Knee pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from daily movement to your overall quality of life. However, if you’re suffering from severe arthritis or knee joint damage, knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing solution. Robotic knee replacement surgery—also known as robotic-assisted knee replacement—is an advanced surgical technique that enhances precision, personalization, and outcomes for patients undergoing knee replacement.
Below, we’ll explore what robotic knee surgery is, how it differs from traditional knee replacement, and why many patients are turning to advanced robotic technology—such as the Mako robot—for improved accuracy and recovery.
What Is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery?
Robotic knee replacement surgery is a minimally invasive approach to knee replacement that uses robotic-assisted technology to help surgeons perform the procedure with greater accuracy and precision. Despite the name, the robot does not perform the surgery—rather, it acts as a highly advanced tool that assists the surgeon in making precise cuts and placing the knee implant with millimeter-level accuracy.
How Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Works
Robotic-assisted knee replacement follows three main steps:
1. Pre-Surgical Planning with 3D Imaging
- Before surgery, the Mako robot or another robotic system creates a personalized 3D model of the patient’s knee using CT scans.
- This model helps surgeons understand the knee’s unique anatomy and plan the exact placement of the artificial joint.
2. Robotic Guidance During Surgery
- During the procedure, the surgeon uses the robotic system to guide and assist in making precise bone cuts.
- The robot ensures accuracy, preventing unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue and ligaments.
3. Enhanced Implant Placement
- The robotic system allows for highly customized placement of the knee implant, ensuring a better fit and alignment for optimal movement and longevity.
Benefits of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
Compared to traditional knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement offers several key advantages:
✔️ Greater Precision: Robotic guidance allows for more accurate bone cutting and implant positioning, leading to a better-fitting and longer-lasting knee implant.
✔️ Faster Recovery: Because the procedure is minimally invasive and preserves more healthy tissue, patients often experience less pain and a quicker recovery.
✔️ Improved Joint Function: A precisely placed implant results in a more natural knee movement and increased mobility post-surgery.
✔️ Reduced Risk of Complications: The robotic system enhances surgical accuracy, lowering the chances of implant misalignment or instability.
✔️ Personalized Approach: The Mako robotic system and other robotic platforms create customized surgical plans for each patient, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Who is a Candidate for Robotic Knee Surgery?
Robotic knee replacement may be recommended for patients with:
- Severe osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
- Chronic knee pain and stiffness that limits daily activities
- Previous knee injuries that have led to joint deterioration
- Failure of non-surgical treatments (medication, physical therapy, or injections)
Not all patients are candidates for robotic-assisted surgery, so it’s important to discuss options with an orthopedic specialist.
Robotic Knee Surgery vs. Traditional Knee Replacement
| Feature | Robotic Knee Replacement | Traditional Knee Replacement |
| Surgical Precision | High (robot-assisted guidance) | Surgeon’s experience-based precision |
| Tissue Preservation | More precise, less disruption | Greater chance of affecting surrounding tissues |
| Recovery Time | Often faster with less pain | Recovery may take longer |
| Customization | Personalized 3D model for optimal fit | Standardized implant placement |
What to Expect After Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
- Most patients can walk with assistance within 24 hours after surgery.
- Physical therapy begins soon after surgery to restore strength and mobility.
- Recovery time varies, but many patients resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
- Full healing may take several months, with continuous improvements in flexibility and strength.
Is Robotic Knee Replacement Right for You?
If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain and are considering knee replacement surgery, robotic-assisted knee replacement may offer a more precise, personalized, and efficient solution. With benefits like faster recovery, improved joint function, and greater surgical accuracy, this advanced technique is changing the future of knee replacement surgery.
To find out if you’re a candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery, consult with Dr. Nathaniel Wingert in Kirkland or Seattle. During a consultation, we will guide you through your options and help determine the best approach for your knee health. Request an appointment today using our secure online form.
Sources:
https://www.roboticjointcenter.com/robotic-total-knee-replacement-surgery-guide
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/robotic-knee-replacement-surgery
https://dpuhospital.com/blog/robotic-knee-replacement-surgery
