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Robotic Surgery for Hips & Knees

Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery for Hips & Knees

Because of recent advancements in medical technology, joint replacement has become a practical option for more individuals who suffer from severe hip pain or knee pain. Joint replacement is indicated in individuals whose musculoskeletal injuries haven't responded to non-operative treatments such as corticosteroid injections and pain management (physical therapy, rehabilitation). When these non-surgical therapies can't alleviate pain, joint replacement is an option to relieve  pain and limited range of motion associated with a joint injury.

How Robotic Surgery Improves Joint Replacement

Robotic surgery improves the likelihood of relieving joint pain and increasing range of motion in the affected joint by giving the greatest amount of accuracy and precision to the operative surgeon.  The GPS-like dashboard for navigating the injured joint gives the surgeon more control and helps ensure everything is aligned properly. The software aids in decision making when positioning instruments and orthopedic implants during the surgery. Stryker's Computer Assisted Navigation systems allow the most accurate tracking and analysis possible for the surgical instruments involved in the joint replacement or joint reconstruction process.

Benefits to Robotic Orthopedic Surgery

• Helps the surgeon place joint replacement implants with increased accuracy and precision, contributing to a longer-lasting replacement
• Reduces the risk of dislocation & revision surgery
• Better joint placement contributes to more stability in the joint as well as improved range of motion

Minimally Invasive Surgery & Computer Assisted Navigation

Because computer assisted navigation contributes to a more accurate surgical procedure, surgeons are more likely to use minimally invasive surgical techniques. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has its own benefits:

• Reduced blood loss during surgery
• Reduced post-operative downtime
• Shorter hospital stay due to faster recovery time
• Smaller incision means reduced / smaller scarring

How Robotic Surgery Works

The Stryker Computer Assisted Navigation system uses tracking devices that utilize infrared technology and sends data back to the computer dashboard. These infrared trackers detail instrument positions to a fraction of a degree. As the surgeon moves the instrument around the joint to position the orthopedic implant, the computer assisted navigation system displays a dynamic image of the anatomy of the joint. The computer assisted navigation system provides feedback in real-time as the surgeon moves the instrument around the joint, giving precise and accurate measurements to help the surgeon perfectly place the joint replacement.

The physicians at the Bone and Joint Institute of St. Louis are board-certified orthopaedic surgeons who are trained to use Stryker’s Computer Assisted Navigation system. Dr. Joseph Williams and Dr. Tony Chien both advocate non-operative treatment when appropriate, and utilize minimally invasive techniques in tandem with computer-assisted surgery. These innovative procedures and technologies contribute to a safer, more precise operation with better results – longer lasting joint replacements, shorter post-operative downtime, and reduction of pain. You don’t have to live with joint pain – contact The Bone & Joint Institute of St. Louis today.

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