ROBOTIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY – OVERVIEW AND APPLICATIONS It is now a fact that patients suffering from mild or moderate knee ostreoarthritis can be helped, in order for them to return to their activities, without having to undergo a total replacement of the knee joint. Modern robotic orthopedic surgery nowadays provides us with the ability to operate at a millimeter-level precision and only replace the affected part of the knee.

APPLICATIONS Partial (unilateral) knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which has been performed for many years, upon specific indications. Some of them are: only one knee compartment should be affected; having a proper axis (absence of severe varus or valgus) and knee stability, ligament-wise; no significant lack of the knee extension stretch, or high body weight.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY In recent years, through the evolution of the materials used, as well as the presence of robotic orthopedic surgery, the procedure is increasingly applied and, of course, with greater precision and safety. Robotic orthopedic surgery provides the modern orthopedic surgeon with the application of knee arthroplasty at a millimeter-level precision, and, consequently, its long-term viability.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE The modern orthopaedic surgeon shall proceed to a minimally invasive suprapatellar access, to enter the affected knee compartment without actually cutting a tendon or any large vessel. Therefore, the joint mobilization is immediate and, of course, no blood transfusion is required after surgery. The MAKO^TM software-supported robotic-arm technology shall ensures that the tibia and thigh osteotomies are performed at a millimeter-level precision. The same software ensures the perfect and correct application of the materials throughout surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY The patient can walk soon enough (a few hours after surgery) and without any pain. No blood transfusion is required, and, of course, the patient can return to their sports activities, because the kinematics (the normal function) of the knee is not affected. Therefore, this procedure is ideal for all patients who wish to return to sports activities for recreational or health reasons (e.g. hypercholesterolemia) and, of course, all the activities they enjoy.

Find out if you are a suitable candidate for Robotic-assisted Knee Arthroplasty, by filling in the following questionnaire

PERSONALISED OXFORD KNEE SCORE