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During knee replacement surgery, worn out or damaged sections of the knee joint is removed and replaced with artificial implants. In a robotic total knee replacement, surgeons employ computed tomography (CT) scans to construct a virtual model of the patient's knee. With that model as a guide, the surgeon then utilizes the robotic arm to place the components of the new knee accurately. Joseph Mitchell, M.D. provides diagnosis and minimally invasive knee replacement surgery using robotic-arm technology in San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA. Joseph Mitchell, M.D. also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Joseph Mitchell, M.D.’s office for an appointment today!

What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

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Robotic-assisted knee replacement is an alternative to conventional knee replacement surgery. It is performed using computer navigation and robotic-arm technology, with the goal of increasing surgical accuracy.

What is Arthritis?

The knee joint is formed by three bones, including the end of the femur (thigh bone), top of the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (kneecap). Between these bones there is smooth cartilage and two menisci that serve as cushion and shock absorbers during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joint), injury, or other diseases can damage this protective layer, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is a procedure in which the degenerative or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with metal and plastic. Total knee replacement, which is also referred to as total knee arthroplasty, is essentially a resurfacing of the worn original cartilage.

Indications of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

The goal of knee replacement is to alleviate pain and to restore function of the knee. Surgery is most commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis. With osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage gradually wears away, which often affects us all as we age. Your doctor may advise total knee replacement if you have osteoarthritis and any of the following:

  • Severe pain that limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs)
  • Moderate-to-severe pain that occurs during rest or awakens you at night
  • Chronic inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medications
  • Failure to obtain pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy or other conservative treatments
  • A knee deformity (knock knees or bowlegged)

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Procedure

  • To begin the procedure, an incision is made over the affected knee to expose the underlying joint.
  • Pins must be placed into the femur and tibia to allow for registration with the computer and robotic arm.
  • Using the pre-operative CT scan of the knee, less than 1 cm of bone is removed from the end of the femur (thigh bone) and top of the tibia (shin bone).
  • After the bone is removed, trial implants are inserted, and the knee is checked for appropriate balance and range of motion
  • The computer is able to provide objective information during this trialing process
  • Once satisfied, the real femoral, tibial, and patellar implants are opened and inserted. This process can be done with or without bone cement.
  • The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed, and a sterile dressing is placed.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

The benefits of the robotic-assisted knee replacement include:

  • Precise placement of the implants
  • Reduced risk of injury to adjacent tissues

If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, please contact Joseph Mitchell, M.D., serving the communities of San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA.