During knee replacement surgery, worn out or damaged sections of the knee joint is removed and replaced with artificial implants. In a robotic total knee replacement, surgeons employ computed tomography (CT) scans to construct a virtual model of the patient's knee. With that model as a guide, the surgeon then utilizes the robotic arm to place the components of the new knee accurately. Christian J. Eccles, M.D. provides diagnosis and minimally invasive knee replacement surgery using robotic-arm technology in Conway, Myrtle Beach, SC. Christian J. Eccles, M.D. also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Christian J. Eccles, M.D.’s office for an appointment today!
What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is an alternative to the conventional knee replacement procedure. It is performed using robotic-arm technology (ROSA embedded link to the ROSA page) that allows Dr. Eccles to precisely perform the surgery more accurately compared to traditional surgery.
What is Arthritis?
The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone) and the patella (kneecap). The two menisci, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serve as a cushion and helps absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury or other diseases of the joint can damage this protective layer of cartilage, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is typically genetic and can occur over time with age.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial implants made of metal and plastic to allow a pain free, functional knee.
Indications of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is indicated if you are suffering from degenerative knee diseases such as osteoarthritis and have failed conservative treatments to relieve your symptoms.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Procedure
The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee. Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a way for Dr. Eccles to remove the damaged areas of the joint for optimal and precise placement of the knee implants. The robot does not perform any portion of the surgery. Rather, the robot and its software give Dr. Eccles data that serves as a “second set of eyes” to make sure that the bone resections will result in a stable, well-balanced knee. This allows for the surgery and implants to be tailored to your specific knee.
Much like a traditional knee replacement surgery, the bone ends are capped with metal components and a highly cross-linked polyethylene component is placed in between to allow for smooth motion and full function of the knee. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully and completely closed, and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
The benefits of the robotic-assisted knee replacement include:
- Rapid recovery
- Precise placement of the implants
- Reduced injury to adjacent tissues
- Increased longevity of the implants
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, please Contact Christian J. Eccles, M.D., serving the communities of Conway, Myrtle Beach, SC.
