Traditional knee replacement techniques have been largely successful helping patients with knee arthritis improve their mobility. However, advances in technology enable us to improve upon the results of more traditional knee replacement approaches. Robotic surgery is one of those improvements.
Dr. William F. Tucker, Jr., uses robotic surgical navigation for all his primary knee replacement procedures. His goal with knee replacement is to reproduce the patient’s natural anatomy with the least amount of disruption to the ligaments in the knee. Robotic navigation and ligament balancing combined with a minimally invasive, quadriceps sparing approach allow for a faster recovery and help provide a more natural feeling knee.
What are the benefits of robotic knee replacement?
Robotic knee replacement allows for more precise alignment and balancing of the knee than older, traditional approaches for knee replacement. This can lead to an easier recovery after surgery and a longer lasting knee replacement in the long term.
Virtually all patients undergoing a primary, first-time knee replacement are candidates for robotic knee replacement.
What happens during a robotic knee replacement procedure?
During a robotic knee replacement, Dr. Tucker uses the Corin Robotics navigation system to map out the anatomy of the entire leg, like a GPS system for your leg and knee.
The initial alignment of the knee, as well as the tension in the ligaments and tissues around the knee, are assessed using the navigation system. The system then guides the sizing and placement of the implants, reproducing a more natural knee with less surgical exposure. The procedure takes approximately one hour on average.
How can patients prepare for knee replacement surgery?
Patients should avoid situations which increase the likelihood of illness or injury before knee replacement surgery.
Patients need to see their primary care doctor for lab work and a medical checkup before surgery. Any other necessary medical or dental procedures should be completed before proceeding with your knee replacement.
What can patients expect during recovery?
Most patients describe their pain after knee replacement surgery as “soreness.” Dr. Tucker and his team typically utilize a spinal anesthetic, which decreases pain after surgery and helps patients avoid many of the side effects from a general anesthetic. They also use local anesthetic in and around the knee, which decreases pain and the need for pain medication.
Weightbearing & Physical Therapy
Patients can place their full weight on the knee as soon as they wake up from surgery and will begin walking on the day of surgery. Most patients use a walker for assistance for approximately 7-10 days and can wean from the walker as soon as they are safe to do so.
Patients begin working with a physical therapist 1-2 days after surgery and continue therapy for approximately 6 weeks after surgery. The primary goal with physical therapy after surgery is regaining range of motion in the knee.
Return Home & Recovery Timeline
The majority of patients return home within 23 hours of surgery.
Patients return for a follow-up appointment one month after surgery. Most patients say they are 80% recovered at this point. Typically, patients can return to all normal activities within 3 months of surgery.
Dr. Tucker recommends avoiding high impact activities after surgery to prolong the life of the new knee.
Robotic Knee Replacement in Dallas, TX
William F. Tucker, Jr., MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. He is fellowship trained and specializes in joint replacement surgery. Dr. Tucker is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
Robotic knee replacement is one of the options Dr. Tucker offers to patients to improve upon the results of more traditional joint replacement methods. His goal is to provide a personalized experience to every patient.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tucker, please call our office at (469) 291-1511.