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Robotic Partial Knee Replacement

Overview

Robotic partial knee replacement is a type of assisted partial knee replacement. It is an advanced surgical procedure that utilises robotic technology to enhance the precision of partial knee replacement surgery. This precision surgery is associated with high accuracy and enhanced patient outcomes. With early to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) who have not experienced damage in all three knee compartments. In this procedure, only the affected part of the knee is replaced while preserving the healthy sections.

Key features:

  • Robotic Precision: The robot provides real-time feedback, helping the surgeon achieve precise implant alignment and placement.
  • Minimally Invasive: Compared to traditional methods, the procedure typically involves smaller incisions, promoting quicker recovery and less tissue damage.

Robotic partial knee replacement is recommended for patients with arthritis in just one compartment of the knee, offering an alternative to total knee replacement or osteotomy. This procedure is particularly suited for older adults (usually over 60), those with a low activity level, and individuals with a body weight under 82 kg. It is effective in addressing symptoms such as

  • Localized knee pain: Pain focused in a specific part of the knee, often due to arthritis or injury.
  • Knee stiffness: Limited range of motion, especially after prolonged periods of rest or inactivity.
  • Knee swelling: Inflammation and fluid buildup in the affected knee region.
  • Difficulty with daily activities: Challenges in performing routine movements, such as walking, climbing stairs, or other common tasks.

  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage
  • Severe deformities in knee alignment (varus or valgus greater than specified degrees)
  • Limited knee motion (arc of motion less than 90°)
  • Severe knee contractures
  • Previous meniscus surgery in other knee compartments
  • Advanced (tricompartmental) arthritis or widespread knee pain
  • Grade IV patellofemoral arthritis (severe pain in the front of the knee)

Non-surgical treatment

Before considering surgery, patients may try non-invasive treatments to manage symptoms and improve knee function:

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility
  • Injections, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation

Surgical treatment

  • Preoperative Planning:
    • Educating the patient
    • Preparing for post-surgical rehabilitation,
    • Managing any existing health issues.

  • Surgery:

    Using the robotic system, the surgeon removes the damaged knee portion and places the implant with high precision, ensuring correct alignment and fit.

  • Postoperative Care:

    Rehabilitation begins soon after surgery, focusing on restoring strength, mobility, and function. Pain management and lifestyle adjustments are essential to promote healing and prevent complications.

  • Greater precision
  • Reduced surgical trauma
  • Faster recovery
  • Enhanced implant longevity

The procedure's success depends on careful pre-surgical planning, the skill of the surgical team, and adherence to rehabilitation and osteoarthritis care protocols.

Usually, robotic partial knee replacement is quite safe. However, depending upon the age and general health of the patient, one or more of the following complications may occur:

  • Blood clots
  • Infections at the wound site
  • Nerve and/or tissue damage
  • Instability of the new knee joint
  • Pain/difficulty while bending the knee, standing up, or walking

Generally, robotic partial knee replacement is associated with excellent outcomes, greatly alleviating knee pain and restoring a significant amount of knee mobility. Often, complete recovery requires up to 1 year; this duration varies from patient to patient. Nevertheless, patients may resume their daily activities about 6 weeks after the surgery. Surgeons often prepare customised recovery plans for each patient, involving several steps, such as avoiding high-impact activities (jumping or running), keeping the wound site covered and clean, icing and elevating the knee, and physical therapy (including home exercises). Over 90% and 85% of the replaced knee joints have been found to be functional after 15 and 25 years, respectively, this highlights the longevity of the implant after the procedure.

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