Knee arthritis may make even basic things hard to do. Walking, climbing stairs and standing for extended periods, or enjoying your favorite pastimes, may all become more difficult the worse your illness becomes.

When non-surgical therapy is not effective in providing relief, total knee replacement may be a successful choice. My goal is to reduce your discomfort, restore your function and enable you return to the things that are important to you.

I utilize the Mako® robotic-arm assisted system to help plan and conduct chosen knee replacement surgeries. This technology enables your surgery to be designed according to your specific anatomy and also gives real-time guidance throughout the procedure. 

What is complete knee replacement?

The knee is where the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap) connect. These joint surfaces are coated with healthy cartilage so your knee can move easily and painlessly. 

In osteoarthritis or other joint diseases, this cartilage deteriorates over time. When the joint surfaces are injured you may have discomfort, stiffness, swelling and loss of function.

In a complete knee replacement, the damaged surfaces of the joint are cut away and replaced with specially engineered artificial parts. The objective is to ease discomfort, expand flexibility and help you go back to doing normal tasks more comfortably.For many individuals knee replacement may take away a lot of discomfort and enhance quality of life.

What is robotic-arm aided knee replacement?

Robotic-arm aided knee replacement combines surgical skill with modern computer technologies. You will get a CT scan of your knee before your operation. This scan enables us to build a very comprehensive 3D model of your anatomy, which I use to meticulously design your procedure prior to the day of surgery.

During the procedure, the Mako robotic system provides me real-time information to accurately position the implants to the surgical plan. It also enables me to check the limb alignment, implant location and the soft tissue balance throughout the procedure.The key is to recognize that the robot arm doesn’t do your procedure. I am in total charge of the surgery and make all surgical decisions. The robot system is a sophisticated surgical instrument, that helps me to do the procedure as precisely as possible.

Why do I employ robots?

Your bone architecture, limb alignment, degree of arthritis and soft tissue balance are all factors that affect how a knee replacement should be done. With robotic technology, I can exactly arrange your operation to your anatomy before you go into the operating room. It gives me more information during surgery to assist me correctly recreate that plan while making revisions if necessary.

Potential benefits include:

These are substantial technological benefits but do not guarantee a certain result. Your recovery depends on several aspects including your general health, muscular strength, therapy and individual healing.

Is a robotic knee replacement suitable for you?

Surgery isn’t always the answer for knee arthritis. For many patients physiotherapy, exercise, weight management, medicines, activity adjustment or injections are helpful in getting excellent symptom relief. Surgery is usually only considered when these therapies are no longer giving you enough relief and your symptoms are impacting on your quality of life.

In the appointment I will discuss your symptoms, inspect your knee, review your imaging and speak to you about your objectives. Together we’ll decide whether a knee replacement is necessary and if robotic-assisted surgery is right for you and your situation.

Surgery Preparation

If you want to go forward with surgery, we will take you through every step of the way.Prior to your procedure you might:

We will make sure you know what to anticipate before, during and after your procedure and will answer any questions you may have.

What is surgery like?

Your procedure is carried out under an anesthetic that will be discussed with your anesthetist before the operation.
During the operation the damaged joint surfaces are carefully cut away and replaced with artificial components. The technology helps a lot, but I control everything and I have everything under control.

Post surgery recovery

As soon as it is safe, our doctors will encourage you to start moving, generally on the day of surgery or the morning after. Your physiotherapist will assist to enhance your knee mobility, strengthen your muscles and help restore your confidence walking. You may first need to use a walker or crutches and then proceed to walking on your own.Knee replacement recovery is a slow process. Many patients find that their arthritis pain decreases although it is common for the knee to be swollen, stiff and uncomfortable in the early stages of rehabilitation.

It takes time to regain strength, flexibility and confidence and your rehabilitation is very crucial for you to have the best potential result.At your follow-up sessions we will continue to monitor your recovery and will help you through each step of your rehabilitation.

What are the hazards?

Like any major procedure, knee replacement might have possible dangers and consequences. 
They are:

Before the operation I will explain the dangers that are relevant to you and answer any questions you may have.

Back to the normal activities

Most patients resume regular daily activities in the weeks after surgery.Your return to driving, employment, sport and leisure activities will depend on your development, your general health and the sort of job or activities you do.At your follow up sessions I’ll provide you guidance that’s specific to your own recovery and objectives.

How I approach your care

A successful knee replacement is much more than just the surgery. I think that great results start with listening to your issues, evaluating your health and designing a treatment plan that is individualized for you.

Robotic technology is one of the instruments that I employ to help with accuracy during surgery but just as essential is careful planning, current surgical methods, evidence-based rehabilitation and constant communication throughout your recovery.

From your first consultation to your last follow-up session, my staff and I are dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based treatment and supporting you every step of the way.

Disclaimer

Information on this site is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for specific medical advice. Each patient’s situation is unique and advice for therapy will be tailored to you. If you’re interested in learning more about robotic-arm aided knee replacement and if it’s right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation.