Joint replacement surgery has long been a reliable option for patients suffering from severe joint pain due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions. While traditional joint replacement techniques have been successful for many years, advancements in medical technology have brought about a revolutionary shift in orthopaedic care: robotic joint replacement. This innovative approach is transforming joint replacement surgeries, offering patients previously unimaginable benefits. This article explores how the replacement of joints using robots is revolutionising orthopaedic care from enhanced precision to improved recovery outcomes.
What is Robotic Joint Replacement?
Robotic joint replacement is an advanced surgical procedure involving the use of robotic technology in assisting the surgeon to perform joint replacement surgery, be it on the hip, knee, or shoulder. It does not depend entirely on the dexterity of the surgeon but on the robotic systems that allow greater precision and control during the surgical procedure for a more accurate implant placement.
The MAKO robotic arm and NAVIO robotic system work alongside the surgeon. The system generates a detailed 3D model of the patient’s joint, which allows the surgeon to make a more precise plan for the procedure. When performing surgery, the robot ensures the implant is in the most optimal alignment, with less chance of complications and improved outcomes. Let’s look at the key benefits.
1. Increased Accuracy and Precision
One of the greatest benefits of robotic joint replacement is the precision it provides. In traditional joint replacement surgeries, the surgeon relies on their experience and visual cues to position the implant. Even the most experienced surgeon may face challenges with alignment due to the complex nature of the joint structure.
With robotic systems, the surgeon has access to a highly detailed, patient-specific 3D model that guides the procedure, ensuring the implant is placed with exceptional accuracy. This enhanced precision reduces the likelihood of complications such as implant loosening, misalignment, or uneven wear, which can occur with traditional methods.
2. Personalised Treatment Plans
Robotic joint replacement can be done with customised treatment to each patient’s anatomy. Before surgery, the robotic system takes detailed scans or CT scans of the patient’s joint, creating a precise 3D map of the area. This enables the surgeon to plan the surgery in such a way that the implant will be aligned with the patient’s natural joint structure.
Consequently, the implant is placed in the most ideal location, thereby improving the functioning and decreasing the wear with time. This is a customised procedure that guarantees patients receive the most appropriate treatment and, consequently, the best results of their surgery.
3. Quicker Recovery and Minimal Pain
Robotic joint replacement surgeries involve minimal incisions as compared to traditional methods, meaning minimal tissue damage. This translates into less postoperative pain and a much faster recovery period. Additionally, the improved precision of robotic-assisted surgery results in minimal tissue trauma, therefore reducing inflammation and improving healing.
Patients often report less pain after surgery and can start physical therapy and movement earlier than with traditional joint replacement surgeries. Recovery is, therefore, generally faster, and patients can return to their normal activities with much ease.
4. Reduced Risk of Complications
Traditional joint replacement has its inherent risks of faulty implant placement: infections, blood clots, and revision surgery. Robotic joint replacement minimises such risks because it presents a more precise and controlled surgical field. The reason is that it ensures precise and accurate placement of the implants along with alignment to minimise the possibilities of complications as much as possible, hence guaranteeing patient safety.
Additional benefit is that this surgery can be customised according to the anatomy of the patient, so the chances of implant-related issues are reduced; the joint would function more like a natural joint and would be longer-lasting.
5. Long-term Results and Durability
Robotic joint replacement offers patients immediate benefits and long-term advantages. The improved alignment and positioning of the implant during surgery lead to more durable results. By minimising wear and tear on the artificial joint, the chances of implant failure are significantly lower.
Studies have shown that such patients generally exhibit better long-term results such as improved joint functions, pain relief, and fewer chances of having revision surgeries. Thus, with the availability of robotic human joint replacements, a new solution to the issues in the human joints has surfaced as an option for patients.
Know more about : Robotic Surgery: An Overview and its Advantages
Conclusion
Robotic joint replacement surgery is revolutionising the field of orthopaedic care to allow patients with safer, more precise, and effective treatments for joint pain. Personalised, faster recovery with reduced complications characterise the nature of robotically replaced joints, certainly changing the very face of future joint surgeries.
For joint replacement surgery, you can visit an expert at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai. The surgeons here make sure their patients get the best possible result using the robotic technology.