With the improvements of technology in recent decades, hip replacement surgery has advanced significantly. Robotic-assisted hip surgery is changing the way that hip replacements are performed and offering a number of benefits to patients. If you are wondering about the positives of robotic-assisted surgery and whether you would be a good candidate, you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know.
Introduction to Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Hip Procedures
With age, illness and injury, comes deterioration of the bone and soft tissue around the body. Perhaps you have been diagnosed with a condition such as arthritis or placed repetitive stress on your hip over a long period of time. Regardless of the reason, if traditional treatment options have failed to alleviate your symptoms, surgery becomes the recommended option.
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing your natural ball and socket hip joint with an artificial one. And for many patients, it is life-changing surgery that restores a full range of movement, reduces pain and improves their quality of life following a period of physical rehabilitation.
Hip replacements have been performed manually by surgeons for years with varying success. While most turned out well, naturally there is always room for human error. Now, with the assistance of robots, the success rate is overwhelmingly positive. Surgeons can perform the surgery with better precision, reduce the risk of complications and help patients to recover more quickly.
1. Enhanced Precision and Accuracy
One of the main reasons why surgeons prefer to perform robotic-assisted surgery is the enhanced precision and accuracy that it brings. Your procedure begins with a scan of your hip joint which enables a 3D image to be generated. And it’s this image that your doctor will use to plan your surgery and programme the robotic assistant. The robot will stick to the pre-programmed sequence, only deviating if your surgeon has adjusted the parameters during the surgery.
Not only does this ensure that variance is minimised during surgery, but the accuracy of the hip replacement itself has been proven to be higher too. Studies have shown that robotic-assisted surgery is up to five times better at matching the leg length and up to two times as good at matching the angle of the hip joint.
2. Reduced Risk of Complications
Those who undergo robotic-assisted surgery are often exposed to a reduced risk of complications. This is mainly due to the precision and accuracy of the technology which is commonly within 1 to 2 millimetres. This reduces the risk of an uneven leg length following surgery and minimises the chance of the hip dislocating; both common complications following unassisted hip replacement surgery.
And with precision comes a reduction in the number of incisions that need to be made and as a result, a reduction in both bone and blood loss. This too helps to ensure that the surgery goes smoothly and reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery.
3. Faster Recovery and Less Pain
A hip replacement is a major surgery that involves numerous incisions. But with robotic assistance, patients often experience less pain and a faster recovery. The enhanced precision and accuracy that is provided enables both smaller and fewer incisions. And a reduction in tissue disruption means a reduction in recovery time. In some cases, you could be back on your feet the very same day and starting physiotherapy treatment shortly after. The reduction in downtime that comes alongside robotic-assisted surgery has revolutionised hip replacement surgery, making it more feasible for patients.
4. Optimised Implant Placement & Longevity
When it comes to hip replacement surgery, the placement of the artificial hip is essential. Proper placement will ensure a smooth surgery, a faster recovery, a better range of movement post-recovery and longer lasting results. The precision of the robotic assistant ensures that the new hip joint is placed exactly where it needs to be, accurate to within a couple of millimetres each and every time. Not only does this improve the whole surgical experience for both the surgeon and the patient, it also ensures longevity of the surgery.
Who is a Candidate for Robotic-Assisted Hip Surgery?
When determining whether robotic-assisted hip surgery is possible, many factors are considered but the determining factor is often the patient’s condition. Anyone with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia or previous hip trauma is a good candidate for robotic-assisted surgery because of the precision that is needed during surgery.
This list is not exhaustive however, and not everyone needs robotic assistance in order for their surgery to be successful. It’s important to note that there are many cases where non-assisted surgery provides life-changing results too.
Deciding on whether robotic assistance is used is down to your surgeon. They will determine whether any value would be added to your surgery, taking into consideration your surgical needs, your age, your health and your lifestyle.
Finding the Right Surgeon
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right professional for your care. Take into consideration qualifications, knowledge and experience in the industry in your search, and read through testimonials from previous patients. If you know or suspect that hip replacement surgery will be required, it’s advantageous to look for a surgeon that specialises within this area. This will maximise the chances of success, reduce the risk of complications and ensure that you go through proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation following treatment.
Speak to an Expert Today
If you need a hip replacement, you have probably already begun doing some research into the right clinic for your needs. Want to find out more about robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery?
Get in touch with Dr David Slattery. With over a decade of knowledge and experience, he will work alongside you to diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan that caters to your specific needs. Specialising in hip replacement surgery, you are in safe hands under his care. Get started today by enquiring online or calling 03 5752 5020.
