This is a complete guide to robotic joint replacement.
In this guide you’ll learn all about:
- History of Robotics in Orthopedics
- Benefits and Advantages of Robotics
- Different Orthopedic Robots
- Evidence Behind Robotic Surgery
- Training Required
- How to Prepare for you surgery
So if you want to make sure that you get the most out of your hip or knee surgery, you will get a ton of value from today’s guide.
Why Robotics?
Role of Robotic-Assistance in Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
- More data collected intraoperatively
- Increased accuracy
- Real-time info on size, alignment, and balance
- Improved real-time surgical decisions
- Optimized ligament balance
- Personalized implant position
- Consistent leg alignment
- Improved safety with bone cuts
Robot-assisted surgery is a new, exciting tool in orthopedics. In industry, robotic arms have made an incredible difference in efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in manufacturing.
Robots have made advancements in urology, spinal surgery, general surgery, gynecology, gastrointestinal surgery, and many other fields. It makes sense that robots would make their way into joint replacement surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery is now involved in hip and knee replacements.
While conventional surgery methods for joint replacements have a tremendous success history, this new technology offers many exciting advantages in 2020.
Orthopedic surgeons have a variety of systems to choose from based on their preferences. I will go into the details of these different systems below.
The problem with conventional joint replacements
Hip and Knee replacement surgery are incredibly successful operations. In fact, the Lancet named total hip replacements the "the operation of the century."
However, hip replacements are known to have problems with dislocations and limb length discrepancies. In patients with hip dysplasia or other deformities in their hips often have distorted anatomy. While anterior hip replacements have improved some of these problems, there is still room for improvement.
Knee replacements are considered an incredibly successful surgery. However, 20% of patients are still dissatisfied with their surgery. In studies of total knees performed on patients in Hawaii by excellent orthopedic surgeons using mechanical jigs, only 86% of these implants are placed in the appropriate position.
Keep reading to learn how robotics improves our surgical techniques.
Robotic Surgery History
Knowing the past helps to understand the future.
It's important to see where we have come from to improve our surgical outcomes.
Mechanical Tools
Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons replace joints manually using special tools. These tools are rigid in their placement of knees, and do not allow for easy personalization of placement of the implant.
In addition, the instruments for these joint replacements have to be re-sterilized before each surgery. Robotic surgery eliminates the need for these steps, thus limiting the room for error and possible bacterial contamination. Bacterial contamination is a serious complication.
The surgeon has to choose and position the implant using his or her own judgment and visualization. Many surgeons successfully improve their patients’ pain and overall function using this manual method, but there are still some concerns that there is room for error.
Computer Navigation
For a short period of time, many orthopedic companies were showing computer-navigation knee replacements. Computer-guided knee and hip replacements use markers that are pinned to the patient to determine the alignment of the implant. Navigation proved more accurate with implant positioning compared to mechanical jigs. Unfortunately, this technology is harder to use and has not been able to demonstrate improved outcomes for patients.
Evolution of Robotics in Surgery
More recently, robotic-assisted surgery has become more popular as technology improves. Robotic surgery is a drastic improvement compared to joint replacements performed with computer navigation or mechanical jigs. Surgical robots are more precise, which offers multiple benefits throughout the surgery.
There are three main types of robots: active, haptic, and passive. Active systems attempt to perform the entire operation with minimal input from the surgeon. Studies have not demonstrated that these systems are much better than navigation. Passive and semi-active systems, where the surgeon does the majority of the work and the robot functions as a supportive role, are popular. The robot provides feedback on re-shaping the bone and positioning of the implant. This leads to more precision than the human eye.
Dr. Morton is fellowship-trained in robotic-assisted joint replacements and one of the few surgeons in Hawaii to perform this procedure.
Performing a Robotic Surgery
There are some big differences when utilizing the robot to perform your surgery. Below is the step-by-step process of how a robotic knee is performed.
Stay tuned for a video demonstration.
» Insertion of Pins and Calibration of the Robot
Navigation pins allow for the proper utilization of the robot.
» Exposure of the Joint
This is performed much in the same way that is done during a normal knee or hip replacement. Soft-tissue releases that are normally performed - do not have to be done.
» Collection of Bone Landmarks
Dr. Morton will trace out the bone landmarks on your knee replacement, obtaining real-time information to map out your knee anatomy.
