ROSA® Knee System

Robotic Technology for Total Knee Replacement

You’re unique, and so is your body. ROSA, a Robotic Surgical Assistant, helps your surgeon tailor the placement of your knee implant for your individual anatomy. ROSA Knee uses data collected before and during surgery to inform your doctor of details specific to your body. This information allows your surgeon to plan and carry out a personalized surgery based on your individual needs, ensuring a precise implant fit. A fit that will help you get back to the life you love after your knee replacement surgery.

Before surgery

Your preoperative experience will be like that of most total knee patients. 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 surgery.

During surgery

The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional total knee replacement–with a robotic assistant. Your orthopedist 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 now operate on its own, it does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. He or she is in the operating room the entire time and is making all of the decisions throughout your surgery.

During the 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, so the plan you and your physician put into place is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, ROSA Knee provides data about your knee. Combined with your surgeon’s skill, this information helps ensure your implant is properly positioned for your body.

After surgery

Following surgery, you will be hospitalizes based upon the recovery plan your physician 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.

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 post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss possible risks with your doctor.

There are many things that can be done to minimize the potential for complications. Your orthopaedist may have you visit your primary care physician for tests before surgery. You may also need to have your dental work up to date, and may be shown how to prepare your home and avoid falls.

Questions?

OrthoNY providers understand the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. While this information explains the ROSA Knee System, nothing can replace the experience and counsel of your physician. If you have questions, we are always here for you.