Robotic Unicondylar (Half, Partial) Prosthetic Surgery
Robotic unicondylar knee replacement surgery is a treatment option used in unicondylar (partial, half) knee replacement surgery. For partial implants, the robotic system targets the knee area only, where calcification occurred, and knee replacement surgery can be performed by preserving healthy tissues surrounding that area. Applying an implant only to the inner or outer side (compartment) of the knee joint is called unicompartmental knee replacement, and applying an implant to both sides (compartments) is called bicompartmental knee replacement.
Robotic unicondylar and knee cap replacement
Robotic Unicondylar knee surgery has the feature of three-dimensional planning before knee replacement. It determines the joint kinematics of the person and calculates the placement of the implant components in the most accurate way accordingly. During the surgery, the robotic arm guides the orthopedic surgeon to correctly prepare the compartment where the implant will be placed, and to place the implant into the bone. In this way, it enables the surgeon to plan and perform the surgery in the finest detail.
Preoperative 3D planning of unicondylar knee replacement surgery
Robotic Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery
After the surgical exposure, certain points are marked on the knee bones, and the anatomy of the knee joint is revealed. Then, the robotic systems show the bone incision points in the digital environment, while also providing the surgeon with real-time information and visual data for the placement of the joint implant. While the surgeon is performing the operation, the robotic system prevents him or her from deviating from the plan and making mistakes. During the surgery, the robotic system helps kinematically evaluate the compatibility of the implants at all bending angles of the hip. Thus, it minimizes the margin of error by ensuring that the surgical procedure is performed with high precision and accuracy, in a way specific to the patient’s own anatomy. This also ensures a lower risk of unwanted complications that may develop in the future.
Preparation of the bone by the surgeon with the help of the robotic system during unicondylar knee replacement surgery
Advantages of Robotic Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery
• The replacement operation is performed precisely in the damaged part of the knee only.
• It involves with smaller surgical incisions.
• Tissue trauma is minimal.
• All ligaments in the knee are preserved.
• The patient feels a more natural knee.
• It provides faster and more painless recovery.
• Patients can return to their daily lives more quickly.
• Since the implants are placed with high accuracy, they become more durable.
In robotic unicondylar knee surgery, more natural feeling knee can be achieved, because during removal of damaged articular surface and bone structures in the knee, all other knee ligaments are preserved. In robotic knee replacement surgery, the patient recovers faster and more painlessly, and returns to his or her daily life in a shorter time, as a result of smaller incisions, minimal tissue trauma, and maximum preservation of healthy bones. Patients usually start walking the same day or the next day after surgery. Patients are allowed to return to their normal daily activities after a few weeks, depending on their general health status.