Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

If you have severe knee osteoarthritis, robotic knee replacement surgery could be the treatment that guides you back to an active life. At GoOrthopedic, with two offices in San Jose and Manteca, California, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kalle Stidham has specialized robotic surgery skills to perform this complex procedure with reliable results, minimal incisions, and a fast recovery. To see if you’re a candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What is robotic knee replacement surgery?

Robotic knee replacement surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that replaces severely damaged parts of your knee joint with metal parts. 

The knee is a complex joint with narrow spaces, so precision and dexterity can be challenging during traditional knee replacements. With robotic surgery, your surgeon carries out the procedure using robotic technology and equipment, giving them tremendous flexibility and maneuverability. 

Your surgeon can create incredibly precise incisions and have far greater dexterity than human hands could provide. Because these factors are so improved with the robotic approach, your surgeon can perform the procedure using only small incisions (about half the size of a traditional approach).

How does robotic knee replacement work?

In a robotic knee replacement, your surgeon operates a robotic arm while viewing a detailed 3D image from within your knee. 

Your surgeon then removes damaged cartilage and positions new metal implants with a spacer between them. They may resurface the underside of the kneecap too. 

You’ll receive either spinal anesthesia (from the waist down) or general anesthesia for your surgery. 

Is robotic knee replacement surgery right for me?

Generally speaking, if you’re a good candidate for traditional knee replacement, you’ll likely be a good candidate for the more sophisticated and less invasive robotic approach. 

The most common reason to need knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis (OA), a disease that breaks down the cartilage in your joints. As osteoarthritis progresses, bone can grind against bone with each step, leading to severe pain and swelling. 

The first line of treatment for knee osteoarthritis includes nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, activity modification, corticosteroid injections, and restorative cell therapy injections.

However, if your pain continues after trying nonsurgical approaches, you might be a good candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery. Some signs that it may be time to consider knee replacement include persistent pain even at rest and having to alter your activities significantly due to knee pain. 

What are the advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery?

As compared to traditional knee replacement, robotic knee replacement offers:

• Less pain
• Less damage to the tissues in your knee
• Reduced infection risk
• Faster recovery
• Better implant fit

If you’re living with severe osteoarthritis pain and treatments aren’t working, it’s time to look for another treatment pathway. To learn more about robotic knee replacement surgery at GoOrthopedic, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.