You’re unique, and so is your individual anatomy. That’s why
Zimmer Biomet offers 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.
ROSA Knee Robotic Technology
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 is able to plan for
and carry out a personalized surgery based upon your individual needs.
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 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 of 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.
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.
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.
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