🤖 Robotic Knee Replacement
🔹 What It Is
Robotic Knee Replacement (Robotic-Assisted Knee Arthroplasty) is a modern surgical technique where a robotic system assists the surgeon in replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants.
➡️ The surgeon is still in control — the robot guides, maps, and ensures precision.

🔹 When It’s Needed
1.Doctors recommend it when:
2.Severe osteoarthritis damages the knee.
3.Rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis causes pain.
4.Knee deformities (bow legs, knock knees).
5.Pain doesn’t improve with medicines, physiotherapy, or injections.

🔹 How It Works
1.Pre-Op 3D Imaging
. A CT scan or 3D scan of the knee is done.
. Software creates a personalized surgical plan.
2.Robotic Assistance During Surgery
. Robotic arm (Mako, ROSA, NAVIO, etc.) guides the surgeon’s tools.
. Ensures bone cuts are accurate to the millimeter.
. Protects healthy ligaments & soft tissues.
3.Implant Placement
. Artificial implant (metal + plastic) is fitted in place.
. Robot confirms proper alignment and balance of the joint.
🔹 Types of Robotic Knee Replacement
. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) → Entire joint is replaced.
. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) → Only damaged part of the joint is replaced (medial, lateral, or kneecap area).
. Revision Knee Replacement → Redo surgery if old implant fails.

🔹 Benefits (vs Traditional Surgery)
✅ More Accurate implant placement.
✅ Less Pain & tissue damage.
✅ Smaller Incision → less blood loss.
✅ Faster Recovery (patients can walk within 24 hrs).
✅ Longer Implant Life due to precise alignment.
✅ Lower Risk of complications like implant loosening.

🔹 Risks & Drawbacks
⚠️ Similar risks as regular knee replacement → infection, clots, stiffness.
⚠️ High Cost (more expensive than traditional surgery).
⚠️ Limited availability (only in advanced hospitals).
⚠️ Still depends on surgeon’s skill + robot accuracy.

🔹 Recovery Timeline
. Hospital stay: 2–3 days (sometimes same-day discharge).
. Walking with support: within 1 day.
. Normal walking: 3–6 weeks.
. Return to daily activities: 6–8 weeks.
. Full recovery: 3–6 months.