What You Should Know About Knee Arthritis and Robotic Surgery

What is arthritis, and how common is it?
Arthritis refers to all of the diseases that destroy knee cartilage. Patients who suffer from arthritis have knee pain and they can no longer enjoy activities that they once loved.

Are there cases where nonsurgical treatments are effective?
Yes, nonsurgical treatments should be offered first. Activity modification, assistive devices, ointments, and physical therapy are safe and noninvasive. Over-the-counter, prescription, and opioid pain medications include the risk of side effects. Injections may give temporary relief, but when they no longer work, the patient is running out of nonsurgical options.

How do you determine when it is time for surgery?
The patient should decide when it is time for joint replacement surgery. The two reasons to operate are personal. The most common reason to operate is that pain is so severe that the patient is willing to have surgery to stop the pain. Disability is the second reason to for surgery. Some patients will request surgery if they believe that the operation will allow them to return to activities that they love.

What are the key differences between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a smaller operation that replaces only the damaged part of the knee. Healthy cartilage and ligaments are preserved.
A total knee surgery replaces the entire joint surface. One or two knee ligaments are removed and replaced by the implant.

How does one choose between partial and total knee replacement?
Choose a facility that offers robot assisted partial and total knee replacement.
Consult with a joint replacement surgeon who specializes in robot assisted surgery.

What are some of the latest advancements or trends in knee replacement surgery?
Technology has made smaller incision, greater precision, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery possible. Surgical technique, regional anesthesia and pain management have all advanced.

What is the Cori surgical system, and how does it compare to traditional knee replacement techniques?
Cori is a hand-held robotic tool that assists surgeons during knee replacement. The surgical team sees a virtual image of the patient’s knee. Alignment and implant placement are more accurate and precise using robot-assisted surgery.

Any advice for our local community members who are considering this surgery?
CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center introduced the CORI Surgical System to Southern California in 2020. To learn more call William T. Long, M.D. at 213 483-4477 or visit us at orthocsi.com.
 
 
Go to our Blog