Robotic Knee Replacement in Katy Texas and West Houston

If you’re thinking of having knee replacement surgery, you may have heard mixed reviews. Traditional knee replacement often resulted in persistent pain and came with a difficult recovery. Today, however, robotic technology has significantly improved the procedure.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses 3D imaging to ensure precise placement of the knee implant. This increased precision reduces the risk of complications and leads to a less painful recovery.

Every person’s body is different, and robotic technology allows for a customized approach tailored to yours. This personalization allows surgeons to optimize your range of motion and overall recovery.

Robotic surgery uses CT scan images to create a 3D model of your entire knee joint. This model is then used to plan the surgery, taking specific factors like bone structure and ligament tension into account. During the surgery, the robotic arm guides the orthopedic surgeon in removing arthritic tissue and positioning your new knee with 400% better accuracy.

Because of robotic-assisted knee replacement’s benefits, we at Best Practice Health only recommend having total or partial knee replacement from a surgeon who uses a robotic assistant.

There are several robotic systems on the market today, but the vast majority of orthopedic surgeons pick the Stryker Mako. The Mako system’s advanced technology allows for more accurate alignment and better implant positioning, which leads to less knee pain and faster recovery times.

Stryker, the company behind the Mako Robot, is a gold standard and trusted name in the field of knee replacement implants worldwide. Their dedication to innovation and quality has made them a top choice for orthopedic surgeons and patients alike. With the Mako system, orthopedic surgeons can confidently perform robotic-assisted surgery knowing that they are utilizing the best technology available to provide the best possible outcomes.

The Stryker Mako planning station is a key component of the robotic surgical system used for knee replacement surgery.

Before the surgery, the Mako’s computer reconstructs sectional CT images to create a 3D model of your knee. Then, fiducial markers are placed on your knee to help the system learn how your knee moves. The system uses artificial intelligence to analyze the 3D model and select the perfect implant sizes to give you the best limb alignment. That means the most range of motion and least knee pain after surgery.

During surgery, the Stryker Mako robot holds the cutting and drilling tools, allowing the surgeon to guide them with 400% more accuracy. This level of precision is crucial in knee replacement surgery as it ensures that the implants are placed in the optimal position, leading to a superhuman “fit” between your new knee and bone. That snugness leads to quicker healing that is less painful and hopefully better long-term outcomes.

The importance of limb alignment, accuracy and precision in knee replacement surgery cannot be overstated. Misaligned or poorly sized implants can lead to higher joint tension which causes limited range of motion and even instability. That hurts! With a Mako total knee, you get a level of accuracy that cannot be replicated with handheld surgical techniques.

The Stryker Mako robot reduces complications like post-operative pain, speeds recovery, and prevents implant loosening by providing precise and accurate guidance during knee replacement surgeries. The robotic arm allows for more precise cuts and placement of the knee implant. This level of precision reduces trauma to the surrounding tissues, which in turn minimizes post-operative pain and discomfort for the patient.

Additionally, the accurate positioning of the implant by the Mako robot helps to ensure proper alignment and stability, which should reduce the risk of implant loosening in the long term. The technology is too new to say for sure, but our hope is that this can lead to fewer revision surgeries and better long-term outcomes.

By reducing the degree of trauma and allowing for a more natural feeling implant, you are able to recover more quickly and return to normal activities sooner than with traditional knee replacement surgery.

Best Practice Health screens orthopedic surgeons for 5 specific criteria, one of which is the requirement for the use of a robotic assistant during surgery. The following list of surgeons meets our requirements in West Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Cypress and Richmond areas.

The best surgeons today use a robotic assistant. That means that choosing an orthopedic surgeon who utilizes a robotic assistant gives you confidence in the surgeon’s commitment to utilizing advanced technology and techniques to achieve the best possible results. You deserve the highest standard of care and should make sure you have access to the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery.

