Robotic Total Knee Replacement

 Mako TKR Stryker video here

Who are Candidates for Total Knee Replacement?

Robotic total knee replacement is suitable for patients experiencing knee pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. The procedure is often recommended for patients who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and intra-articular  injections.

Only patients with complex medical conditions may not be suitable for a total knee replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your case and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Benefits of a Robotic Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

The decision to proceed with a TKR is a cooperative one between you, your doctor, your family and other medical professionals.

Robotic total knee replacement offers several benefits over traditional knee replacement procedures, including

• Improved accuracy and precision: The robotic arm allows for greater precision and accuracy in implant placement and alignment, resulting in better fit and longer-lasting results.
• Faster recovery times: Because robotic total knee replacement is minimally invasive, it can lead to a faster recovery than traditional knee replacement procedures.
• Reduced risk of complications: The robotic arm provides real-time feedback to the surgeon, which can help reduce complications during and after the procedure.
• Customised approach: The robot is programmed to map each patient's unique anatomy, allowing for a customised approach to knee replacement surgery.
• Implant survivorship: More recent Australian National Joint Registry data have demonstrated longer implant survivorship. 

Often, TKR is a straightforward solution to help relieve symptoms and pain. Once the decision has been made to proceed with surgery, your doctor will explain the procedure and the risks. A date for surgery is usually planned but can be deferred.

What are the Preparations Before Knee Replacement Surgery?

Once it is decided that surgery is required, preparation is necessary to achieve the best results and a quick and problem-free recovery. 

Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is essential for a successful outcome. 

• You may need a referral for a CT scan. This scan should be done at least two weeks before surgery.
• A treatment plan will be created specifically tailored for you.
• You will be advised of the fasting and arrival times the day before surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery.
• Stop or cut down on smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery to reduce your risks of having a complication and improve your recovery and outcomes.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, rich with protein and supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.
• You are strongly recommended to lose weight (if overweight) before surgery to help decrease your risk of surgical complications. 
• Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections need to be treated before surgery

Report any infections to your surgeon before surgery, as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

Robotic Total Knee Replacement Procedure

During the robotic total knee replacement procedure, the following steps typically occur

Step 1: Anaesthesia

The first step is administering anaesthesia. This can include general anaesthesia or a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of the body while the patient remains awake. Spinal block is strongly advised as it reduces perioperative bleeding and other complications

Step 2: Incision

The surgeon will make a small incision in the knee area to access the joint.

Step 3: Preparation of the Knee

The damaged parts of the knee joint will be removed, and the surgeon will map the patient's unique anatomy to confirm the accuracy of the robotic assistance.

Step 4: Robotic Assistance

The surgeon will then adjust the screen to restore the precise ligament balance, implant size and position before any cut is performed. Once the surgeon is happy with what has been achieved, the precise cuts are performed in real-time.