How Robotic Arm-Assisted Joint Replacement Benefits Both Patients and Surgeons?
20 March 2023
While the idea of joint replacement surgery can be daunting, new technology has made joint replacement safer and more precise than ever before. Sunway Medical Centre has introduced the Mako SmartRobotics System and the ROSA Knee System for robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery, where surgeons utilize a robotic device to make smaller incisions and position the new joint more precisely.
In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of robotic surgery in joint replacement procedures, and how it can benefit both doctors and patients, as shared by the general manager of robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) services at Sunway Medical Centre.
Helen Ng shared her experience with a 45-year-old patient who came with joint pain and an inability to fully extend his right knee. An X-ray revealed severe osteoarthritis and suggested knee replacement surgery. The surgery went well, and the patient reported feeling no pain on the first night and being able to fully extend his foot the following morning.
Accuracy in Surgical Planning
One of the most significant advantages of robotic surgery is its accuracy. Robotic surgery technology, such as the Mako SmartRobotics system, uses 3D CT-based planning software that allows surgeons to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. The accuracy is further increased since the surgical strategy is tailored to the patient's anatomy in the knee.
This is relatively important because everyone's joint is different and there is no one-size-fits-all surgical plan. With the help of this technology, surgeons can outline a thorough surgical plan in advance, improving both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Improving Patient Safety During Surgery
Robotic surgery can also help doctors avoid damaging important structures in the patient's body. It can identify important ligaments, nerve lines, and blood vessels before entering the body, which helps avoid damaging them during the surgery. In other words, the robot can aid in accurate and smaller incisions. This can lead to a safer and more effective surgical outcome.
Faster Recovery and Better Quality of Life for Patients
Clinical trials show that removing only the necessary bone during surgery and preserving healthy bone while avoiding damage to nearby tendons and ligaments results in less pain and paranoia afterwards. Recovery is faster, pain scores are lower, and fewer painkillers or additional surgeries are needed. Robotic technology can achieve almost zero margin of error, unlike human hands and eyes. This precision in placing the artificial joint directly affects post-surgery experiences, including pain, recovery speed, natural movement, and endurance.
Robotic surgery also allows doctors to use customized implants for each patient. The Mako SmartRobotics System and ROSA Knee System, for example, allow for personalized joint replacement surgical plans based on each patient's unique anatomy. This means that doctors can have more accurate implant positioning that is best suited for each patient, leading to a more successful outcome and a faster recovery time.
Conclusion
Robotic surgery is a game-changer in the field of joint replacement surgery. Its precision, ability to avoid damaging important structures, and accurate insertion of implants for each patient make it a valuable tool for doctors. Patients who undergo robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery can expect to experience less pain, have a faster recovery time, and enjoy a better quality of life.
As this technology continues to advance, you can expect to see even more benefits in the future. Robotic surgery is an exciting addition to the medical field that is changing the way doctors' approach in joint replacement surgery, and it benefits anyone suffering with joint pain.
If you are considering joint replacement surgery, consult a specialist about the use of robotic-assisted surgery to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Click here to schedule a consultation with our orthopaedic surgeons:
https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/centres-of-excellence/robotic-surgery-centre/robotic-arm-assisted-joint-replacement-surgery/
