How are Robots Helping in Personalized Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery is a very common procedure where a damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial one. In the U.S., about 790,000 of these surgeries happen each year, and this number is expected to go up because of aging populations, more obesity, and more young people needing knee replacements.

The main reason people get this surgery is osteoarthritis, which happens as we get older and the cushioning in our knees wears down, causing pain when the bones rub together. Other reasons can be rheumatoid arthritis or knee injuries.

Even though knee replacement is a big surgery with risks, new technology has made it safer and more accurate. The implants last longer, and using robots during surgery can improve how precisely it’s done compared to older methods.

Johnson & Johnson MedTech

The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from Johnson & Johnson MedTech, along with the ATTUNE™ Knee System implants, is leading the way in these advancements. Will Brassel, Vice President of Velys Global Strategic Marketing & Power Tools at DePuy Synthes (a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company), explains that this system combines a great implant with technology that lets surgeons customize how the implant is placed, ensuring it’s done correctly. The company is also working to expand this system so it can be used for both total and partial knee replacement surgeries, pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More and more Young People are getting total Knee Replacements

In the past, total knee replacement surgery was mostly for people in their mid-60s and older, according to Dr. Andrew Star from Jefferson Abington Hospital. Even younger people with arthritis were told they were too young for this surgery. But now, younger folks are getting knee replacements because of injuries or early arthritis affecting their quality of life. Improved technology has raised their hopes for successful knee replacements.

In the early 2000s, knee implants lasted about 10 to 15 years, needing redo surgeries in younger patients. Today, many implants can last up to 25 years, making it an option for more people. Dr. Star compares it to having durable tires that last longer. Older patients usually get implants with bone cement, while younger ones with stronger bones might opt for cementless implants.

Dr. Star explains that while cementless hip replacements have been common for a long time, cementless knee replacements are a newer trend. These implants come in various shapes and sizes, matching the patient’s anatomy closely and helping the bone grow into the implant for a strong connection.

Customized Approach to Knee Replacement Surgery

In traditional knee replacement surgery, surgeons use hand tools to remove damaged cartilage and decide where to place the implant based on their experience.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery uses technology to gather personalized information about the patient’s knee, making the surgery more precise and accurate.

According to Brassel, with the Velys Robotic-Assisted Solution, if there are any changes in the knee’s position during surgery, the system adjusts the procedure accordingly. This extra help ensures the surgeon can carry out the plan without any guesswork.

The Process of Healing after Knee Surgery has Undergone Significant Changes.

A total knee replacement surgery typically lasts about an hour, not counting the time for anesthesia and post-surgery care. In recent years, patients spend less time in the hospital, and sometimes they can even have the surgery and start physical therapy as outpatients.

Dr. Star emphasizes that patients recover best when they’re at home doing their normal activities. Many patients undergoing this surgery are generally healthy individuals with knee issues, not seriously ill. However, full recovery can take anywhere from a few months to a year, varying widely from person to person. Some people might get back to driving and work within two weeks with minimal issues, while others might still be in physical therapy after three months. The recovery timeline often depends on how physically fit they were before the surgery and how active they can be afterward.

A Must

“The success of joint replacements can vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and more. It’s important to note that there are risks involved, and recovery takes time. If someone has conditions that limit rehabilitation, they should avoid these surgeries. Only a specialist can decide if a joint replacement is needed based on each person’s situation.”

Read the Original Article J&J

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