Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement for Precision Care

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with an implant to help reduce pain and improve movement. Robotic-assisted technology is a tool that can support this process by using detailed imaging and computer planning to help guide implant positioning based on your individual knee anatomy.

This approach does not change the fundamental goal of knee replacement surgery, which remains to address damaged joint surfaces caused by arthritis or injury. Instead, it is intended to support the surgical team during planning and execution, based on the specific alignment and structure of your knee.

Not every patient is automatically suitable for robotic-assisted knee replacement. Suitability depends on individual evaluation, including the extent of joint damage, your knee anatomy and your surgeon's clinical assessment during consultation.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be considered for eligible patients as part of a broader knee replacement treatment plan, based on individual evaluation and surgical suitability.

What Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement refers to the use of computer-guided technology and instrumentation alongside standard knee replacement surgery. Before surgery, imaging of your knee helps create a plan tailored to your joint's individual dimensions and alignment.

During the procedure, the robotic system assists the surgical team by providing real-time information that can support more precise preparation of the joint surfaces and positioning of the implant components. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure throughout, with the technology serving as a planning and guidance tool rather than performing the surgery independently.

The overall aim is to support accurate implant alignment based on your knee's specific anatomy, which is intended to help improve joint mechanics after surgery. As with conventional knee replacement, outcomes vary from patient to patient, and your orthopedic surgeon will discuss whether this approach may be suitable for your condition after a detailed examination.

Early evaluation can help determine whether robotic-assisted knee replacement may be a suitable option for your knee condition, or whether continued non-surgical treatment or conventional knee replacement is more appropriate at this stage.

Suitability for robotic-assisted knee replacement depends on factors similar to conventional knee replacement, along with additional consideration of your knee's specific anatomy and alignment as seen on imaging. Your surgeon will assess whether this approach is appropriate for your individual case, or whether conventional knee replacement techniques may be more suitable.

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and X-rays of the knee. Additional imaging may be used specifically for robotic-assisted surgical planning, helping to map the individual dimensions and alignment of your knee joint ahead of any surgical decision.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be considered when persistent knee pain and reduced mobility continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, and when your surgeon determines that this technology may support your specific surgical plan based on your knee anatomy and imaging findings.

Preoperative Imaging and Planning

Imaging of your knee is used to build an individualised surgical plan ahead of the procedure, mapping your knee's specific dimensions and alignment.

Surgical Preparation

As with conventional knee replacement, preoperative checks and an anaesthesia assessment are carried out before surgery.

Robotic-Assisted Bone Preparation

The robotic system provides guidance during preparation of the knee joint surfaces, based on your individual surgical plan, while your surgeon performs the procedure.

Implant Positioning

Knee implant components are positioned with the support of real-time information from the robotic system, aiming for alignment suited to your knee anatomy.

Postoperative Monitoring

Following surgery, you are monitored as part of your recovery, with attention to pain management and guidance for initial, supervised mobilisation.

Robotic-assisted technology is used alongside standard surgical techniques to support precision during knee replacement. This includes imaging-based planning tools and instrumentation designed to assist accurate implant positioning based on your individual knee anatomy. Your surgeon will explain how this technology may apply to your specific procedure.

Preparing for robotic-assisted knee replacement follows guidance similar to conventional knee replacement surgery:

• Share your complete medical history with your surgeon
• Inform the doctor about current medicines you are taking
• Complete the recommended medical tests and imaging before surgery
• Manage diabetes and blood pressure as advised
• Arrange family or caregiver support for your recovery period
• Understand physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements in advance

Rehabilitation after robotic-assisted knee replacement follows a similar structured approach to conventional knee replacement, with physiotherapy supporting strength, flexibility and movement as you recover.