How Reliable Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery? Hear It From SUM Hospital’s Prof. Dash

Bhubaneswar: Robotic-assisted procedures in knee replacement surgery ensure greater precision, better results and shorter recovery time, opined Orthopaedics Head of Department of Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital Prof. (Dr) Aniruddh Dash.

“A robotic knee replacement is similar to a traditional knee replacement when damaged tissues in the knee are removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The only difference is that it’s done with assistance from a robotic arm controlled by software and the surgeon,” Prof. (Dr) Dash said.

In more complex cases, a robotic-assisted knee replacement offered a better balance in the soft tissues around the knee and better alignment of the joint, he explained.

Describing it as the future of joint replacement surgery, Prof. Dash said it was being done in an Odisha medical college hospital for the first time at IMS and SUM Hospital.

The preparation process for robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is the same as that of a conventional surgery, he assured.

Any patient who is a candidate for traditional knee replacement is very likely a candidate for robotic-assisted knee replacement as well.

“Robotic knee replacements are ideal for patients having the most complex knee joint disease including those who have deformities in the femur after an injury, complex degeneration and hardware from previous surgeries,” Prof. Dash enlightened.

Detailing the advantages of robotic knee replacement surgery, he said it had the edge over traditional methods as it allowed enhanced surgical planning and greater precision.

Depending on the robotic option which was right for the patient, specialized 3-D images are taken in preparation for or during the surgery. These images help the surgeon to accurately plan the optimal type and placement of the replacement joint to ensure the right size.

“Robotic technologies also enhance the surgeon’s expertise for more precise planning, tissue removal and implant placement. This could lead to faster recovery time, fewer complications and a lower likelihood of revision surgery,” Prof. Dash said.

He informed that robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is not done just by a robot, which acts as a guide to help the surgeon follow the plan laid out in advance.

“During traditional surgery, the surgeon is in control. However, he uses the robot as an additional surgical tool for best possible outcome,” he said.

Robotic surgery also enables more precise incisions which help achieve optimal positioning, leading to better and faster recovery and longer life of the implant, Prof. Dash said.