What is Robotic Prosthetic Surgery?

Thanks to its three main units, consisting of "Robotic Prosthesis Surgery," computerized control and guidance module, camera, and display, the physician has the possibility to obtain the same result after each case and, moreover, to perform a correct and sensitive operation by doing special planning for the patient before the case.

For which diseases/conditions is robotic prosthetic surgery used?

In the field of orthopedics and traumatology, robot technology can now be used in all total hip, half-knee prosthesis surgeries called unicondylar knee prosthesis and patella-femoral knee cap prosthesis operations. However, it is expected to be used in shoulder, spine, and tumor surgeries in the near future.

What are the advantages of Robotic Prosthetic Surgery?

• Advanced Planning: It is possible to develop patient-specific advanced preoperative planning on the 3-dimensional model created from the patient's own CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This way helps position the implant most accurately with the patient within the plan. Compared to the conventional (classical) method, it provides more protection for the patient's soft tissues due to predictable preoperative planning.
• Dynamic joint balancing: Enables precise joint balancing controlled by the physician to ensure the best possible placement of the implant (prosthesis).  
• Robotic arm-assisted bone preparation: Haptic Feedback technology allows the bone saw to cut very precisely and accurately within the planned area on the 3-dimensional model created from the patient's CT scan without the need for traditional incision blocks. Thanks to the advanced haptic feedback technology for doctors, incorrect and additional cuts are avoided, and the doctor himself gets a more precise control and a sense of security.
• After surgery, the goal is for patients to achieve better functional goals than with traditional (manual) surgical methods.
• The survival rate of implants placed in the patient may be higher than in conventional cases. In other words, the risk of wear and loosening of the prosthesis may be lower.
• Because the robotic arm-assisted orthopedic surgical system causes less soft tissue damage than the classic (manual) technique, fewer analgesics are used in the postoperative period, and patient satisfaction may be higher.
• Compared to conventional operations, the robotic arm-assisted orthopedic surgical system offers significant advantages to both the patient and the physician. Patients may have more functional joints than with conventional methods. On the other hand, doctors can perform more controlled surgeries thanks to the robotic arm.
• The quality of life in the recovery process is higher, and the return to everyday life is shorter.

Compared to the classical method, in robotic prosthetic surgery and knee and hip replacement surgery:

• Return to daily life occurs in a shorter time.
• Discharge time is shorter.
• There is less risk of blood loss.
• The patient's need for pain medication after surgery decreases.
• The life of the prosthesis may be longer.

How is Robotic Prosthetic Surgery applied?

It is determined how the operation will be performed, where the incisions will be made, which type and size of prosthesis will be used, and fine adjustments are made on the tomography taken before the operation, using special software under the control of the physician. The operation begins with the initial work performed in the surgery, and the patient's actual bone structure is introduced to the robot via sensors, final modifications are made, and incisions are made by determining the incision degrees. The control of the ligament balance is then rehearsed on the patient with both virtual and trial prostheses. Finally, the necessary final adjustments that the physician deems appropriate are made, and the prosthesis is implanted.

There is no different preparation process for the patient than for a normal operation. Robotic devices are designed to allow the physician to move more comfortably during the procedure, causing less damage to the patient's tissues and thus making the postoperative process more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions about Robotic Prosthetic Surgery

Is Robotic Prosthetic Surgery suitable for all patients?

All patients who require a hip or knee prosthesis can benefit from robotic prosthesis surgery. There are no restrictions for patients undergoing Robotic Arm-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery.

In addition to the lack of patient restriction, it is possible to perform prosthetic surgery in accordance with the patient's existing anatomy in a single session, whereas prosthetic surgery requires two surgeries for patients who have had previous deformities due to fractures or congenital bone structure problems.

Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.