If you've been struggling with a serious knee condition that requires surgery, you may find that your orthopedic surgeon recommends robotic reconstruction. Since robot-guided knee surgery is fairly new to the orthopedic surgery industry, you may not have heard of this type of treatment before. Before you decide on your next treatment steps, here are some key facts you should know about robotic knee surgery and how it works.

What Exactly is Robotic Knee Surgery?

Robotic knee surgery is a surgical approach that is guided by a robotic interactive arm system. When you undergo robotic surgery, you've got a better chance for a more consistent, precise surgery, because the robot can follow a highly specific protocol and repeat the same results every single time.

Before the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will complete a series of CT scans of your knee. The CT scans provide clear visibility of your knee's condition so that the doctor can determine precisely where to focus the repair and reconstruction efforts or where to place the implant for a replacement.

The surgeon will rely on the robotic arm to do the shaping and the other preparation before placing the implant. A real-time video feed gives the surgeon visual verification of every step, which is helpful when you're dealing with hard-to-see spots.

In some cases, the surgery will involve resurfacing the diseased part of your knee, preserving the healthy bone around it while addressing the damage. Finally, the implant will be secured to your knee joint to restore its movement.

Who Can Qualify from Robotic Knee Surgery? 

Robotic knee surgery is helpful for patients who are suffering with moderate arthritis or a deformity in the knee. This type of surgery is best for people who are younger, lead active lifestyles and are healthy enough to recover quickly.

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Knee Surgery?

The precision achieved from robotic knee surgery has many benefits. For example, it ensures that knee implants are positioned accurately, which can help the patient enjoy more natural movement and feeling in the knee after surgery. It's a safer approach, because it reduces the risk of any injury to the surrounding tissue. Additionally, robotic surgery can be done with smaller incisions, which can help to reduce the recovery time and get you back on your feet sooner.

If you're considering robotic knee surgery, talk with someone like Noyes Knee Institute to find out if you're a good candidate. The more you understand about this type of surgery, the better prepared you'll be when the surgery is done.