» Soft-tissue balancing information
The soft-tissue gap balancing information obtained during a robotic joint provides information not normally evaluated during a knee replacement. This evaluation alerts the surgeon to your specific soft tissue anatomy and helps guide customized, patient-specific implantation of your hip or knee.
» Implant positioning
Your surgery is then planned on a computer screen prior to the actual implantation.
» Robotic-assisted Bone Preparation
The robot then guides the cuts made by the surgeon. The robot provides an increased accuracy that cannot be matched by the human eye.
» Placing the Implant
Once the bone cuts are made, Dr. Morton will place your new hip or knee in the correct position.
» Confirmation of implant positioning
After the surgery is complete, a re-check of all your implants is performed - ensuring that everything was done without error.
Robot-Assisted Total Knee Procedure Video Demonstration
Different Robotic Orthopedic Procedures
Robotic-arm assisted surgery is used partial knee replacements, total knee replacements, and total hip replacements. This technology has made a tremendous improvement in the treatment of patients with arthritis. There are several differences between manual joint replacement and robotic joint replacement.
Follow the links below to see evidence-based medicine behind these claims.
Partial Knee Replacement
There are two main ways to approach knee replacements: partial knee replacements and total knee replacements. Patients who undergo robotic-assisted partial knee replacements have improved outcomes compared to conventional methods. These implants were implanted with better positioning, limb alignment, and sizing. Patients who underwent robotic-assisted joint replacement have less pain and stiffness than their conventional counterparts. Additionally, these patients are less likely to need a revision, their implants last longer and patients are more satisfied with their knee function.
Total Knee Replacement
Patients who undergo a total knee replacement with robotic assistance also have better outcomes. Implants positioned with a robot similarly have improved positioning with better balance with less invasive soft-tissue surgical intervention. Less soft tissue releases lead to a decrease in swelling and pain. This means that they needed less pain medication after the surgery. Patients undergoing a robotic total knee replacement also report better function and movement compared to those who undergo conventional surgery. These patients are overall more satisfied than their conventional counterparts. Australian registry data evaluating younger patients undergoing total knee replacements may have a lower requirement for revision if their knee is placed more accurately using robotic assistance.
Total Hip Replacement
Robot-assisted total hip replacements also have several benefits. Hip implants are placed with more precision with robotic assistance. Better implant position leads to a lower likelihood of hip dislocation and limb length discrepancy postoperatively In the short term, both robot-assisted and conventional hip replacements had similar functional scores. Based on these short-term benefits, surgeons believe that these joints may last longer with fewer revisions.
Robotic Systems
There are multiple types of robotic systems. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. A surgeon or hospital system can choose which system is most appropriate for them and their patients. The three major systems on the market have comparable navigation, limb alignment calculations, and calibration technology allowing for individualized placement of your hip or knee replacement.
Navio
Another major robotic system produced by Smith and Nephew is called Navio. The Navio is a passive system, meaning it does not actively perform the surgery, but instead will stop functioning when the instrument is out of a defined safe area. A major advantage of this system is that it does not require the patient to receive a CT scan. CT scans can be expensive and time-consuming, so eliminating this cost is a huge benefit. The Navio does this by mapping your knee out intra-operatively into a computer and allow for implant positioning during surgery.
Smith and Nephew Navio
Mako
The Stryker Mako robotic system is the first robot that was produced on a large scale in the United States. Before surgery, the Mako robot uses Computed Tomography, otherwise known as a CT scan. CT scans allow for accurate implant positioning preoperatively. Intra-operative ligament balance checking allows for personalized positioning of each hip or knee implant. This allows for precise implant positioning and alignment. The Mako is a haptic system, meaning that the instruments are guided by the surgeon while being used, providing manual feedback during the operation and will cease functioning if the robot is placed in an unsafe zone.
Stryker Mako
Rosa
A newer robotic system from Zimmer-Biomet is the Rosa. The Rosa is more active than Navio in that it places guides for the surgeon, but the surgeon still has an active role and deploys the various tools. Unlike the Mako, the Rosa only requires an X-ray as opposed to a CT scan. An X-ray is much less expensive and takes less time than a CT scan. X-rays are routinely performed in the office and low cost. These x-rays are performed with special arrays in the office, allowing for more accurate preoperative planning in determining implant position. This may provide additional information pre-operatively that is not available to the Navio that may allow for more accurate implant positioning without the added expense of the Mako.
