ROBOTIC JOINT REPLACEMENT

OVERVIEW

Robotic joint replacement surgery is a new and exciting option for those needing hip or knee replacements. This new technology revolutionizes the way we think about joint replacement surgeries. Using robots to increase precision and accuracy during surgeries, results in shorter hospital stays, less pain and scarring, quicker recoveries, and improved outcomes for patients. This article explores how robotic joint replacement surgery is performed and how it has altered the landscape of orthopaedic surgery.

BODY LOCATION

Joint replacement surgeries are most commonly performed on knees and hips.

How the treatment procedure is performed?

Robotic joint replacement surgery is procedure that can be performed with minimal incisions, resulting in minimal scarring. It is performed using a computer-like electronic operating station where the surgeon operates a specialized camera and robotic arms to carry out the operation. Before the surgery, a CT scan is used to produce a 3D model of the patient's knee. This helps the surgeon plan the surgery and also place the implant with the utmost accuracy. During the surgery, the robotic arm is used to precisely make cuts which are first planned on basis of 3d reconstructed CT images obtained pre surgery, as it works in designated safe boundary under control of surgeon holding the robotic arm it protect the surrounding tissue from unintentional damage. After the surgery, the incision sites are stitched up. The surgery usually takes less than two hours for both joint and patients can typically go home in day or two.

Preparation

The preparation for robotic joint replacement surgery is similar to the preparation for any other type of joint replacement surgery.

• Your surgeon will likely recommend that you stop taking any medications that may thin your blood or affect your clotting ability a week before surgery.
• Before the surgery, your surgeon will recommend a CT scan, X-rays, and blood tests to prepare for the surgery.
• You may also be asked to stop eating or drinking anything for 8-10 hours before the surgery.
• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
• It is also important to have someone available to help you with activities such as hygiene care , dressing, and using the restroom for the first few days after surgery.
• Your surgeon will go over all of the instructions with you in detail before your procedure. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them so that you can feel confident and prepared to go into your surgery.

Follow-up

After surgery, patients will need to follow up with their surgeon to ensure that the implant is functioning properly and that they are healing well. They will also need to take care of their incision site and avoid activities that could put too much stress on their new joint. It may take up to six weeks to fully recover. The patients will undergo physical therapy exercises and techniques during this time. With proper care, patients can expect to enjoy a successful outcome from this life-changing procedure.

Risks and side effects associated with the procedure.

Robotic joint replacement surgery is a new and emerging technology. While there are many potential benefits to this type of surgery, there are also risks and side effects associated with the procedure which is same for a conventional surgery. Some of them are:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage.

The most common side effect associated with any joint replacement surgery is pain. This is usually temporary and can be managed with pain medication. Other side effects include swelling, bruising, and stiffness. These side effects typically resolve within a few weeks.

The recovery process after the procedure is performed

After the robotic joint replacement surgery is performed, the recovery process begins. The first few days after the surgery, the patient will be in the hospital. During this time, they will be closely monitored by the medical staff. Patients if comfortable and cooperative will be made to stand and walk after few hours of surgery, they are allowed to walk with support and go to washroom with nursing staff supervision, as days progresses the intensity of exercises are increased. The recovery process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. After that, the patient should be able to return to normal activities.