Living with arthritis in your knees, hips, or shoulders is sometimes unbearable, significantly when physical therapy and medications haven't helped. If you're at your wits end with pain and stiffness, a joint replacement is often the next step.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing damaged areas and replacing them with prosthetic devices. Technology has come a long way, allowing surgeons to use robotic technology to enhance the joint replacement procedure for unrivaled precision.
But robotic surgery sounds a little scary — which is why Dr. Steven J. Svabek and his team provide information and education before undergoing robotic joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Svabek is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic joint replacements for his patients to give them the most accurate results possible.
A joint replacement is a surgical procedure where an orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone, cartilage, and other tissues from conditions like arthritis. Injuries and other joint problems lead to chronic pain and decreased function.
Conservative measures may help for a little while, but they don't fix the problem, which is joint damage. The only way to eliminate pain from severe arthritis is to remove the damaged bone and cartilage and replace it with a prosthetic.
Various prosthetics exist, including plastic polymer, metal, and ceramic. The type you need depends on the joint we're fixing and your specific needs. The prosthetic works just like the natural joint, allowing weight-bearing and movement.
Joint replacements don't last forever, but they can last over 20 years if you care for them properly. Continued movement and a good rehabilitation program help you recover quickly and get the most out of your new joint.
Robotic joint procedures are similar to traditional surgery, except they're more precise and require additional imaging. The CT scan we obtain before surgery provides Dr. Svabek with detailed information about the joint, allowing him to make a customized surgical plan before the procedure.
During surgery, Dr. Svabek always controls the robotic arm. He performs some of the procedure without the robot but utilizes it during tissue and bone removal and placement of the prosthetic device.
Robotic joint replacement surgery has many advantages, including getting the correct implant size before surgery, precision in cases of anatomical abnormalities, and error minimization during the procedure.
You can rest easy knowing that the robot doesn't perform the surgery; it's simply a tool Dr. Svabek utilizes to make the surgery as smooth as possible. He's in control of the robotic arm at all times, no matter what.
We use a robot during surgery to ensure the accuracy of the prosthetic placement and reduce the chances of removing healthy bone and tissue. The robot provides Dr. Svabek with real-time feedback to help him perform the surgery with expert precision.
There's a lot to do before undergoing robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, including quitting smoking, keeping the joint mobile, and preparing your home. You may also require additional X-rays, MRIs, or bloodwork before surgery.
One of the most significant aspects of robotic-assisted surgery is the CT scan, which provides an algorithm for the robot. We have you get the CT scan in the weeks before surgery to allow us to prepare for your procedure.
The CT scan is one of the most essential aspects of robotic surgery. It's like a blueprint of the joint that the robot uses to map out every cut of your bone and perfect placement of the prosthetic.
In most cases, robotic joint replacement surgery results are better than traditional surgery. The robot allows Dr. Svabek to remove only damaged tissues, leaving healthy tissue intact for a quicker recovery.
The technology also provides real-time information, which helps Dr. Svabek place the prosthesis in the perfect area of the joint. Proper placement allows you to regain full function in the joint and cuts back on complications.
Although all joint replacements relieve issues like osteoarthritis, robotic-assisted surgery may yield better results because of its technological accuracy and reduced tissue damage.
To learn more about robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, call our Coral Springs, Florida, office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Svabek. You can also send our team a message right here on the website.
