The general idea of knee replacement is the same today as it was decades ago, but we now have better implants, computer navigation technology and robotics, and better instruments that have drastically improved joint replacement surgery. 

Dr. Stephen Reed has been using computer-guided robotic surgery for more than 15 years. He and his team recently performed the area’s first total knee replacement surgery with Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Knee Robot at Central Florida Regional Hospital.  

In this month’s blog post, Dr. Reed outlines what it means when your surgeon uses a computer to assist with your joint replacement surgery, who would benefit, and the advantages of such a procedure. 

What is computer-assisted robotic surgery? 

In computer-assisted robotic surgery, a robot acts as an extension of the surgeon’s eyes and hands to precisely remove and resurface only the arthritic part of the knee. This technique uses 3D computer mapping to provide the surgeon with accuracy within fractions of a millimeter. The 3D image enables the surgeon to create a plan based on the individual’s knee anatomy before performing the surgery, allowing for a better-aligned knee replacement. 

Throughout the procedure, your surgeon is provided with real-time data from the robotic system. The implant is placed, the joint is properly balanced, and your surgeon can make additional adjustments as needed if necessary. 

The robot is only an additional tool to guide your surgeon in the placement of knee implants. It does not replace the skills of your experienced surgeon. It’s still important to choose an orthopaedic surgeon who has completed a high volume of surgeries with good outcomes. 

What are the different robotic systems used at Florida Orthopaedic Associates?  

At Florida Orthopaedic Associates, we use robotic assistance for some of our total knee replacements. Our surgeons are trained on two robotic systems with both systems operating similarly: 

• ROSA Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant manufactured by Zimmer Biomet. ROSA stands for RObotic Surgical Assistant. 
• Mako by Stryker is another robotics-assisted surgical platform that offers partial knee, total knee, and total hip operations. 

Who would benefit from robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery? 

Patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis, who have symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, and knee locking, and who have not responded to conservative treatments, are candidates for robotic knee surgery. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative condition that results in the loss of joint cartilage (the cushioning between the bones).  

What are some benefits of computer-assisted robotic knee replacement? 

Being a minimally invasive approach, computer-assisted robotic knee replacement offers the following advantages: 

• Smaller incisions with reduced scarring and minimal blood loss 
• Reduced post-operative pain 
• Quicker return to daily activities 
• Lower incidence of complications 
• Precise placement of the implant 
• Reduced injury to adjacent tissues 

To find out if you’re a candidate for robotic-assisted joint replacement, request an appointment with Florida Orthopaedic Associates through our online form or call the office to schedule an appointment today.