Getting a precise knee implant fit is important to your comfort and
overall experience following knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee uses
data collected before and during surgery to inform your surgeon of
many details related to your unique anatomy that may affect your
implant fit. By using this data to make more informed decisions, your
surgeon is able to plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based
upon your individual needs.
Before Surgery
Your preoperative experience will be like that of most total knee
patients. But, unlike traditional knee replacement methods, with ROSA
Knee, a series of x-rays may be used to create a three-dimensional
(3D) model of your knee anatomy. This 3D model will enable the surgeon
to plan many specifics of your knee replacement prior to your surgery.
During Surgery
The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional
total knee replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has
been specially trained to use ROSA Knee in order to personalize the
surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to
understand that the robot does not operate on its own. That means it
does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. Your surgeon is still
in the operating room the entire time and is making all of the
decisions throughout your surgery.
During your procedure,
ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to your leg
to know exactly where your knee is in space. Think of it like a very
detailed global positioning system (GPS) that you might use in your
car. If your leg moves even a fraction of an inch, the robot can tell
and adjusts accordingly. This helps ensure that the plan your surgeon
put into place is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, ROSA
Knee provides your surgeon with data about your knee. This
information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps them know how
to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.
After Surgery
Following surgery, you will be hospitalized based upon the recovery
plan your surgeon decides is best for you. This hospitalization may
range from one to three days. Recovery time varies, but most people
should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four
weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you
when and what activities you can return to, and what activities to avoid.
Complications
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery.
Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood
clots, implant breakage, malalignment and premature wear, any of which
can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely
successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and
pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as your
post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to
discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
There
are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for
complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician
before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental
work up-to-date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.
Summary
The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope that
this information has helped you understand the ROSA Knee System so
that you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is
not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic
surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your
orthopedic surgeon.