Robotic Knee Replacement at RNH Hospital

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It functions like a hinge, allowing smooth motion when you walk, climb stairs, or bend. The joint is formed by three bones, the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap) cushioned by cartilage that ensures frictionless movement. Over time, arthritis, injury, or wear-and-tear can damage this cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. When conservative treatments fail, robotic knee replacement surgery offers a precise, effective, and lasting solution.

During surgery, the robotic system:

  • Creates a 3D virtual model of your knee using a CT scan.
  • Helps the surgeon plan every detail, including implant size, alignment, and placement.
Guides surgical instruments with real-time feedback to maintain optimal balance and motion of the joint.

Robotic knee replacement is suitable for patients who:

  • Suffer from severe knee arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis).
  • Experience persistent pain or stiffness that limits walking, climbing, or bending.
  • Have deformity or misalignment of the knee joint.
  • Have not found relief with medications, injections, or physical therapy.

While most patients are between 50 and 80 years old, individuals outside this range may also be candidates depending on their health, lifestyle, and activity level.

Needs of Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic knee replacement is suitable for patients who:
  • Suffer from severe knee arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis).

  • Experience persistent pain or stiffness that limits walking, climbing, or bending.

  • Have deformity or misalignment of the knee joint.

  • Have not found relief with medications, injections, or physical therapy.

While most patients are between 50 and 80 years old, individuals outside this range may also be candidates depending on their health, lifestyle, and activity level.
How the Artificial Knee Is Designed

A modern knee implant is designed to replicate the natural motion of your knee joint. It usually consists of:

  • Femoral Component (Metal Cap): Covers the end of the thighbone.
  • Tibial Component (Metal Baseplate): Replaces the top surface of the shinbone.
  • Plastic Spacer (Polyethylene Insert): Ensures smooth, gliding movement between the components.
  • Patellar Component (Optional): Resurfaces the kneecap for pain-free motion.
 
Types of Prosthesis:
  • Uncemented Prosthesis: Allows bone to grow into the implant naturally; durable but may take longer to heal.
  • Cemented Prosthesis: Fixed in place with bone cement, ideal for older or less active patients.
  • Cruciate-Retaining or Posterior-Stabilised Designs: Chosen based on the condition of your knee ligaments and anatomy.

How Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Works

1. Pre-Surgical Planning

Before surgery, a 3D CT scan of your knee is uploaded into the robotic system.
 Your surgeon uses this detailed map to:

  • Assess your knee’s exact shape and alignment.
  • Plan the ideal placement and fit of the implant.
  • Simulate the procedure digitally to ensure perfect precision.
2. During Surgery

You’ll receive general or regional anaesthesia for comfort.
 The robotic arm then assists your surgeon by:

  • Guiding precise removal of damaged bone and cartilage.
  • Ensuring accurate placement of each implant component based on the preoperative plan.
  • Maintaining perfect ligament balance and natural movement of the new joint.

The entire surgery typically takes 1–3 hours.

Benefits

  • Unmatched Precision: Robotic mapping ensures accurate implant alignment and joint balance.
  • Less Pain & Blood Loss: Smaller incisions and minimal soft tissue damage. 
  • Faster Recovery: Many patients walk within 24–48 hours.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Restores a natural, smooth range of motion.
  • Longer Implant Life: Proper alignment reduces wear and extends the life of your new knee.
  • Personalized Results: Each surgery is tailored to your unique anatomy.
Possible Risks & Complications:

As with any surgery, risks exist, though complications are uncommon with robotic assistance. These may include:

  • Infection or blood clots
  • Temporary stiffness or weakness
  • Implant loosening or misalignment (rare with robotic precision)
  • Need for revision surgery in the future

Following your post-surgery care plan and physical therapy significantly reduces these risks.

After Surgery & Recovery:
  • Most patients stand or walk with support within 24–48 hours.
  • Light activities resume within 4–6 weeks.
  • Full recovery generally takes 3–6 months, depending on age, fitness, and healing rate.
  • Ongoing physiotherapy and follow-up visits ensure proper function and long-term success.

Why Choose RNH Hospital for Robotic Knee Replacement

  • Advanced 3D imaging and robotic guidance ensure perfect alignment and fit of your new joint.
  • Minimal tissue damage means quicker rehabilitation and less postoperative discomfort.
  • Every knee replacement is planned individually based on your age, activity level, bone structure, and lifestyle.
  • Enjoy smoother movement, natural joint feel, and longer-lasting results.
  • Robotic surgery allows smaller cuts with better cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Non-Robotic Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Joint Replacement

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body.
 It acts like a hinge that allows your leg to bend and straighten, helping you walk, climb stairs, and perform everyday activities.

