Medically Reviewed by Patrick K. Denton, MD

The benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery are many, according to the National Library of Medicine. McLeod orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Denton explains how this type of procedure can lead to even better surgical outcomes and faster recovery for knee replacement patients.

“Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a newer technique, and it differs from the traditional technique in that we utilize the accuracy of a robot to determine where we’re going to make our bony cuts. And it helps us preserve normal bone, but also helps us correct severe deformities of the knee that before, we’d usually correct by cutting more bone and releasing more tissue. The robot can allow us to look ahead of time at the deformity and come up with a preoperative plan. This is how we’re going to straighten the knee, and we can do it in a less-invasive fashion. Patients always ask, “Is the robot doing the surgery?” No, we are in charge. We do the surgery, and it (the robot technology) helps us develop a preoperative plan. The knee replacements come in different sizes, just like shoes, and we know ahead of time by planning, what size your shoe is before you even walk in the OR.

With the advancements in robotic-assisted knee surgery and with anesthesia, we can do the procedure both at the main hospital facility or at outpatient surgery centers. And currently in my practice, about 95% of the patients go home the same day. It’s an outpatient procedure. Patients tend to recover faster, and it (the robotic procedure) can do a better job of correcting deformities. You see patients with crooked knees, and it can straighten them more accurately than the traditional instrumentation. I think patients overall have less pain after that surgery.

Physical therapy starts right away, and we encourage therapy; therapy is just as important as the surgery. We want patients to work on getting their range of motion back, building up their strength, and stability. The expected recovery time is about two to three months.”

To learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, speak with an orthopedic surgeon near you.