In conclusion, when seeking a knee replacement surgeon in West Houston, it is important to prioritize the use of a robotic assistant as one of the selection criteria. To ensure you get the best possible care and achieve optimal outcomes following knee replacement surgery, pick a surgeon from our list above.

Your initial consultation

Your first visit with the orthopedic surgeon will begin with them taking a thorough medical history to understand the extent of your arthritis and its impact on your daily life. They will also review your x-rays to confirm the severity of the arthritic bone in your knee joint. This helps the surgeon determine if total knee replacement is the best course of action, or if you could instead try other, less invasive like physical therapy or a growth factor injection. (Note: BPH.TV recommends you avoid steroid injections. A recent study suggests steroid knee injections could make arthritis worse.)

In addition to assessing the arthritis, the orthopedic surgeon will also evaluate your daily activities and overall health to ensure that you are fit enough for knee replacement surgery. This may involve discussing your activity level, any underlying medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, and your overall fitness.

The surgeon will also take the time to explain the risks and benefits of knee replacement surgery, as well as any potential alternatives.

Tip: Make a list of any questions you may have about knee replacement and whether it’s the right choice for you and bring it to the visit. Check off each question the doctor answers. Don’t leave until all your questions have been answered.

Overall, the initial visit with the orthopedic surgeon is a crucial step in determining the best treatment plan for your arthritis and ensuring that you are fully informed about your options.

Creating a 3D model of the knee joint

To optimize your range of motion and pain relief after surgery, the robot requires a 3D model of your knee joint. For Mako, this model is generated using a CT scan. The CT scan provides detailed imaging of the bone, tissue, and cartilage in your knee. This imaging must be done before your surgery date.

The 3D model will allow the surgeon to precisely map out the procedure, and it ensures that the perfect implants are selected for your specific knee anatomy.

Before, Mako surgeons literally had to “wing it.” Today, this advanced technology enables them to have a comprehensive understanding of your knee’s structure and condition, ultimately leading to a more precise and successful surgery. The 3D model helps to tailor the surgical approach to your unique needs and maximize the potential for a successful outcome.

By incorporating the 3D model into the surgical planning process, the surgeon uses the robot to provide you with the best possible care and results. This personalized approach to knee surgery allows for improved accuracy and ultimately better long-term outcomes for patients.

On your day of surgery, you can expect to be in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center (ASC) for four to six hours. Methodist and Memorial Herman are both reasonable hospitals for total joint replacement. A new ASC with Mako Robotic-Assisted surgery capabilities is coming to Katy.

The operation itself typically takes 50-60 minutes to complete. Afterwards, you will need an additional 1-2 hours to fully wake up and recover from the spinal anesthesia.

In total, anticipate spending 4-6 hours in the facility before you walk out and head home. During this time, the medical team will monitor your recovery and ensure that you are stable and comfortable before being discharged. They will give you a walker as you head out the door for safety.

Upon returning home, you should continue to rest and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include medications, physical therapy exercises, and guidelines for caring for your surgical incision.

As the days and weeks pass, you can expect to experience improvements in your knee function and reduced pain. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for rehabilitation and follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery. The key is your gains in range of motion. Make sure you know the goal and meet it.

With dedication to your rehabilitation plan, you can look forward to enjoying increased mobility and an improved quality of life with your new knee. Happy new knee birthday!

After undergoing surgery, most people begin walking without assistance and ditch the walker within 2-4 days. Many patients are able to manage their pain and discomfort during the recovery period without the use of any narcotic pain medicine. This not only decreases the risk of potential side effects but also promotes a faster recovery.

Your surgeon and their staff will guide you but expect to return to light duty work within 2-3 weeks post-surgery. However, for those who engage in heavy labor, it may take up to 12 weeks before they can resume their regular work activities after being released.

Carefully adhering to your recovery guidelines significantly reduces the risk of complications and promotes successfully regaining your strength and mobility after surgery. Talk to your doc. Seek assistance if you have any concerns or questions during the recovery process.