Is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Right for You?

As your body’s largest joints, your knees are workhorses — allowing you to walk, run, jump, keep your balance, support your weight, and more. Unfortunately, they aren’t impervious to wear and tear from repetitive movements, rough and tumble sports, conditions like osteoarthritis, and simply getting older. 

When pain, other symptoms, and limited mobility result from chronic long-term knee issues, a knee replacement is often the best solution. Fortunately, cutting-edge robotic knee replacement surgery has traditional knee replacement beaten. Though the procedures are essentially the same in terms of outcome — replacing the knee joint — when your surgeon performs it robotically, they can do so with a markedly higher level of precision.

With a rich history of performing thousands of robotic knee replacement procedures behind him, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vasilios Mathews creates and executes treatment plans that meet your unique needs and goals. 

Dr. Mathews even performed the very first Velys robotic knee replacement in the state several years ago. In addition to his skill, he approaches patients with sensitivity and a passion for educating them so they can be true partners in their own care. 

How do you know when robotic knee surgery is necessary?

Numerous signs may point to needing robotic knee replacement, including:

• Chronic, unrelenting knee pain 
• Persistent knee stiffness
• Stubborn knee swelling
• Difficulty with everyday movements, like climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs
• Traumatic injuries, such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls
• You’re over 65
• You’re under 55 (knee replacements are necessary for people under 55 more and more)
• You have severe arthritis in the knee
• Less invasive treatments like pain medications and physical therapy haven’t worked

With advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotic procedures are now widely used and offer real advantages over traditional surgery, including faster and less painful recovery, reduced bleeding, scarring, and the likelihood of post-surgical infection.

How is robotic knee replacement different — and better?

The beauty of robotic knee replacement is that it provides a superior and more seamless patient experience and allows Dr. Mathews to execute the procedure with much greater precision. 

Sometimes, when people hear the word “robotic,” they think that somehow technology has “taken over” the procedure. Still, your surgeon remains firmly in the driver's seat and completely controls the robotic arm, making this surgical technique unique.

The robotic platform is equipped with sophisticated software that provides Dr. Mathews with detailed, critical information on your knee that better informs him about how to proceed with the replacement. This highly targeted capability makes robotic knee replacement far and away superior to the traditional method. For example, Dr. Mathews can:

• Make more precise bone cuts during surgery
• Approach specific tasks during the procedure from precisely the correct angles
• Correct deformities better
• Implant your knee in a more aligned way that provides you with better balance

Since this is a relatively new procedure, studies over the coming years will reveal the measurable benefits of robotic knee replacement over traditional surgery. Anecdotal evidence suggests that robotic procedures encourage quicker recovery, reduced pain, and even greater range of motion. These benefits are even more impressive when Dr. Mathews performs the surgery using minimally invasive techniques, which require smaller incisions.

Dr. Mathews is thrilled to be able to offer this advanced option for knee replacement. To find out if you’re a candidate for robotic knee replacement, please call our office at 713-794-3548 to schedule an appointment or book one online.