What is Robotic Joint Replacement?
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- Written By: St. John's Health
Advancements in Joint Replacement
Although this treatment option may sound like it's from the future, robot-assisted joint replacement surgery can help to speed up your journey to wellness and recovery. Learn more about how robot-assisted joint replacement surgery can help you back to your active lifestyle in no time.
Differences from Traditional Joint Replacement
Similar to traditional joint replacement procedures, robotic joint replacement surgery is designed to remove damaged tissue and replace them with man-made parts, effectively reducing pain and increasing mobility. However, there are some advantages to this robotic-assisted alternative.
Increased Precision
The Stryker Mako Robotic Arm enables orthopedic surgeons to perform joint replacement procedures with increased accuracy, achieving optimal implant positioning. Studies have shown that surgeons performing robot-assisted replacement surgery had better accuracy compared to conventional methods, even though they had more experience with the traditional method.
According to the OptumInsight commercial claims database (2013-2015) by Baker Tilly, LLP, this increased accuracy and precision also leads to lower readmission rates compared to non-robotic joint replacements.
Enhanced Pre-Operative Planning
Using the Mako Robotic Arm allows orthopedic specialists to develop a pre-operative plan specific to each patient, that can be reviewed by the orthopedic surgeon before the procedure. Data is Segmented to create a 3D model of the patient’s bone anatomy, also aiding in accurate positioning of the implant.
Soft-tissue and kinematic data are also collected and applied to the 3D model during the surgical procedure, allowing the surgeon to virtually balance the joint to achieve a personalized placement.