The knee joint is formed where three bones meet:
  • Thighbone (Femur)
  • Shinbone (Tibia)
  • Kneecap (Patella)

Smooth cartilage covers the ends of these bones, allowing pain-free, effortless movement. When this cartilage wears away due to arthritis or injury, the bones begin to rub against each other leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted mobility.

That’s when a knee replacement surgery may be recommended. The procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with artificial implants designed to mimic the movement and stability of a healthy, natural knee.

Knee replacement is most often performed in individuals between 50 and 80 years of age, though younger or older patients may also benefit depending on their condition and lifestyle.

The most common reason for surgery is arthritis, which damages the cartilage cushioning the joint.

Common Causes:
  • Osteoarthritis: Age-related wear and tear of the knee joint.

     

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disorder.

     

  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Damage following a severe knee injury or fracture.

     

You may be a candidate for total knee replacement if you:

  • Have severe knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or daily activities.

     

  • Experience pain even at rest or during the night.

     

  • Have stiffness or deformity that makes bending or straightening the knee difficult.

     

  • Have not found relief with medication, injections, or physical therapy.

How Is the New Knee Constructed?

A modern knee replacement recreates the natural joint structure using highly durable materials.

 The prosthetic joint typically consists of three main components:
  • Femoral Component (Metal Cap): Covers the end of the thighbone.
  • Tibial Component (Metal Base + Plastic Liner): Sits on top of the shinbone, providing a smooth surface for movement.
  • Patellar Component (Plastic Button): May be used to resurface the underside of the kneecap.

These components work together to allow smooth, friction-free motion — helping restore function and reduce pain.

Types of Prosthesis:

  • Uncemented Prosthesis: Designed for bone growth into the implant surface, offering long-term stability (commonly used in younger, active patients).
  • Cemented Prosthesis: Fixed in place using bone cement, providing immediate stability (ideal for older or less active patients).
Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement:

A muscle-sparing technique can be used in non-robotic surgery to minimise tissue damage.
 This approach avoids cutting through major muscles, which helps:

  • Reduce post-operative pain
  • Shorten hospital stay
  • Speed up recovery

Depending on your condition, your surgeon may use a minimally invasive midline or subvastus approach, designed to preserve surrounding muscles and tendons.

Preparing for Surgery

If your surgery is scheduled in advance (not an emergency), your doctor will help you prepare over a few weeks.
 You may be advised to:
  • Improve general fitness and strengthen leg muscles.
  • Reduce excess body weight to ease joint pressure.
  • Stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery.
  • Prepare your recovery home, keep essentials within easy reach, install support bars if needed, and plan for help during the first few days after surgery.

During the Procedure

The surgery takes place in a hospital operating room and usually lasts 1 to 3 hours.

You will receive either:
  • General anesthesia (you’ll be asleep), or
  • Regional anesthesia (your lower body is numbed, often combined with sedation).
During surgery, your surgeon will:
  1. Make an incision over the knee to access the joint.

     

  2. Remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella.

     

  3. Carefully shape the bone surfaces to fit the new prosthetic components.

     

  4. Secure the components (cemented or uncemented).

     

  5. Check the movement and alignment of the new joint before closing the incision.

After Surgery & Recovery

  • Most patients begin walking with support within 24–48 hours.
  • Physical therapy starts early to help regain strength and flexibility.
  • Most return to light daily activities in 4–6 weeks and resume normal movement by 3–6 months.

Benefits

  • Time-tested and effective for most patients
  • Relieves pain and stiffness
  • Restores knee movement and function
  • Improves walking, standing, and overall quality of life
  • Lower cost compared to robotic procedures

Why Choose RNH Hospital for Non-Robotic Hip Replacement

  • Our highly experienced surgeons specialize in conventional knee replacement with precision and personalized care.
  • Each patient undergoes a detailed assessment to ensure the best surgical plan suited to their knee condition and lifestyle.
  • We use proven, minimally invasive methods that reduce pain, promote faster healing, and ensure long-lasting results.
  • Our in-house physiotherapy team provides tailored post-surgery rehabilitation for smooth and effective recovery.
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