As the healthcare industry continues to adapt and change to the ever-growing needs of patients, more competition has arrived as more patients schedule appointments for various health issues. The healthcare industry is doing what many other industries have done in the past and has turned to technology to keep up with the competition. A newer technology that has become popular is the use of robotic tools.
As the leading provider of orthopedic care for our neighbors in Arlington and throughout the surrounding areas, we are keeping up with this technology at OrthoBethesda when conducting knee replacement surgery for patients who have suffered from knee pain and other issues.
Why Robotics can be so Beneficial in Surgery
It can be quite intimidating to think about technology taking over surgical procedures, even if it’s just for joint replacement or total knee replacement surgery. However, adding robotics to the operating room has its benefits, including the following:
Increased Consistency
Robotic technology is much more consistent than humans. It is also more precise. When comparing procedures across one facility or multiple centers, the results will show better consistency if robotics were used compared to humans who performed the operations.
Less Destructive and Intrusive
When robotics are utilized by a surgeon during hip and knee surgery or knee replacements, the incisions will be much smaller and the patient is less likely to suffer pain or damage to the ligaments that surround the knee.
Improved Accuracy and Precision
Even though surgeons are known for having accurate and precise hands, there is always the chance that an error can occur during surgery. A robotic arm can add an extra layer of precision and accuracy during knee replacements, joint replacement, or total knee replacement surgery.
Higher Likelihood of Mobility and Movement Restoration
When a patient undergoes a knee procedure using a robotic arm, the downtime for surgery is much less and the incisions are much smaller. Because of this, patients often experience a quicker recovery period and an increased likelihood of restoring complete mobility and movement following partial knee replacement surgery.
Robotic Arms are Performing Knee Replacement Surgeries at OrthoBethesda
Technology has aided surgeons greatly before and during total knee replacement surgeries at OrthoBethesda. The robotic arm used to assist the surgeon at our center will help reduce the likelihood of mistakes. Using this technology, the surgeon can perform a dry-run surgery using a 3D model of your anatomy prior to your appointment. This helps the surgeon know exactly where the damaged cartilage and bone are located, going there directly when making the incision.
The robotic technology used in knee replacement for patients can also help the surgeon balance your knee in a straight line and then make the necessary adjustments based on the structure of the knee. If the adjustments are not made while the knee is in a straight line during total knee surgery, the patient has a higher likelihood of experiencing setbacks following the procedure. The use of a robotic device at OrthoBethesda helps ensure that you will see long-term results after the surgical procedure to repair your knee.
Recovering from Robotic Joint Replacement
The recovery period for robotic joint replacement surgery performed by an OrthoBethesda surgeon on a patient of any age can be cut in half compared to a traditional total knee replacement. The traditional method often requires four to six weeks of recovery for the patient, which means they won’t be able to drive or go to work during this time. However, when your doctor uses robotic devices to assist them, the recovery time can be cut in half.
Who is a Good Candidate for Robotic Knee Replacement?
If you are a candidate for the traditional knee replacement treatment method, you are more than likely a candidate for the procedure involving robotic devices. However, our surgeon will not recommend either of these procedures during your first consultation. A full medical review must first be conducted.
Conservative treatment methods will likely be attempted first, such as the following:
- Cortisone shots
- Wearing knee braces
- Going through physical therapy
- Losing weight through a new diet and exercise
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication
Should these conservative treatment methods not work, it is time to explore an invasive treatment method that can be conducted as an outpatient procedure. Knee replacements typically only last between 10 and 20 years, which is why many doctors will not recommend this medical method for patients who are under the age of 60.
However, because the use of robotic technology has become more widespread, the option to replace the knee in younger patients has become more common. Even with this new technology, joint replacements do not last forever, making this method one that should be considered seriously before undergoing an outpatient procedure.
Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery
As with any type of surgery, there are risks of undergoing joint surgery for your knee because of a sports injury. Some of the risks of this surgery include the following:
- Infection
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Allergic reaction to the joint
- Nerve damage
When you discuss your sports injury and possible joint surgery with OrthoBethesda, you will be presented with plenty of information to help you make a decision about surgery or another partial replacement option. This discussion will include information about the risks associated with your surgical options, the medicine that will be used, the process, your recovery time, and the rehabilitation you will need to undergo in order to regain mobility and range of motion. It is important to tackle pain in the early stages of suffering an injury so that there are positive health outcomes. The surgeons at OrthoBethesda will help you navigate the questions and your choices so you can get relief from the pain you may be experiencing.
Schedule Partial Knee Joint Replacement at OrthoBethesda Today
Knee problems are tough to live with no matter your age. Stop living with pain, immobility, or reduced range of motion by having the experience of OrthoBethesda work for you. Treatment for your arthritis and other issues causing you pain can be scheduled and performed at our convenient location in Arlington, Virginia. Schedule to meet with any of our experienced surgical specialists today. The health of our patients is our first priority. In-office appointments in Arlington are offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We also offer virtual appointments as needed. Please call our office (301) 530-1010 and our telephone triage personnel will help determine:
– what can be treated in our office
– what can be treated with telemedicine
– what may need to go to a hospital emergency department.
All employees, patients, and visitors must wear a face covering and have their temperature recorded prior to entering our facility. Call our office at (301) 530-1010 to schedule an appointment with a surgeon for robotic treatment of arthritis, hip pain, and full or partial knee or hip replacement.