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ROSA Robot for total knee replacement surgery

Hip, knee and leg Orthopedics

male doctor checking older patients knee for a surgery consult male doctor checking older patients knee for a surgery consult

Understanding Robotic Technology For Total Knee Replacement 

You’re unique, and so is your individual anatomy. That’s why we offer ROSA® Knee robotic technology. ROSA, which stands for Robotic Surgical Assistant, is designed to help your specially trained surgeon tailor the placement of your knee implant just for you. Here, we will explain what makes the ROSA Knee System unique, what to expect preoperatively, what will happen with ROSA Knee during surgery and what to expect after your surgery. 
anatomical diagram of an arthritic knee and a healthy knee

Arthritis In The Knee Joint

The knee is a hinge joint formed by the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap). The ends of the bones in the knee joint are covered with cartilage, a tough, lubricating tissue that helps cushion the bones during movement. 

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear-and-tear condition that destroys joint cartilage and bone. It typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend total knee replacement using ROSA Knee robotic technology. 

What To Expect From A Rosa Robotic Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Getting a precise knee implant fit is important to your comfort and overall experience following knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee uses data collected before and during surgery to inform your surgeon of many details related to your unique anatomy that may affect your implant fit. By using this data to make more informed decisions, your surgeon can plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon your individual needs. 

Before surgery

Your experience before surgery will be like that of most total knee patients at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center. But, unlike traditional knee replacement methods, with ROSA Knee, a series of X-rays may be used to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your knee anatomy. This 3D model will enable the surgeon to plan many specifics of your knee replacement prior to your surgery.


During surgery

The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional total knee replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially trained to use ROSA Knee in order to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. That means it does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. Your surgeon is still in the operating room the entire time and is making all the decisions throughout your surgery. 

During your procedure, ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to your leg to know exactly where your knee is in space. Think of it like a very detailed global positioning system (GPS) that you might use in your car. If your leg moves even a fraction of an inch, the robot can tell and adjusts accordingly. This helps ensure that the plan your surgeon put into place is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, ROSA Knee provides your surgeon with data about your knee. This information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps them know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy. 


After surgery

Following surgery, you will be hospitalized based upon the recovery plan your surgeon decides is best for you. This hospitalization may range from one to three days. Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to, and what activities to avoid. 


Summary

The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope that this information has helped you understand the ROSA Knee System so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon. 

Meet your physicians

Daniel Metz
Daniel Metz, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgeon

Jonathan Dunker
Jonathan Dunker, DO

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon

Matthew Colligan
Matthew Colligan, DO

Orthopedic and Hip/Knee Surgeon

Michael Florack
Michael Florack, MD

Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon

Padraic Obma
Padraic Obma, MD

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon

Patrick Riggle
Patrick Riggle, DO

Orthopedic and Hip/Knee Surgeon

Thomas Florack
Thomas Florack, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Important Notes

Complications: While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as your post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon. There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up-to-date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls. 

This is intended to provide an overview of knee replacement surgery and should be reviewed with your doctor. It does not include all the information needed to determine eligibility for knee replacement or for the proper use and care of artificial knee replacements. Please consult your surgeon for more information. Information may also be obtained by calling the toll-free number or visiting the website. The toll-free number can also be used to obtain complete product contraindications, warnings, precautions, and possible adverse effects. Individual results may vary. Your results will depend on your personal circumstances. How long a knee replacement will last varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as the patient’s physical condition, activity level and body weight, and the surgical technique. Replacement joints are not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that an artificial joint will last the rest of a patient’s life. All knee replacements may need to be replaced at some point. This device is available only on the order of a physician.