Has anyone had robotic assisted total knee replacement?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Has anyone had robotic assisted total knee replacement? The procedure is based on an individualized CT scan of each patient’s own unique anatomy. It is supposed to allow for more surgical precision. I am wondering if the recovery is any easier with this procedure.

2

Patticake,

I am not sure there is a robotic assisted surgery for a TKR yet. . However, there is a new method that is called conformis where  the knee replacement is made by a 3 D printer.  They also make the surgical  instruments that will be used during your surgery only.  The instruments are thrown away after use.  The company is located in Boston and they will answer any questions you have if you go to their website.  Just google Conformis and you should be able to get any information.

Good luck to you.

Sue

 

3

Patticake, my friend had a TKR with Robotic Surgery. I had it done the traditional way. Her incision was much smaller, done more precisely and a much shorter recovery. Should I ever need my other knee done that is the way I will have it done. I had mine done 16 months ago & still have some discomfort and was told it is a little off in alignment. My friend had hers done in November and is feeling great. Go with a surgeon qualified in robotic surgery, I think you will be much happier with the outcome!

4

Patty cake,

I had the Makoplasty. It’s a robotic assisted surgery, also. I had a right PKR with ACL Reconstruction. I’m now approaching 10 1/2 weeks postop. It’s been hard and very painful. My operation can’t be compared to anyone else’s, though. The ACL made it harder. I think the robotic assisted surgery great bec it’s an exact computerized measurement of the surface of your bones. Custom made! Btw, I had an MRI not a cat scan....prior and the next day to check for correct placement. Good luck!

5

Thanks for your response. It seems to be the way to go when it’s available. 

6

Thanks. I was hoping to hear the recovery was easier. I am definitely going that way!

7

My TKR was done using the robotic arm..... I am 3 years out from surgery and am able to do everything I did before. As to a better recovery, couldn't say as I've only had the one TKR 

8

That’s true. How long before you were pretty much out of pain? And would you say the pain level was high? I’m just hoping this method will be an easier road travelled. I have to do the other knee shortly afterward. Thanks

9

Thanks for the info. It is definitely available in my area but not everywhere. The equipment is a very expensive proposition for a hospital. Unless they do a great amount of applicable surgeries they are not apt to make the expenditure. 

10

Pattiecake,  Oh my gosh, if you can do the robotic surgery that would be the way to go.  I had a partial July 2017 and am facing revision because the  placement is incorrect.  Ugh!  

Good luck to you!

11

I would recommend Dr Kevin Stone of The Stone Clinic in SF. He’s done plenty of robotic surgeries and does not do it in a hospital (too much chance of a hospital acquired infection). He uses an outpatient surgery center. Good luck. 

12

Wow, sorry to hear that. It sucks to have to deal with surgery again. I hope the revision goes well for you.

13

It took a full 12 months before I could honestly say I was pain free. Having said that I was looking after  my 4 month old grandson  four weeks after surgery and was only doing physio once a week. Was back swimming once given the all clear at 6 weeks . The pain became less but I still now experience some discomfort when sleeping particularly after a day of work and exercise. My job is on my legs all day .... I need the other knee done but am delaying a bit longer before doing it .... best of luck 

14

Thanks so much for the info. Looking after a four month old at 4 weeks out is terrific. I hope my results are the same as yours. 

15

I’m almost three months postop and I’m still in pain, during the day when my activity level is up and at night. Night time is particularly bad bec I cannot sleep. The pain is always in a different location, also. They’ve said this PKR/ACL surgery will take a year of recovery. Had no idea it would be this painful for so long. Oh well, it’s getting progressively better. I wish I could find someone who had the same operation as me. I appear to be the only one in the US at this time🙄