Articles

Importance of a Robot in Knee Replacement Surgery

by Priya Sharma For Your Medical Assistance

Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis(OA), is among one of the most common and chronic conditions suffered by people who are older in age. This disease can adversely affect any joint that is present in the body, but it most commonly affects the knees, lower back, hips, and necks. Sometimes it can also affect the small finger joints and the bases of the big toe and the thumb.

What is knee replacement?

This operation involves removal of parts of the natural knee joint and placing an artificial one. It is regarded as one of the most common joint replacement surgery. Although the cost for knee replacement is a little extravagant the long term effects will help in improving your condition. One undergoes this procedure in order to relieve themselves of the pain and disability caused due to arthritis or any other joint related problems while not compromising with the movement. It is also done to correct some of the long term knee deformity.

Alternatives to a surgery include taking medicines like analgesics, tramadol etc. Some topical analgesics are rubbed on the skin that is present over the knee, while others are injected directly into the knee joint.

Although an effective surgery, it is not for everyone. You should not go for a knee replacement if: there is an infection present in the knee, if you are suffering from a severe nerve disorder, or are suffering from some blood vessel related disease. Your orthopedic may also advise against the procedure if you are overweight, are suffering from any sort of a lung or heart disorder that might complicate conditions during anesthesia or is suffering from a skin condition like psoriasis.

Who needs knee replacement surgery?

       If you feel like you are experiencing some sort of a discomfort or instability while walking, standing or while standing up after sitting for a long time.

       Difficulties while performing everyday jobs like climbing the stairs or while just walking then it is recommended to consult your orthopedic.

       If you notice any sort of swelling, stiffness or tenderness in your joints.

       Chronic or long term pain or swelling due to some injury.

       Limitations of movement up to a certain range.

Prior to the surgery:

It is important to let your doctor know about any of your conditions before the surgery. The surgeon will explain to you the complete process and will give you an opportunity to ask any questions and clarify doubts related to the procedure. You will be asked your complete medical history and you may also undergo a blood test along with other diagnostic tests. You will also be asked to notify if you are allergic to any medications or are sensitive to latex or tapes.

Generally, the patients are asked to fast for eight hours before the start of the surgery mostly post midnight. You may also be given a certain sedative in order to make you prepare for the surgery.

The cost for Arthroplasty or knee replacement varies depending on the type of procedure you will be undergoing.

What is robot assisted surgery?

Robotic surgery is a type of surgical procedure where the complete operation is performed by a robot with the help of computer console including a high-resolution camera that is fixed to the arms of the robot. This procedure requires minimal invasion by the doctor themselves, who initiates all the movements resulting in a more precise and effective operation.

In knee replacement surgeries the robotic device is known as MAKOplasty. It offers highly advanced movements, controlled and smooth movement along with superior precision. This method enables the surgeons to perform complicated and fragile operations with just a few incisions.

Is it better than the standard orthopedic surgery?

MAKOplasty has proven to be much more effective in curing and treating ‘degenerative joint disease’ (DJD) that occurs in the knee and hip area. MAKO successfully combines computer imaging along with smart instruments in order to help the surgeons place the implants more carefully and precisely. More accurate placement of the implants is possible because it uses real – time images and the information that has been fed into the robot. Before the robotic surgery was invented it was very difficult for the surgeons to get the placement of the implants right since physically that precision was not achieved, but now they can easily plan about the size, rotation, and placement of the implant before the surgery and achieve the best results for their patients.

The incisions made during a traditional knee surgery are not as precise as done through MAKO which is just four to six inches. Fewer incisions mean:

       Lesser complications like an infection in the surgical site.

       Less loss of blood.

       Less scarring after the operation.

       Shorter time for complete recovery.

The precision of the MAKO technology preserves the tissues, ligaments, and bones from any damage during the surgery this results in an improved stability, reduced dislocations of the implants after the procedure and helps in providing the patient with a feeling of a more ‘natural’ knee.

Benefits of robot assisted surgery:

Benefits of a robot assisted knee replacement include:

       It offers an enhanced level of control and precision during the surgery and allows them to see the sites being operated better.

       Helps in accurately planning the alignment, size, and orientation of the implant before the surgery.

       The real – time intra operative adjustments present in the system ensures the correct soft – tissue balance during the surgery.

       Offers more leg length regularity.

       Extends the life of the implant by decreasing the risk of bone and implant rubbing against each other.

Knee replacement cost in Kolkata:

Unilateral (general ward) without implant – Rs.1,75,000

Semi private ward – Rs. 2,22,000

Private ward – Rs. 3,00,000

Semi private ward – Rs. 2,50,000

Above quoted are the average prices of a knee replacement surgery, however, the prices vary from one hospital to the other depending on the availability of facilities and infrastructure.


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About Priya Sharma Advanced   For Your Medical Assistance

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Joined APSense since, April 27th, 2015, From Gurgaon, India.

Created on Sep 11th 2017 05:14. Viewed 863 times.

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