Zimmer-Biomet Rosa
Specialized Training
ACGME-Accredited Fellowship Trained in Robotic Joint Replacements
Dr. Morton is an expert in robotic hip and knee replacements. He has certifications in Rosa, MAKO, and Navio robotics. Understanding robotic technology is a paradigm shift from traditional hip and knee replacements and requires specialist training. This is because robotic surgery requires three-dimensional spatial thinking, understanding where implants need to be placed - without the use of mechanical jigs. This facilitates the perfect placement of the implants.
Many orthopedic surgeons may not be comfortable with this newer surgery because they did not undergo this training and would have to undergo a learning curve on their patients. Few patients would like to undergo surgery by someone who is still learning the technology. Dr. Morton is an expert in performing robotic joint replacements from experts in the field during his fellowship training and is comfortable with the technology.
Conclusion
Early results of several scientific studies have demonstrated that robotic-assisted surgery has increased precision and better outcomes than manual orthopedic surgery for certain joint replacement procedures. Patients who undergo robot-assisted surgeries have less pain, less swelling, and stiffness, and improved function compared to the patients who had conventional surgery. There are benefits to each robotic system available. Ask Dr. Morton about your options in regards to having a robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Morton is certified in MAKO, Navio, and Rosa robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgery. Schedule an appointment in Honolulu or on the Big Island to talk with him about the advantages of robotics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Robotic Joint Replacement (FAQ)
Are Robotic-Assisted Hip or Knee Replacements Better?
Robotic assistance allows for more accurate placement of your implant, takes into account the positioning of your anatomy, and personalizing the implantation of your knee. Early and mid-term data from studies demonstrate that robotic-placed implants last longer, recover faster, and have lower amounts of pain overall.
How much does robotic hip or knee replacement cost?
Patients are not expected to pay any more for their robotic hip or knee replacement. Your bill will be the same from the hospital, regardless if you have a robotic-assisted, or instrumented knee replacement.
What is the cost to the hospital for robotic hip or knee replacements?
Pricing programs vary depending on the hospital, implant usage, and physician demand. While a robotic-assisted knee replacement requiring a CT-scan preoperatively will generally cost the hospital an additional $2,000 per patient as reported in some studies, the overall cost to the health system may be decreased due to lower complication rates.
Is there any difference in preparing for a robotic hip or knee replacement compared to a traditional joint replacement?
Some joint replacement systems require special preoperative imaging (CT scan or x-rays). Dr. Morton does not require additional imaging beyond x-rays for his hip or knee replacement surgeries. During surgery two small incisions are made into your thigh and shin to place the robot trackers.
Why doesn't my surgeon perform a robotic assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgery is a newer technology. Not all surgeons were trained in the robot during their training and are not comfortable with learning a new way to perform the same surgery.
I was told that "robotics doesn't make a difference". Is this true?
There are some older studies that evaluated computer-navigation in joint replacement. This technology was cumbersome and did not make a difference in outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery however has demonstrated consistent improvements in survivorship, recovery, accuracy of implantation, and pain-control in short and mid-term studies. A review of the scientific literature from the last 10 years is very persuasive.
I don't want a robot performing my surgery, I want a human to do it. Does a robot do my surgery?
Your surgeon is responsible for performing every aspect of the surgery. While the robot assists with improved data collection and bone cuts, the surgeon has to guide the instruments into the right place. The robot is incredibly accurate and prevents surgeons from cutting errors that are imperceptible to the human eye.
How accurate is robotic joint replacement surgery?
Robotic joint replacement can make bone cuts within 0.5mm of the plan and <1° of expected placement. In comparison, 15-20% of traditional instrumented knee replacements are unable to get within 3° of the expected resection.
Schedule an Appointment
Meet Dr. Paul N. Morton, MD
Dr. Paul N. Morton, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in hip and knee surgery, specializing in robotic joint replacements, complex joint reconstruction, sports injuries, and trauma. Reach out to him to learn more about treatment options for your problem.
Written By: Dr. Paul N. Morton, MD
Post Published on October 17, 2018
