A robotic knee is a robotic-assisted knee replacement performed by a highly trained orthopedic surgeon. This procedure restores the form and function of an arthritic or injured knee. However, most patients wonder, “How long does a robotic knee last?”
Let’s learn more about this important topic and where you can go to get this surgery in Florida.
What Is a Robotic Knee?
Knee arthroplasty is an amazingly effective orthopedic surgery that removes the damaged or diseased portions of a knee joint and installs biocompatible metal and plastic parts. The surgery relieves pain, improves weight-bearing, ambulation, and range of motion, and regularizes the form and appearance of the affected joint.
After an in-office evaluation to determine treatment options, the orthopedic surgeon may offer the qualified patient a robotic knee replacement. Also called MAKOplasty, this surgery installs customized prosthetic knee components using robot-assisted arms and handheld devices. The surgeon carefully maps incisions and operative sites with three-dimensional CT scan imaging beforehand.
Who Qualifies for a Robotic Knee?
The orthopedic surgeon considers many factors before determining whethera robotic knee would serve the patient’s overall health and desired therapeutic outcomes. Typically, patients opt for a knee replacement (robotic or not) when pain levels become too difficult to manage and when function and range of motion are severely compromised. In other words, patients desire to move, bear weight, work and play sports with more freedom of movement, stability, balance, and comfort.
People who qualify for knee arthroplasty should be in stable overall health and at a lowrisk for infection. Usually, doctors try to postpone knee arthroplasty, so patients have the procedure one time only. In other words, surgeons and patients alike want new knees to last a lifetime. However, younger candidates–those in their 40s and 50s, for instance–may have to have their knee replacements redone.
How Long Does a Robotic Knee Last?
Most joint replacements–both knee and hip–last for upwards of 20 years, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. However, much depends on the activity level of the patient and the quality of the metal and plastic components used in the prosthetic joint. Over the years, the quality of these materials has improved dramatically, as has the durability of the cement used to place the new cartilage and bone ends.
Additionally, doctors sometimes use biocompatible metals, such as titanium, which has the innate ability to bond with the bone. This bonding process is called osseointegration. Some of today’s arthroplasties are what orthopedic specialists call “cementless.”
MAKOplasty procedures utilize RIOS (Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System) tools–CT scans and robotic arms- to assist the surgeon in accurately measuring and installing precision knee prosthetics. These innovations help many patients enjoy longer knee replacement longevity, making the surgery a “one and it’s done” treatment for their injured or arthritis joints.
As such, people may anticipate robotic knees can serve them for many years–even for the rest of their lives–even if they are in their 40s and 50s. However, research to refine longevity statistics continues.
Robotic Knee Replacement in Florida
If you desire the mobility and comfort a knee replacement can afford, consult with the experts at Advanced Orthopedic Center. Our team of eight board-certified orthopedic surgeons is skilled in all the latest imaging and operative techniques. They formulate treatment plans individualized to patient needs, health, activity level, and even anatomical differences.
To know more about our services, call us today at (941) 629-6262. If you would like to schedule a consultation, fill out our online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you and your orthopedic health needs!
