ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT
Recovering from any surgery can sound difficult or feel daunting. Thankfully, Dr. Nelson’s robotic knee replacement surgery reduces the time of recovery, thanks to the precision of our advanced placement and surgical technology.
Dr. Nelson will use a computer program to plan in 3D where your new knee will be placed, and then he will use a robotic arm to help place the parts of the knee replacement.
What Is Robotic Knee Replacement?
During knee replacement, the damaged bone and cartilage of the knee are removed and resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. These components reconstruct the knee joint surfaces. To make space for the metal and plastic implants, bone needs to be cut and shaped in several places. Using the Stryker Mako robotic arm during knee replacement allows us to pre-plan your surgery on a 3D model and more precisely remove bone and cartilage.
Why Dr. Nelson Embraces Robotic Knee Surgery
The preparation of bone and position of the implants in knee replacement is really important. Well-positioned implants result in a knee replacement that feels better and more natural and is easier to recover from.
During a robotic knee replacement, we can see how the replaced knee joint will move on the computer, make adjustments as needed to the pre-plan to make sure the knee is properly balanced, and be confident in the end result before starting to make any bone incisions.
Our Surgery Process with Computer Navigation
- Consultation
If you are wondering if you need a knee replacement you will come in for a consultation with Dr. Nelson. At that consultation, he will:
- Take scans of your knee
- Discuss already attempted treatments
- Give you an overview of the surgery
- Discuss the positives and negatives that come with knee replacement
He will then get you in touch with our scheduling team to find a time that works for you. You will need to take some time off of work after your surgery.
- Replacement Planning
Either at the consultation or after the consultation, we will take a CT scan of your leg. Using the information from this CT scan, a 3D model of the knee is made on which we can see the shape of the bones and bone spurs that need to be removed during the surgery. On this model, we can precisely position the knee replacement to resurface the knee and make up for any worn cartilage or bone.
- Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, the navigation camera is shown a set of points on the knee which it matches to the 3D model. At that point, the robotic system knows where the knee is and can see how it moves as the knee is taken through a range of motion. The surgical plan can then be fine-tuned to make sure the ligaments around the knee are well balanced and then bone is removed.
We will place you under anesthesia before removing any damaged bone and placing your new knee!
When the surgeon is using the robotic arm to make bone cuts, the software sets up a safe boundary to protect the tissues around the knee to add an extra layer of safety. Trial implants are then placed to make sure the reconstructed knee will move well before placing the real implants.
You will stay at the hospital for at least a couple of hours or overnight depending on recovery concerns from your surgeon.
- Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process after knee replacement surgery is vital to restoring mobility and strength. It typically begins within a day or two post-surgery, with gentle exercises guided by a physical therapist. Early movement helps prevent stiffness and promotes healing. Over the following weeks, you’ll work on increasing your range of motion, rebuilding muscle strength, and improving balance.
Your physical therapist will provide a personalized exercise plan to follow at home, ensuring steady progress. The full rehabilitation process can take several months, but most patients start to see significant improvements in mobility and pain relief within the first 6 to 12 weeks
Working With Your Body to Heal Your Knee Pain
Dr. Nelson works with your body to relieve pain and strengthen your knee. The materials that your new knee is made of mimic your bone and will be easily accepted by the surrounding bone and tissue.
Our robotic surgery embraces the 3-dimensional aspect of your body and the wonder of your joints to make it easier for your body to work through this new change.
Customizing Our Knee Surgery to You
Computer-planned and robotic surgery takes into account your unique body. We will have a different plan uploaded into our navigation software for each person Dr. Nelson sees. This means that our surgical approach is entirely custom, making it more comfortable and easier for your body to adapt to.
By customizing your placement surgery, we are offering better results and a surgery that is esaier to heal from.
Our Advanced Robotic Knee Replacement Techniques
Dr. Nelson uses advanced technology to perform knee replacement surgeries with exceptional precision. The Mako system creates a detailed 3D model of your knee, allowing Dr. Nelson to plan the surgery meticulously and achieve optimal implant positioning tailored to your specific anatomy.
This technology-guided approach ensures a customized fit and enhances accuracy, helping to reduce recovery times and improve long-term outcomes. With Dr. Nelson’s expertise and the support of cutting-edge technology, patients can expect a smoother experience and an excellent standard of care for knee joint replacements.
Dr. Nelson’s Training in Robotic Surgeries
Dr. Nelson spent his fellowship training at the highly-regarded Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute, which emphasizes embracing new technologies to improve patient outcomes. He was trained in robotic surgeries during his fellowship and is a member of several orthopedic surgical academies, which helps him stay up to date with new technology and the latest safety protocols.
With Dr. Nelson on your team, you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving medical care that is safe and effective.
Experience a Safe and Effective Robotic Knee Replacement
Take the first step toward pain relief and improved mobility with Dr. Nelson’s expertise in robotic knee replacement. Located in Gilbert, Arizona, Dr. Nelson uses advanced technology to ensure precision and personalized care for every patient.
Fill out our evaluation form to get started, and our team will reach out to schedule your consultation. Discover how robotic technology can make a difference in your journey to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.