ROSA Robotic Total Knee Replacement

What is the ROSA® Knee System?

ROSA® Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant developed by Zimmer Biomet that enables surgeons to carry out knee replacement procedures with greater precision and a higher standard of care during knee replacement surgery. The ROSA robotic system utilizes real-time information and assists surgeons with precise placement of the knee implants based on a person’s unique knee anatomy.

What are the Indications for ROSA® Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

ROSA® Robotic Knee System for total knee replacement is indicated for individuals with early-to-mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee exhibiting symptoms such as knee pain, knee swelling, and knee locking, that is not amenable to conservative treatment. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease causing breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joint enabling bones to rub against each other leading to painful movement.

What is the Procedure for ROSA® Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

In general, the surgical procedure using the ROSA knee system is similar to that of a traditional total knee replacement, but performed with the help of a robotic assistant. The robotic system does not perform the procedure on its own. The surgery is performed entirely by your surgeon by prompting the robotic hands as per the personalized plan developed by your surgeon. The ROSA knee system is only an additional tool to guide your surgeon to ensure greater accuracy in the placement of the knee implants. It cannot replace the skills of your experienced surgeon.

During the surgery, the ROSA Knee functions like a high-tech GPS system utilizing optical trackers and a mini-camera attached to your leg to determine the exact position of the knee in space. The robotic system makes adjustments even with the slightest movement of your legs ensuring the surgical plan designed by your surgeon is carried out without any changes and with a high degree of precision. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon is provided with real-time data by the ROSA Knee System, which enhances your surgeon’s skill enabling accurate placement of the knee implant.

What Does Postoperative Care for ROSA® Robotic Total Knee Replacement Involve?

Recovery is fairly quick as it is a minimally invasive procedure. In general, postoperative care and recovery involve the following:

You may notice some stiffness and pain in your leg. Medications will be prescribed to manage this discomfort.
Instructions on surgical site care, driving, and bathing will be provided.
A balanced diet rich in iron supplements is recommended to help your wound heal and to restore muscle strength.
You are advised to maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on the joint.
Refrain from smoking as it can negatively affect the healing process.
Refrain from any strenuous activities requiring weight-bearing. You should gradually increase your activity level with light activities.
A customized exercise regimen is advised after a few weeks following surgery to strengthen your leg muscles and improve range of motion.
You should be able to resume most of your normal activities in a couple of weeks following surgery.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

What are the Advantages of the ROSA® Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

Being a minimally invasive approach, the ROSA® knee system offers the following benefits:

Smaller incisions with reduced scarring and minimal blood loss
Less post-operative pain
Shorter hospital stay and recovery period
Quicker return to daily activities
Lower incidence of complications
Precise placement of the implant
Reduced injury to adjacent tissues
Increased longevity of the implant

What are the Risks and Complications of ROSA® Robotic Total Knee Replacement?

ROSA® robotic total knee replacement is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, there are risks and complications that can occur, such as:

Pain
Bleeding
Infection
Damage to the surrounding soft tissues
Stiffness or instability in the knee