New trends in knee replacement surgery utilize innovative technology that allows surgeons to personalize procedures for each patient. The good news is that as technology improves and evolves, so does the success rate of total knee replacement surgery.
The use of a robotic arm in knee replacement has revolutionized knee surgery by allowing surgeons to precisely place implants during surgery. The robotic arm uses a 3D CT- based planning software that shows insight into your anatomy, which helps your surgeon create a personalized surgical plan for each patient. The technology improves patient outcomes by reducing the need for future revision surgeries and speeding up recovery.
The advancement of knee replacement surgery using robotic systems has improved accuracy rates and recovery time, and reduced complications1. Minimally invasive techniques in total knee replacement optimize the precision of bone cuts and implant positioning to improve soft tissue balance and tension.
Cementless implants are also on trend in total knee replacement. Cementless total knee arthroplasty offers heavier patients a more durable bone-implant interface that can handle added mechanical stress without breaking down3. Traditionally, prosthetics were put in place using bone cement. Over the years, the bone cement that holds the implants in place would break down due to stress on the joint. Cementless implants use the patient’s natural bone to hold the implants in place for a longer-lasting joint replacement.
GPS technology used in knee surgery offers additional benefits to both the surgeon and patient. Companies like OrthAlign offer computer-assisted technology during knee surgery to map out the patient's anatomy with intelligent software. Like the robotic arm, a positioning device used in surgery helps the surgeon make accurate cuts and position the implant correctly. Computer-assisted technology offers many benefits, including increased accuracy, decreased surgical time, less pain, and longer-lasting knee replacements.
Today’s high tech knee replacement surgery offers benefits to patients by minimizing soft tissue disruption and allowing patients to experience quicker recovery times. Thanks to advanced robotic systems and computer-assisted technology, surgeons have better tools in the operating room to help patients live an active lifestyle in their golden years.
AUTHOR: Natham Hammel, MD is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement in Southern California, serving the Greater San Diego area.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9125720/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC814205
3. https://www.stryker.com/us/en/joint-replacement/products/triathlon-tritanium.html
