Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery requires specific training, and is performed by only a dozen or so doctors in the United States.  Among these select few physicians is Dr. David Robins.  Dr. Robins received extensive instruction on the technology, and Athens Regional Medical Center purchased the equipment, much the same as when Dr. Robins introduced the latest minimally invasive spine surgery to our area.

The new equipment and procedure allow for a less invasive total knee replacement surgery for patients who have lost all cartilage in their knees due to normal wear and tear on the joints. The key is in the navigation system, which allows the surgeon to measure more precisely before cutting with the use of highly sensitive equipment feeding this information to a “passive robot.” It is called passive because ultimately, the surgeon is always in control of the equipment. 

Reminiscent to the old saying, “measure twice, and cut once,” knee replacement surgery has become very high tech, and Dr. Robins likes to stay in touch with the latest in order to provide the highest quality care for his patients. The process has been featured on television with NFL Hall of Famer, Terry Bradshaw’s special about technology in healthcare.

Dr. Robins has performed several of these procedures on patients at Athens Regional Medical Center, and they are working together along with the robot manufacturer to track patient outcomes.  The surgeon is still in complete control but can navigate within more exact measurements, particularly with the femur or thigh bone. This is where a knee replacement surgery is most invasive to the patient and the most painful as well. With the new measuring system, the doctor does not have to navigate as deeply into the femur which reduces blood loss, swelling, and many of the other unpleasant effects of knee replacement.

One of the other most beneficial components of this new technology is the doctor can see during surgery exactly how much range of motion the new knee should give the patient. This information is recorded by the computer/robot and stored, so the physical therapist will help the patient reach maximum movement allowed in his new knee.  For more information about robotic-assisted knee replacement, call Dr. Robins’ office at (4232) 746-2445, or “The Joint Approach,” the new joint replacement class offered for patients and their families at Athens Regional Medical Center. 
   
                                                  
                                                    Helping East Tennessee One Bone at a Time