Robotic Surgery

Understanding Robotic Technology for Total Knee Replacement

Our robotic knee surgery and replacement experts in Stillwater, OK and the surrounding areas will explain what makes the ROSA Knee System unique, what to expect preoperatively, what will happen with ROSA Knee during surgery, and what to expect after your surgery.

The knee is a hinge joint formed by the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone), and patella (kneecap). The ends of the bones in the knee joint are covered with cartilage, a tough, lubricating tissue that helps cushion the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear-and-tear condition that destroys joint cartilage and bone. It typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage wears away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend total knee replacement using ROSA Knee robotic technology.

Getting a precise knee implant fit is important to your comfort and overall experience following knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee uses data collected before and during surgery to inform your surgeon of many details related to your unique anatomy that may affect your implant fit. Using this data to make more informed decisions, your surgeon can plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based on your needs.

Your preoperative experience will be like most total knee patients. But, unlike traditional knee replacement methods, with ROSA Knee, a series of X-rays may be used to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your knee anatomy. This 3D model will enable the surgeon to plan many specifics of your knee replacement before surgery.

The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional total knee replacement but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially trained to use ROSA Knee in order to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate independently. That means it does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. Your surgeon is still in the operating room the entire time and making all the decisions throughout your surgery.

During your procedure, ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to your leg to know exactly where your knee is in space. Think of it like a detailed global positioning system (GPS) you might use in your car. The robot can tell and adjust if your leg moves even a fraction of an inch. This helps ensure that your surgeon’s plan is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, ROSA Knee provides your surgeon with data about your knee. This information and your surgeon’s skill help them know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.

Following surgery, you will be hospitalized based on your surgeon’s recovery plan. This hospitalization may range from one to three days. Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to and avoid.

While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear, which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up-to-date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.

The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this information has helped you understand the ROSA Knee System so you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.

This is intended to provide an overview of knee replacement surgery and should be reviewed with your doctor. It does not include all the information needed to determine eligibility for knee replacement or the proper use and care of artificial knee replacements. Please consult your surgeon for more information. Information may also be obtained by calling the toll-free number or visiting the website. The toll-free number can also be used to obtain complete product contraindications, warnings, precautions, and possible adverse effects. Individual results may vary. Your results will depend on your personal circumstances. How long a knee replacement will last varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as the patient’s physical condition, activity level, body weight, and surgical technique. Replacement joints are not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that an artificial joint will last the rest of a patient’s life. All knee replacements may need to be replaced at some point.
This device is available only on the order of a physician.