Robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement surgery is different approach and new surgical tool which promises precision , efficiency and reliability in an already extremely successful and established surgical technique.

The ability to include more variables in all 3 dimensions before bony cuts allows better fine tuning of implant position .Mechanical accuracy of the robotic cutting arm reduces the number of recuts and indirectly reduces the soft tissue balancing required for a stable knee. With the constant aim to improve patient outcome we offer use of this technique on demand subject to patient fitness and suitability for the same.

Total knee replacement surgery with special instrumentation(TKR ) , Computer assisted TKR with navigation ( CAOS ) and now Robotic-arm assisted TKR – Our journey of Total Knee Replacement Surgery continues , giving pain free , independent mobility with excellent quality of life in debilitating arthritis.

Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery -FAQs

1. Does Robot do operation himself ?

Robot is a tool to “ cut the bones”. It is more precise than Instrumented cuts done with a hand held saw. However, the difference is very minimum in the hands of an experienced surgeon. In a robotic surgery ,the Surgeon has first decide how much bone to cut and at what angle to cut, based on his experience and the extent of deformity in the patient. Once that is done , the Robot helps surgeon to do it accurately.

2. What is the Role of Surgeon in “Robotic TKR surgery” ?

The Surgeon has to assess the deformities in the knee, decide how much to cut ,how much to release and then plan the surgery in 3-D planes.
Surgeon has to first open the knee and do soft tissue releases. The surgeon then identifies various land marks and key bony points on patients’ body. Records initial deformities. Decides what will be the best alignment for each individual patient. Plans how to achieve this alignment. ( This is partly done by Robot)
Then with Robot’s help cuts the bones.
The surgeon then finishes preparing the bones for final implantation. ( This is not done by Robot)
Cements the Final implants in bone. ( This is not done by Robot)
Does additional balancing ( if needed). (This is not done by Robot))
Does the closure of soft tissues. ( This is not done by Robot)

3. Is the extra cost involved in “Robotic surgery” worthwhile ?

If you can afford the extra cost, there will be definitely added benefits of Robotic Surgery, but it is not a huge factor . An Instrumented Surgery done by a good and experienced surgeon will be almost as good as Robotic surgery.A Robotic Surgery done by an “average” or a “inexperienced” surgeon may lead to poor results or complications.

4. Why Robotic Surgery is cheaper in some places and Expensive in others ?

There are a lot of disposable items used in Robotic Surgery ( like Tibial and Femoral Reflector arrays, Pointer array, Cutting blades , etc). Many hospitals recycle them and use it for multiple patients. This will reduce the overall cost in those hospitals !
When the hospital discards them after a single use and uses new ones for every patient, the cost of surgery will be higher.

5. Are there different Types of Robots ? Which one is the best ??

There are at least 4-5 different companies which have come up with Operating Robots. Their Purchase cost and operating costs along with Disposables used are different.
Their features are also little different.

Some of them need CT scan to be done before surgery , while other are called “image free” as they do not need pre surgery CT Scan. Both have their pros and cons !
Usually, a surgeon has to use the knee implant ( Artificial knee joint prosthesis) from the same company as the Robot used.