sliding side to side. Other than all this, a special fluid acts as a lubricating material. It all works together to make your knee movement more efficient and flawless. But even after all this, the joint movement can be painful for many of us.

This needs to be treated. It is done by two methods: traditional knee replacement and robotic methods.

Robotic vs Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery

We all are well versed in the traditional method of knee replacement methods. These conventional methods have been carried out since the 1900s and have successfully treated many patients to date. But nowadays, with the advancement in technology and continuous research, many professionals have come across more precise and efficient knee replacement methods, such as Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery.

The traditional methods utilize the x-ray images and rely solely upon the surgeon’s visual evaluations and manual surgery. But this is not with robotic knee replacement surgery. These kinds of surgery utilise advanced software and rely on robotic arms rather than the surgeon’s manual work. In both surgeries, the surgeon places the metal component upon the ends of the tibia(shin) and the thigh(femur) bone. These metal pieces are cemented into their desired places and a plastic sheet is inserted between these metal plates. These all work together to make the knee movement more seamless.

• What is traditional knee replacement?

Traditional knee replacement, also known as a conventional knee replacement, is a common orthopaedic treatment modality. This damaged portion of the knee is replaced with a prosthesis or implant. These all are done to alleviate the pain and boost mobility and movements. This method involves a long incision approach made in the middle of the knee to access, view, and commence the surgery. The healing usually takes time, and patients are kept on long-term physiotherapy for better recovery.

• What is robotic knee replacement?

The intervention of artificial intelligence and robotics in the medical field has taken a new direction. Using robotics in knee replacement surgery might sound like a futuristic goal, but the future is here. In this, the surgeon might take the help of a robot to assist the operation. The procedure is similar to the traditional methods, which cut through the skin on the knee joint. It is all powered by a robotic arm.

In this treatment, the damaged portion of the knee is replaced and resurfaced with a healthy bone. Along with this, the surrounding issue is also replaced. Then an implant is placed inside the joint, and the knee starts to function and move smoothly again.

Arthritis may not have a cure yet, but the new treatment modalities are getting better and better with each passing day. The most complex decision of robotic vs conventional knee replacement surgery troubles a lot of patients. For this, you need to consult a professional. If you are one of the people suffering from knee pain or arthritis, consult an orthopaedic at the earliest. These professionals will choose the best treatment modality suitable for you. So, do not hesitate and get yourself healthy. The gift of health is what makes your life worth living.