doctors performing Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a smart solution if you need a joint replacement. The orthopedic surgeons at Watauga Orthopaedics offer this high-tech innovation for qualified patients suffering from painful arthritis at the knee or hips. The system we use creates a 3D model of your problem joint, including your unique size, shape, and position. Specialized software allows us to match your implant to your specific anatomy and is used to preplan and guide your surgery. This added precision and accuracy means your doctor will cut less healthy tissue, helping you recover faster and better. Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery allows you to get back to the things you love, quicker.

Knowing what you can expect from a joint replacement experience is important for patients as well as their providers. We provide the following material to help educate you about our process and the benefits for our patients.

At Watauga Orthopaedics, we understand that every patient's situation is unique. If you're suffering from joint pain due to degenerative arthritis, the pain may be near constant or it may come and go. The pain may be centralized in one area or it can be spread throughout a region of the body. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the reason for your knee or hip pain so you can better understand all your treatment options. In most cases, patients opt to undergo more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medications, before considering surgery. Once you've decided on a joint replacement surgery, your Watauga Orthopaedics surgeon can help determine whether you are a good candidate for robotic-assisted surgery.

How Robotic-Assisted Surgery Works

The process begins by creating a 3D model of your unique joint after a CT scan of the area. This results in a custom-fit implant as well as a precise and personalized surgical plan. Your surgeon uses this plan to prepare the bone for implant as well as to perfectly place the prosthesis in place of damaged tissue at the joint. At Watauga Orthopaedics, we use Mako brand robotic technology for joint replacements designed to work with your body for the most natural fit possible.

During robotic-assisted surgery, your surgeon guides the Mako robotic arm within a predefined area to carry out the surgery while preserving healthy surrounding tissue and bone. It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by your orthopaedic surgeon, who simply guides the robotic arm for the most precise implant placement and positioning. The robotic arm does not move without the surgeon guiding it. At every moment during the operation, your surgeon is able to make adjustments to the surgical plan if needed.

Total Knee vs. Partial Robotic Knee Replacement

Based on the severity of the arthritis or other degenerative condition at your knee joint, your surgeon may recommend a total or partial knee replacement. When done with robotic assistance, both procedures involve your surgeon guiding the robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage to prepare the joint for implant of the prosthesis.

knee replacement surgery

Mako SmartRobotics for partial knee replacement is ideal for adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis that hasn't yet affected all three compartments of the knee. A partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment rather than the entire knee joint. It may involve replacing one or two compartments, or replacing the kneecap (patella) in a procedure called a patellofemoral knee replacement.

Mako SmartRobotics for total knee replacement is ideal for adults living with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. In this case, the entire knee joint – all three compartments – are replaced.

Total Robotic Hip Replacement

Mako SmartRobotics for total hip replacement is designed to relief pain in patients suffering from degenerative joint disease at the hip joint. Patients who require a hip replacement may have sustained joint damage due to conditions, including osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, and hip dysplasia.

To learn more about our robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery, book an appointment at Watauga Orthopaedics online, or call (423) 282-9011 to schedule a consultation. We have three offices to serve you in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia.