Robotic knee replacement is a modern, personalized treatment method for advanced knee osteoarthritis, supported by the Mako robotic system. In Adana, robotic knee replacement procedures utilize 3D tomography, millimeter-precise calculations, and haptic technology to achieve more precise prosthesis placement.
What is Robotic Knee Replacement?
Robotic knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which severely worn knee joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial joint surfaces, performed with the assistance of a robotic system.
In this method, the robot does not perform the surgery on its own. The orthopedic surgeon prepares the surgical plan, directs the robotic arm, and implants the prosthesis. The robotic system provides support for measurement, planning, and controlled application.
Who is a candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery?
Robotic knee replacement surgery is not suitable for every patient experiencing knee pain. First, the patient’s complaints, physical examination findings, and imaging results are evaluated together.
Knee replacement surgery may be considered, especially for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis whose pain affects their daily lives and who have not benefited sufficiently from non-surgical treatments.
Conditions That May Require Robotic Knee Replacement
- Knee pain that increases when walking and climbing stairs.
- Pain that wakes me up at night
- Significant limitation of movement in the knee.
- Curvature or deformity in the leg
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Symptoms that persist despite medication, physical therapy, and injections.
- X-ray shows advanced joint wear.
The decision to operate is not based solely on X-ray images. The patient’s pain level, mobility, age, general health status, and quality of life are also taken into consideration.
How is a Mako Robotic Knee Replacement Planned?
The Mako robotic knee replacement procedure begins with detailed planning before the surgery. A personalized three-dimensional bone model is created using computed tomography (CT) images of the patient’s knee and leg.
This model is not a standard knee image. It shows the patient’s own bone structure, joint surfaces, and anatomical features.
The surgeon is working on this three-dimensional model;
- The appropriate size of the prosthesis,
- The level of bone cuts,
- The angle of the incisions,
- The location where the prosthesis will be placed in the bone,
- Leg alignment,
- joint spaces
They can evaluate the situation in detail before the surgery.
Why is 3D CT Scanning Important?
Every patient’s knee structure is different. Bone size, the amount of wear and tear on the knee, leg angle, and the condition of the ligaments can vary from person to person.
Thanks to 3D tomography, the surgeon can examine the patient’s knee from different angles before surgery. The size and placement of the prosthesis can be planned according to the patient’s own bone structure, rather than a general model.
This helps to foresee any anatomical differences that might be encountered during surgery.
What does millimeter-precise planning mean?
In robotic knee replacement surgery, millimeter-precise planning means evaluating the amount of bone to be removed and the placement of the prosthesis using tiny measurements.
The surgeon can compare different options by changing the position of the prosthesis forward, backward, inward, or outward on a digital model. This allows them to see the effect of these changes on knee stability and prosthesis placement before surgery.
The robot is not the decision-maker here. The system provides measurement data, and the surgeon uses this data to create a personalized surgical plan.
How does haptic technology work?
The haptic technology used in the Mako robotic system helps the surgical instrument remain within its predetermined working range.
The surgeon plans the area where the bone incisions will be made on a three-dimensional model. This plan is transferred to the robotic arm during the operation. When the surgical instrument approaches outside the planned area, the system restricts the movement of the robotic arm.
This structure can be thought of as an invisible safety zone created around the bone.
Haptic technology does not perform surgery in place of the surgeon. It assists the robotic arm, guided by the surgeon, in operating within defined limits.
What is the difference between robotic knee replacement and traditional methods?
In traditional knee replacement surgery, the surgeon plans bone cuts using mechanical measuring tools and cutting guides. In robotic surgery, three-dimensional imaging, digital measurement, and robotic arm support are added to this process.
Personalized Planning
While the traditional method uses standard surgical measuring tools, the Mako system uses a special three-dimensional model created from the patient’s CT scans.
Controlled Bone Cuts
Mako’s haptic technology helps the surgical instrument operate within a predetermined area.
Preliminary Imaging of Prosthesis Placement
The surgeon can evaluate the size, angle, and position of the prosthesis on a digital model before the operation.
The plan can be updated during the surgery.
The balance and movement of the knee ligaments can be reassessed during surgery. If necessary, the position of the prosthesis can be slightly adjusted by the surgeon.
What are the advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery?
The primary goal of robotic knee replacement surgery is not to automate the operation, but to provide the surgeon with more detailed planning and controlled execution.
In suitable patients, the advantages that robotic systems can provide are as follows:
- Patient-specific three-dimensional surgical planning.
- Pre-operative assessment of prosthesis size.
- Controlled preparation of bone cuts.
