In today’s times, where you have multiple options for cure, it is difficult to understand and choose the right one among the many.
Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is also known as Knee Arthroplasty. Multiple patients with knee problems and limited mobility have been cured with the help of knee replacement.
As human beings are developing day by day for a better living, many advancements have been made in medicinal technology as well. One of them is robotic knee replacement.
This technology has gained popularity among orthopedic surgeons and patients, but is it really worth it?
Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery:
Traditional knee replacement surgery is done by removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint, and an artificial implant is placed in place of the removed. It is done under local anesthesia and can last over an hour.
This surgical procedure has been the premium standard among patients for treating severe knee pain and knee arthritis for many years.
Benefits of traditional TKR surgery include:
- Pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Better living
Where there are advantages, limitations and potential risks also revolve around. It has to be in the understanding of the patient to differentiate between the desired outcome.
Limitations and Risks involved in traditional TKR surgery:
- Longer recovery time
- Pain due to a larger incision
- Accuracy is completely dependent on the surgeon’s experience and skills
- Infection risk
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
Hence, it is important to opt for the top orthopedic doctor in India or anywhere to avoid potential risk and complications.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery:
Robotic knee replacement surgery is also known as MAKOplasty. It is a new technology that involves the use of a robotic arm to assist the orthopedic surgeon during the surgical procedure. It involves:
- 3D imaging
- Computer imaging
- Personalized surgical plan
The 3D imaging and personalized surgical plan for patients provide the surgeon with a better view of the surgery and ensure fewer risks.
There are certain advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery over traditional surgery, like:
- Less tissue damage
- Lesser pain
- Fast recovery
- Precision
- Accuracy
- Reduced risk of implant failure
- Smaller incision
For precision and a short hospital discharge period, one should opt for the best doctor for robotic knee surgery. As it will help individuals to have a clear view of the post and pre-operative plan.
Comparison between Robotic TKR and Traditional TKR
Where knee replacement has become common in recent years for individuals suffering from knee pain and immobility, advancements in technology provide many options to consider.
The two main approaches to knee replacement are robotic total knee replacement and traditional knee replacement surgery.
The motive of both the procedures is to cure knee pain and increase mobility and joint function. However, the approach and technique are different, and so are the outcomes.
The difference between the two could be determined by the following lookouts, which may help individuals considering knee replacement explore and determine which one may be a better choice for them.
⦁ Accuracy and Precision:
If we take accuracy and precision in consideration, robotic knee replacement surgery has proved to be superior to traditional surgery. Various case studies have proven that the results of robotic surgery show fewer errors and inconsistencies in implant placement.
This leads to better alignment and increases the lifespan of the implant. But this doesn’t show that the traditional knee surgery is inaccurate or less precise, as a skilled surgeon could also provide the desired results with his/her experience and skillful work.
⦁ Recovery Time:
The comparison between the Traditional TKR and Robotic TKR surgery sets to fire at the topic of recovery time, which is huge. Robotic surgery has been proven to lead to a comparitively faster recovery time due to smaller incisions and less tissue damage.
⦁ Pain Management:
Robotic knee surgery also leads in this aspect with advantages. The accurate placement of the implant and minimal invasion leads to less pain and discomfort to the patient, making their return to daily activities faster.
⦁ Cost:
It is also an important factor to consider, as Robotic surgery could be more expensive than traditional knee surgery. The cost of technology and equipment makes robotic surgery more expensive than traditional one.
Factors to consider before opting
Some factors should be taken into consideration by the patients before opting for Robotic TKR or Traditional TKR. These are:
- Age and overall health of the patient
- Knee damage
- Insurance and availability
Robotic knee surgery is not suitable for everyone. Hence, all the above-mentioned points should be taken into consideration, including the affordability of the robotic surgery according to one’s desire to spend on their health and understanding.
Myths surrounding Robotic TKR Surgery
As technology advances, myths surrounding it start to prevail, and that needs to be addressed.
The most common myth in this case is that, in robotic surgery, the robot performs the whole surgery instead of the orthopedic surgeon. However, the robotic arm is the only assisting body to the surgeon, which is completely in the control of the surgeon via the control panel.
This only helps the surgeon to acquire more precise and accurate results with minimal tissue damage. Another myth is the risk
factor associated with the patient’s fear. Surgery performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon in either way can give assured results.
As with every surgery, potential risks and complications are involved, robotic surgery is not risk-free as well. One should be aware of and consider these before making any decision.
Conclusion:
Robotic knee surgery has the upper hand in this battle with traditional knee surgery, as it offers many benefits such as precision, accuracy, and a shorter recovery time.
However, robotic knee surgery may not be suitable for everyone and can be considerably more expensive than traditional knee replacement.
Individuals should consider the above details and consult their orthopedic surgeons to make the right choice for them.
As per the growing advancement in Medical technology, we can expect to see more improvements in robotic surgery. We can expect more precise and personalized surgical plans for patients in the future.