Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery FAQ

Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery technology is an innovative solution to conventional surgical methods for patients suffering from hip or knee joint pain.

The accurate alignment and positioning of joint implants is challenging in conventional hip and knee replacements. With the Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery technology, our surgeons can now achieve greater precision.

Using a 3D image of each patient’s unique anatomy, the robotic-arm technology helps guide the surgeon to stay within only the pre-determined area for greater accuracy in the positioning and alignment of the joint implant. The proper alignment of the implants results in quicker recovery times, more natural-feeling movement, and overall better outcomes for our patients.

Click here to learn more about Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for joint replacement at Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital.

Every patient’s anatomy is different. The robotic-arm technology allows the surgeon to create a customized plan for each patient based on a 3D virtual model of their individual anatomy. This allows the surgeon to perform the procedure as accurately as possible.

First, a CT scan is taken of the diseased joint. This scan is then uploaded into the robotic system software, where a 3D model of your hip/knee will be created. The surgeon uses this 3D model to pre-plan your surgical procedure. In the operating room, the surgeon will know precisely where to prepare the bone for the implant, and the robotic-arm system guides the surgeon to stay within the pre-defined area. This helps to provide optimal placement and alignment of your implant.

If you suffer from severe joint pain and conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, you may be a candidate for a hip or knee replacement with Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery technology.

Many factors come into consideration when determining if a patient is a candidate. It is important that you consult with your orthopaedic surgeon to determine if the Robotic technology is the right option for you.

Total knee replacement: Adults living with mid to late-stage osteoarthritis of the knee may be candidates for a total knee replacement with the Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System. Mid to late-stage osteoarthritis indicates the disease has affected more than two of the knee compartments: Medial, patellofemoral, or lateral.

Partial knee replacement: You may be a good candidate for partial knee replacement with Robotic technology if you are an adult living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Knee joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis, and for moderate deformity of the knee.

Hip replacement: Hip joint replacement with Robotic-Arm Assisted technology is designed for patients who suffer from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hip dysplasia. If you haven’t experienced adequate relief with medication and other conservative methods, you may be a candidate for Robotic-Arm Assisted total hip replacement.

Joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the joint, or excessive body weight.

In most cases, Robotic-Arm Assisted joint replacement surgery takes a little over an hour.

NOTE: Individual results vary. Not all patients will have the same post-operative recovery and activity level. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks.

The recovery process will be different for each patient. A typical hospital stay after surgery with robotic-arm assisted technology may be a few days to a week after a partial or total knee replacement, or total hip replacement. Some patients will need a longer duration of stay depending on age, gravity of injury and other health factors.

For many, getting up and walking and beginning physical therapy exercises will be possible as soon as the day after surgery. Depending on your post-surgical plan, which will be determined by your surgeon, nurse, and physical therapist, you may need to use some assistance devices at home as part of your recovery. These may include a walker, a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine, and bed-side commode.

Pain management will also be important to ensuring you as comfortable as possible during your recovery process, and your post-op plan may include pain medications.

Outpatient physical therapy is typically prescribed to begin one or two weeks out after surgery.

Most of today’s knee and hip joint implants are made of metal alloys and high grade plastics. So it is possible that the metal will set off airport security detectors. We recommend you inform the TSA agent of your implant before screening begins.

The recovery process will vary for each patient after surgery with Robotic-Arm Assisted technology. In most cases, if you have a sedentary job, you may be able to return to work within 3-6 weeks. Studies indicate that patients who undergo knee replacement may return to driving in four to six weeks.¹

Most knee replacement patients can except to return to low-impact activities by 3 months. Low-impact activities include hiking, biking, golfing.

Complete recovery from a total hip replacement with robotic-arm assisted technology can take from about 3 to 6 months.

Realistic physical activities following recovery from a total knee replacement with robotic-arm assisted technology include walking, swimming, golfing, driving, light hiking, biking, dancing, and other low-impact sports.²

Patients who have a partial knee replacement with robotic-arm assisted technology can expect even greater results, with many being able to return to a more active lifestyle. The recovery process will vary for each patient, and it will be important to follow your individual post-operative care instructions for optimal recovery.

All joint implants have a limited life expectancy, and many factors play a role in the longevity of the implant. These include the patient’s age, weight, activity level, quality of bone stock, and compliance with doctor’s orders.

Proper alignment and positioning of the implants is also crucial to the life expectancy of the implant. With our Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, our surgeons can achieve superior results in the alignment and positioning of the knee and hip joint implants, which results in overall better outcomes for our patients.

Yes. Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital utilizes a technology that is FDA approved.