Finding the Right Approach for You

When arthritis or injury affects multiple compartments of your knee, total knee replacement may be your best option for lasting pain relief and restored mobility. At CMC Orthopaedics, we offer both traditional and robotic-assisted approaches to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and needs.

Don’t let knee pain control your life. Early evaluation can help determine the best treatment approach and potentially prevent more extensive surgery later. Contact CMC Orthopaedics at 843-347-8041 to schedule your consultation with an orthopedic expert.

Traditional Total Knee Replacement

The Gold Standard of Joint Replacement

Traditional total knee replacement has been successfully performed for decades, helping millions of patients return to active, pain-free lives. This time-tested procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from your knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal and plastic.

How Traditional Surgery Works:

Proven Technique: Surgeons use established methods refined over decades of successful outcomes
Direct Visualization: Your surgeon relies on their experience and direct observation during the procedure
Comprehensive Approach: The entire knee joint is replaced, addressing all areas of arthritis and damage
Reliable Results: Long-term studies show excellent outcomes with traditional techniques

Benefits of Traditional Total Knee Replacement:

Proven Track Record: Decades of successful outcomes and long-term data
Comprehensive Solution: Addresses all compartments of the knee in one procedure
Cost-Effective: Often covered by insurance with established billing codes
Surgeon Expertise: Your surgeon’s skill and experience guide every aspect of the procedure
Predictable Outcomes: Well-established recovery protocols and expectations

What to Expect with Traditional Surgery:

Surgery Duration: Typically 1-2 hours depending on complexity
Hospital Stay: Usually 2-3 days for recovery and initial rehabilitation
Recovery Timeline: Most patients walk with assistance within 24 hours
Physical Therapy: Begins in the hospital and continues for several weeks
Return to Activities: Many patients resume normal activities within 3-6 months

Traditional Surgery May Be Right for You If:

You prefer time-tested approaches with extensive long-term data
Your anatomy is straightforward without complex deformities
Cost considerations are important to your decision
You’re comfortable with proven surgical techniques

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement

Advanced Precision for Complete Knee Restoration

For patients seeking the latest in surgical technology, ROSA™ robotic assistance transforms traditional total knee replacement into a highly precise, data-driven procedure. This advanced approach combines the proven success of traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology for enhanced precision and personalized care.

How ROSA Technology Works

ROSA Knee transforms traditional total knee replacement into a highly precise, data-driven procedure. Here’s what makes this technology revolutionary:

Advanced Navigation System: ROSA utilizes a sophisticated camera and optical trackers attached to your leg to know exactly where your knee is positioned in space—think of it as a highly detailed GPS system for your surgery.
Real-Time Precision: If your leg moves even a fraction of an inch during surgery, the robot detects this movement and adjusts accordingly, ensuring your surgeon’s plan is executed exactly as intended.
Surgeon-Controlled Technology: The robot never operates independently. Your surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure, making all decisions while the technology provides enhanced precision and real-time data.
Personalized Surgical Planning: ROSA provides your surgeon with detailed information about your knee anatomy, allowing for customized implant positioning based on your specific needs.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement

Enhanced Surgical Precision: The combination of robotic guidance and surgical expertise helps achieve optimal implant positioning for your unique anatomy.
Smaller Incisions: Robotic assistance often allows for less invasive surgical approaches compared to traditional methods.
Reduced Tissue Trauma: Precise surgical techniques help minimize injury to surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other healthy tissues.
Faster Recovery: Many patients experience quicker healing due to the minimally invasive approach and reduced tissue damage.
Improved Implant Longevity: Accurate implant placement can potentially extend the life of your knee replacement, reducing the likelihood of future revision surgery.
Better Functional Outcomes: The precision of robotic assistance may contribute to improved knee function and patient satisfaction.

What to Expect

Pre-Surgery Planning: Your surgeon uses advanced imaging to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your specific knee anatomy.

During Surgery: The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, with your surgeon using ROSA’s real-time guidance to execute the planned approach with enhanced precision.

Recovery Timeline: Most patients begin walking and physical therapy within 24 hours of surgery, with many experiencing less post-operative pain compared to traditional approaches.

Hospital Stay: Typical stay ranges from 1-3 days, depending on your individual recovery progress and overall health.

Technology That Enhances, Never Replaces, Surgical Skill

The ROSA system enhances rather than replaces surgical expertise. The technology can be compared to driving a car with an advanced navigation system—the surgeon maintains complete control over every aspect of the procedure, including direction, pace, and precision. The robotic system serves as an intelligent guide, helping navigate each patient’s unique anatomy to achieve optimal outcomes including reduced pain, faster recovery, and precise implant placement.

Who Benefits from Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement?

You may be a candidate for ROSA robotic-assisted total knee replacement if you have:

Severe arthritis affecting multiple compartments of your knee
Significant knee pain that limits daily activities
Failed response to conservative treatments
Good overall health for surgery
Realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes
Commitment to post-surgical rehabilitation

Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes

Immediate Recovery:
Begin walking with assistance the day of surgery, with physical therapy starting within 24 hours.

Short-Term Goals:
Most patients achieve significant pain relief and improved mobility within the first few weeks.

Return to Activities:
Many patients return to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and golf within 3-6 months of surgery.

Long-Term Success:
The precision of robotic assistance may contribute to improved implant longevity and sustained pain relief for years to come.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Needs

Comparing Your Total Knee Replacement Options

Both traditional and robotic-assisted total knee replacement offer excellent outcomes. The choice between approaches depends on your individual needs, anatomy, and preferences:

Traditional Total Knee Replacement is ideal for patients who:

Want a proven approach with decades of successful outcomes
Have straightforward anatomy without complex deformities
Prefer established techniques with extensive long-term data
Are focused on cost-effective treatment options

ROSA Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement may be preferred by patients who:

Seek the latest in surgical technology and precision
Have complex anatomy that benefits from enhanced planning
Want potentially faster recovery and smaller incisions
Are interested in personalized surgical approaches

Both Options Offer:

Excellent long-term pain relief
Significant improvement in mobility and function
High patient satisfaction rates
Durable implants designed to last many years
Expert surgical care from experienced orthopedic surgeons

Making Your Decision

The most important factor in your knee replacement success isn’t necessarily the type of technology used, but rather having an experienced surgeon who can recommend the best approach for your specific situation. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your knee anatomy, discuss your goals, and help you understand which option aligns best with your needs.

Questions to Discuss with Your Surgeon:

Which approach is most appropriate for my specific knee condition?
What are the expected outcomes with each option?
How do recovery timelines compare for my situation?
What does my insurance cover for each approach?
What is your experience with both traditional and robotic techniques?

Your journey back to an active, pain-free life begins with understanding your options. Whether you choose traditional or robotic-assisted total knee replacement, the goal remains the same: helping you return to the activities you love with confidence and comfort. Contact CMC Orthopaedics at 843-347-8041 today to kick your knee pain to the curb and regain your mobility.