Joint Replacement Basics
Total joint replacement (TJR) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing damaged or diseased joints with artificial implants. This procedure is commonly performed on large joints like the hip, knee, and shoulder. Annually, 790,000 knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements are performed in the US. TJR can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain and disability.
The root cause of joint damage
TJR is often recommended for severe, end-stage disease. Arthritis is the most common and affects 1 in 4 US adults. Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disease that destroys joint cartilage, provides cushioning to the bone and is the most prevalent. Other forms, such as rheumatoid, an autoimmune type, and arthritis from traumatic injuries, also lead to degenerative disease. Symptoms include severe joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and lack of mobility. There are many risk factors associated with OA, like older age, obesity, genetics, repetitive joint stress, and certain metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Precision meets joint replacement
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a surgical approach that involves making small incisions, resulting in less trauma to the surrounding tissues. Robotic surgery is a type of MIS that utilizes computer-controlled robotic arms to perform surgical procedures. Robotic systems offer surgeons enhanced precision, dexterity, and control, enabling more accurate and minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons can visualize magnified 3D views of the surgical site, enhancing surgical technique and accuracy. For patients, there are countless benefits.
Minimal blood loss and pain
Robotic surgery utilizes smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage, pain, and blood loss. Studies indicate that patients who underwent robot-assisted total hip replacement required less pain medication in the first 6 weeks after surgery. Researchers noted that robots optimize biomechanics, leading to better reconstruction outcomes.
Get back on your feet faster
Robotic surgery offers minimal downtime and faster recovery. Smaller incisions cause less trauma and inflammation and ultimately require less healing time. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was reportedly less in one study at 76 hours for robot-assisted knee replacement versus 82.5 hours for conventional surgery.
Less chance of infection
Surgical site infection (SSI) is always a concern following surgery and can have devastating consequences. A retrospective study of 986 adult patients undergoing traditional joint arthroplasty demonstrated SSIs of 2.03%. Rates increased to 4.21% in obese patients. Other risk factors for SSI were nutritional deficiency and multiple comorbidities. Robotic surgery is associated with lower SSIs. According to one study of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty, SSIs were 0.568%.
The power of robotic TJR surgery
Robotic surgery has transformed the field of TJR by offering enhanced precision and better outcomes. Robotic surgery is considered minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and less blood loss. Patients who undergo robotic TJR experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities. Additionally, robotic surgery is associated with a lower risk of surgical site infections compared to conventional methods. Speak to an orthopedic surgeon and explore the many benefits of this cutting-edge technology.
