What are robotic joint replacements?
Robotic joint replacements are becoming increasingly common in orthopedic surgery. They can help increase the accuracy of certain types of joint replacement, resulting in better patient outcomes.
At Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Bostick performs several types of robotic joint replacements, including:
Total knee replacement
Total knee replacement involves taking out the ends of the two main bones and replacing them with a prosthetic – a new artificial joint. Dr. Bostick may also resurface the inside of your patella (kneecap). Total knee replacement is most common when treating knee osteoarthritis.
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement
In this procedure, Dr. Bostick takes away the damaged area of bone and cartilage from one of the bones in your knee. This is only possible if the other bone is healthy enough, so partial knee replacement is less common than total knee replacement.
How are robotic joint replacements performed?
Before your surgery, robots assist in the planning stage. Dr. Bostick uses 3-D imaging technology to plan the surgery based on your unique anatomy, which is invaluable in making sure the implant is the correct size and in the right position.
It's important to understand that the robot doesn't perform the surgery by itself, and Dr. Bostick has complete control of the device at all times. During your robotic joint replacement surgery, the robot helps Dr. Bostick complete his task with greater precision.
For example, the robotic arm positions the saw blade used in a total knee replacement. The robot makes sure Dr. Bostick stays within the dimensions he set down in your surgical plan.
Is robotic joint replacement better than other methods?
Robotic joint replacements enable Dr. Bostick to provide a more customized approach for his patients. This method allows for more accurate implant positioning and oftentimes leads to a higher comfort level post-surgery. Quicker recovery times are often associated with robotic joint replacement, as it tends to cause less tissue damage than other methods.
To find out whether you're a good candidate for a robotic joint replacement, call Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today or book an appointment online.
