Robotic Surgery at Nazareth

Your preoperative experience will be like that of most total joint replacement patients. But, unlike traditional joint replacement methods, a series of X-rays may be used to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your anatomy. This 3D model provides the insight your surgeon needs to plan the specifics of your knee or hip replacement procedure.

A personal post-surgery recovery plan will also be developed based on what your surgeon decides is best for you.

A robotic surgical procedure is similar to traditional total joint replacement, but with added technology. Your surgeon has been specially trained to use the robot in order to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. That means it does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. Your surgeon is still in the operating room the entire time and is making all of the decisions throughout your surgery.

During your procedure, the robot uses a camera and optical trackers to know your joint’s position at all times Think of it like a very detailed global positioning system (GPS) that you might use in your car. If you move even a fraction of an inch, the robot can tell and adjusts accordingly. This helps ensure that the plan your surgeon put into place is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, your surgeon can collect data about your joint. This information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps them know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.

Outpatient surgery is an option for most patients. About 95% of patients go home directly following their joint replacement procedure. For inpatient surgery, you will be hospitalized based upon the personal recovery plan developed prior to your surgery. This hospitalization may range from one to three days.

Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to, and what activities to avoid.

While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as your post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up-to-date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.