Robotic surgery vs traditional surgery: Which is right for you?
Before surgery
When preparing for any
joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic specialist starts with an exam to
learn more about you and answer your questions. Many people are
excellent candidates for robot-assisted surgery. Very few patients are not
candidates for robotic surgery.
Once you and your surgeon
decide on the type of surgery you need, images are taken of the joint, and the
process will differ based on your choice.
Robotic surgery: Images are taken with a CT (or computed
tomography) scan. The CT machine rotates, taking pictures at every angle. The
clinician combines these pictures to make a virtual 3-D model of your joint.
Then they create a model of your joint on the robot's computer. This lets them
accurately plan every detail of surgery including the size and exact position
of the implants. Once the plan for your knee or hip is finalized by the surgeon
it is loaded onto the robot.
Traditional surgery: X-ray images are used to create 2-D pictures,
which give a good view of the joint, although they are less accurate than CT
scan images. The surgeon uses these 2-D images to understand the 3-D knee or
hip. Orthopedic surgeons are skilled at using X-ray images to plan their
procedures, but there is a greater chance they could find something unexpected
when performing surgery and may need to make more unplanned adjustments.
During surgery
Robotic surgery: Reid Health uses the Mako Robotic-arm System for joint
replacements, a less invasive surgery that allows the surgeon to make smaller
incisions (cuts) which reduces damage to surrounding tissue. Robotic surgery
also provides a detailed view of the joint without needing to cut as much
surrounding tissue. Robot-assisted
surgery
also delivers auditory and tactile feedback to the surgeon, which allows them
to make precise movements and work in small areas. The 3-D model used to plan
the orthopedic procedure, paired with a better view during surgery, means the
surgeon can remove damaged areas and place the new parts with unmatched control
and accuracy.
Traditional surgery: Conventional open surgery often requires a
larger incision to access the joint. The surgeon may need to cut surrounding
tissue and place additional retractors to see better, reach, and remove damaged
areas and attach the new parts. Because there isn't as much information about
the joint before surgery, the surgeon might need to make some unexpected
adjustments during surgery.
After surgery
Both robot-assisted and
traditional joint replacement surgeries have good long-term outcomes. Like any
surgery, both come with risks and benefits. But robotic surgery often has fewer
complications and a lower risk of infection, among other benefits.
Robot-assisted surgery often means patients have an easier and faster recovery.
Compared to traditional
knee and hip replacement surgeries, patients who have surgery with the Mako
Robotic-arm System are more likely to:
- Be discharged directly home from the hospital instead of to an inpatient rehabilitation facility or skilled nursing facility
- Be more satisfied with their joint replacement after a year
- Have less pain after surgery
- Need less pain medication following surgery
- Have less stiffness and better movement in the joint just after surgery
- Have shorter hospital stays
- Need fewer physical therapy sessions
No matter which option you choose, your orthopedic surgeon will support you and help you through the process.
Call (765) 962-4444 to make an appointment with a specialist at the Reid Health Comprehensive Bone & Joint Center or request an appointment online.