India has a large percentage of the population that suffers from joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or different kinds of similarly related conditions- almost 180 million and higher when a study was done in 2017, and it is safe to assume that the numbers must have increased by now. Joint disease can place a huge burden on the healthcare industry- in the form of medical infrastructure, specialised doctors, medicines like painkillers, surgical procedures, and related outcomes, etc. The main thing about joint disease is the chronic pain that most of us are not prepared to deal with. The dependence on drugs may be higher than usual, or conventional modes of treatment like physical therapy may not work. In such dire circumstances, a doctor may have no option but to suggest joint replacement surgery. Let us learn more about the different types and the various advantages and disadvantages.
There are two different approaches to doing joint replacement surgery- traditional and robotic-assisted. Let us learn more about them both.
Traditional Joint Replacement Surgery Is Not Obsolete
This method of joint replacement is normally in special situations where an individual may see no improvement - with injections, physical therapy, or pain medication. Traditional joint replacement is for those who have a pretty straightforward problem- with no anatomical deformity or any other related issues. It makes more sense if there are financial constraints, or there is no availability of an experienced surgeon. It can also depend on patient preference, but traditional surgery involves a larger incision made by the surgeon and will take longer to heal. The other factors that influence prognosis - like blood clots, numbing, failure of the prostheses, or longer time for rehabilitation must all be given due consideration before making a decision. The timeline for recovery is generally 6-12 weeks long, with very high rates of success (more than 90%).
Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery Is Here To Stay
In this case, a highly advanced robotic arm is used to do the surgery, while an experienced surgeon controls the arm with great precision. The main advantage is that it is a minimally invasive- keyhole-sized incision to make the repair, which means lesser blood loss and lower recovery times. The joint is also aligned more naturally, and better alignment is a major plus. Joint function is usually maintained for decades. There are very low chances of prosthetic failure.
Conclusion
The decision to go for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is made so that there is very precise joint repair, and to generally try and reduce rehabilitation time. But, the risks of infection, blood clot formation, failure of implantation, or nerve and blood vessel damage are never zero, and are always present- whatever the mode of surgery used. So, the mode used depends on several factors- availability of expertise and access to technologically advanced tertiary or quaternary care hospitals. Talking to your doctor will help you make a sound decision, as they can give you a realistic picture of all the pros and cons, expectations, risks, and benefits associated with each type of procedure. In the end, a positive surgical outcome is what matters, because that can greatly influence your quality of life.
FAQs
1) What is the main difference between traditional and robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery?
Traditional methods involve manual incision and placement of prosthetic components, while this is done with a robotic arm’s help in the latter method.
2) Which method is more precise?
Robotic assisted surgery is definitely more precise, especially in cases involving anatomical deformities. This is NOT to say that traditional methods are imprecise though.
3) How are the joint components implanted in both?
A surgeon manually makes a large-ish cut on the affected joint and replaces the components as needed, but for the second method- a surgeon controls an advanced robotic arm that is guided by 3D imaging techniques, to map out the joint and how it needs to be treated. The incision made is very small, reducing healing times ultimately.
4) Is it true that traditional methods may still be preferable?
Yes, if there is no availability of an experienced surgeon, or the traditional method may suffice, and a more cost-effective approach is desired, then traditional is the way to go.
5) Why is a surgeon needed for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery?
The robotic arm needs to be controlled by an experienced surgeon to make the right incision, remove the affected parts, and replace it with the proper joint prosthesis. You can think of the robotic arm as an important tool in the surgeon's arsenal of tools. Plus, only a human surgeon will be able to make changes according to real time imaging based on anatomy, and is a major fixture in patient preoperative and postoperative care.