- Detailed planning of the prosthesis angle and position.
- Supporting the preservation of healthy bone and surrounding tissues.
- Obtaining data about knee stability during surgery.
- Improving the alignment between surgical plan and execution.
These benefits are not expected to be seen to the same degree in every patient. The outcome of the treatment should be evaluated together with the patient’s overall health, the surgeon’s experience, and the postoperative rehabilitation process.
Does a robot perform robotic knee replacement surgery?
No. The Mako robot does not perform surgery on its own.
Surgeon;
- He examines the three-dimensional model,
- He prepares the surgical plan,
- Determines the size of the prosthesis.
- He plans the bone cuts,
- It controls the robotic arm.
- He inserts the prosthesis,
- It controls knee balance.
The robotic system helps the surgeon execute the plan precisely and in a controlled manner. However, the orthopedic surgeon remains fully responsible for and controls the entire operation.
The Difference Between Total and Partial Robotic Knee Replacement
Knee osteoarthritis does not affect the same areas in every patient. In some patients, wear and tear is seen only in one part of the knee, while in others it can spread to the entire joint.
Robotic Total Knee Replacement
This procedure can be applied when osteoarthritis affects multiple sections of the knee joint. The worn joint surfaces are prepared, and a total knee replacement is implanted.
Robotic Partial Knee Replacement
This procedure can be applied to suitable patients where osteoarthritis is located only in a specific part of the knee. The goal is to preserve healthy joint surfaces and ligaments as much as possible.
The most suitable prosthetic method is determined by evaluating examination, X-ray, and other imaging results.
Post-Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Process
The postoperative recovery process can vary depending on the patient’s age, muscle strength, weight, overall health, and pre-operative mobility.
Patients are usually mobilized early under the supervision of the healthcare team. Walking exercises and knee movements are initiated according to the physical therapy program.
What should be considered during the initial period?
- Controlling pain and swelling.
- Monitoring the wound site
- Doing the exercises recommended by the doctor.
- Proper use of walkers or crutches.
- Taking blood thinners and other medications regularly
- Monitoring for signs of infection.
The success of surgery is not solely dependent on the surgical procedure itself. The patient’s participation in a physical therapy program and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations also play a significant role in recovery.
Are there any risks associated with robotic knee replacement surgery?
Robot-assisted knee replacement surgery, like other surgical procedures, carries some risks. The use of a robotic system does not completely eliminate these risks.
Potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood vessel or nerve injury
- clot formation
- Limited range of motion in the knee
- Loosening around the prosthesis
- Ongoing pain
- Problems related to anesthesia
It can be found.
Before surgery, the patient’s overall health is assessed in detail, and they are informed about their individual risks.
How long does a robotic knee prosthesis last?
The lifespan of a knee replacement is not solely dependent on the use of a robotic system. Correct placement of the prosthesis, the patient’s weight, activity level, bone quality, and regular check-ups all affect the long-term success of the prosthesis.
The goal of robotic planning is to help position the prosthesis correctly according to the patient’s anatomy. However, no prosthesis can be guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Robotic Knee Replacement in Adana
Patients scheduled for robotic knee replacement surgery in Adana first undergo a detailed orthopedic examination. The cause of knee pain, the level of osteoarthritis, leg alignment, and previously applied treatments are all evaluated together.
At Adana Ortadoğu Private Hospital, the Mako robotic surgical system enables personalized prosthesis planning based on three-dimensional tomography for suitable patients.
Planning Robotic Knee Replacement with Op. Dr. Muhsin Dursun
Op. Dr. Muhsin Dursun evaluates patients in the field of orthopedics and traumatology at Adana Ortadoğu Private Hospital.
In robotic knee replacement planning, it is important not only to use the robotic system, but also to select the right patient and for the surgical plan to be prepared by an experienced orthopedic specialist.
In the evaluation conducted by Op. Dr. Muhsin Dursun, the patient’s pain level, knee movements, bone structure, leg alignment, and daily life expectations are considered together. In suitable patients for whom prosthetic surgery is deemed necessary, a personalized treatment plan can be created with the support of the Mako robotic system.
When should you get examined for robotic knee replacement?
If knee pain persists for a long time, affects daily life, and does not improve despite non-surgical treatments, you should consult an orthopedic specialist.
Symptoms such as reduced walking distance, difficulty climbing stairs, night pain, and significant knee deformity may warrant further evaluation.
Early examination doesn’t automatically mean the patient will undergo surgery. The goal is to determine the cause of the pain and plan the most appropriate treatment option for the patient.
