In the past, ‘osteoarthritis’ was a disease commonly found only in the elderly. However, nowadays, working-age and middle-aged people are increasingly affected by this condition. Osteoarthritis usually occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down or degenerates, causing structural changes. It requires prompt treatment because if left untreated to the point where behavioral adjustments, physical therapy, or medication are no longer effective, knee replacement surgery may be necessary. ‘Robot-assisted knee replacement surgery’ is one option that helps increase surgical accuracy, especially in complex cases.
Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. When using a robot during surgery, the robot creates a 3D image of the knee and displays it on a monitor instead of using conventional X-rays. This allows the surgeon to see the position and angles of the knee in real-time, enabling precise surgery tailored to the patient’s specific anatomy immediately. This increases accuracy during surgery. If the patient’s leg moves even slightly, the robot detects it and adjusts the position instantly. This precision also helps reduce the size of the surgical incision and minimizes impact on the tendons and surrounding tissues. As a result, from the first day after surgery, patients can bend their knees close to normal and soon return to their regular activities.
Differences Between Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery and Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
- Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery involves removing the worn-out bone and replacing it with synthetic metal. It relies heavily on the surgeon’s expertise, which limits the accuracy during surgery and may result in the patient not being able to use the knee fully as before.
- Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery offers high precision in positioning the knee implant, reducing errors. However, the surgery is still controlled by a specialist surgeon trained specifically in robot operation. This allows for appropriate bone cutting and balancing within the knee joint. It also helps shorten the surgery time and recovery period.
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
- High accuracy, reducing human error during surgery
- Reduces complications that may occur during and after surgery
- Increases surgical safety as surgeons can see clear and immediate images of the knee, minimizing impact on muscles and tendons around the surgical area
- Smaller surgical incisions, less blood loss, and reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter recovery time; some patients can stand or walk just one day after surgery
- The knee implant is balanced and better fitted to the patient, allowing them to return to activities as before and reducing the chance of chronic knee pain
- Extends the lifespan of the knee implant
Postoperative Care for Patients After Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
Initially, patients should undergo rehabilitation as advised by their doctor. Typically, hospital recovery lasts about 1-3 days, during which physical therapists assist and guide patients in performing proper physical therapy exercises to strengthen the legs and knees. This helps build strength and effectively rehabilitate the knee. During recovery, patients should avoid touching the surgical wound, keep it dry, and not remove the dressing unless permitted by the doctor.
If properly followed, patients can gradually resume activities as follows:
- Drive normally 2 weeks after surgery
- Perform daily routines 3-4 weeks after surgery
- Engage in light sports 6-8 weeks after surgery
Recovery times vary for each patient, so it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for faster rehabilitation and to reduce the risk of complications.
Dr. Pichai Lertwattanaseri
Orthopedic Specialist
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Center Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
