Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
If your doctor has recommended robotic-assisted joint replacement as the best course of action to alleviate your pain, you may have questions about what to expect.
How Does Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Work?
A typical robotic system has two parts:
- One “arm” has a powerful camera affixed to it that allows the surgeon to visualize the area.
- The other mechanical arm has miniature surgical tools attached to it.
The surgeon manipulates the arms through a computer console positioned near the operating table. The surgeon will see a magnified, high-definition view of the surgical site on the computer screen via the camera. They will then perform the procedure aided by the robotic system.
It’s important to note that the surgeon will be in control the whole time. The system responds to the inputs your doctor enters and allows for greater precision than the human hand on its own. The robot does NOT make the decisions, and it cannot “think” by itself.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
There are many advantages to undergoing robotic-assisted joint replacement.
- Robotic arms help physicians operate with greater dexterity, precision, control and flexibility compared to conventional methods.
- The surgeon is better able to visualize the surgical site, thanks to the high-definition camera.
- The robotic system helps doctors perform more complex procedures in hard-to-reach places that would have otherwise been impossible.
- There is less blood loss and a reduced risk of infection and complications.
- Patients report less pain after surgery, which reduces the need for pain medications.
- Patients have shorter post-operative medical stays, especially when the surgery is performed in an outpatient setting.
- Patients experience faster recovery times, potentially up to 50 percent faster, which translates to a quicker return to their daily routine.
Learn More about Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
Wondering whether you are a candidate for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options about how to relieve your joint pain.