ROBOTICALLY-GUIDED KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Partial and total knee replacements can be positioned using the guidance of pre-op planning software that is then delivered using a robot arm.

A pre-op limited radiation CT scan of your leg allows the software to calculate your alignment and the 3D anatomy of your knee.

The specially designed software is used to plan the best position for your knee replacement before the operation has begun. I can then adapt the plan to the match the stability of your knee throughout range of motion. During the procedure these precisely planned bone cuts are made using a robot arm that I control.

With the precision of a robot arm it is then possible to use implants that don’t need to be cemented in place. In the future we are aiming for uncemented implants to bond better and therefore last longer.

You will have a choice for me to use a robot to guide your knee replacement surgery or a more conventional method where I use x-rays of your leg to plan my positioning manually. If I am using manual planning, I will also use manual jigs during the operation to guide the bone cuts.

There is a lot of research into the potential benefits of using this type of planning software and robotically guided surgery. There is evidence that your recovery could be quicker and we see a higher degree of accuracy in the positioning of your implant. However, there hasn’t been convincing evidence for better post-operative function or how long your implant will last. In both techniques my aim is for your implant to last indefinitely as the implant materials are now so durable.

It truly is fantastic technology. When contacting your insurance company or receiving a quote for your package of care, ask about a robotically guided knee replacement.