Difference between Robot-Assisted TKR and Conventional?

@debbraw. I know a woman who had a robot assisted TKR and she too had excellent results. Can that be done with any replacement knee? I had not heard of it when I had my TKR in October 2017, but I have had great results with new knee.
JK

Hi @contentandwell - Glad you've had great results too. My doctor has been doing the robot assisted surgery for partial knee replacements since 2010; however, he just started doing full TKRs in May 2017 (I had my right knee replaced about a month before he started this.) So I think at this point it can be done with any knee replacement.

@debbraw Thanks Debbra. Hopefully, the two knees now have will continue to function and I will not need another one but it is good to know when I hear of other people who might need to have a knee replacement.
JK

I have been offered to have a robotic assisted TKR. Has anyone else? What was the result. Also can my snapping hamstrings be dealt with ok at the same time!

Good evening @floodle7252 and welcome to Connect. Our forum is quite special. Why? Because we believe wholeheartedly in sharing information to help everyone build a wealth of knowledge about their condition and how to care for it.

And to answer your question, yes I had a Mako Robotic TKR in August of 2021. It was my second and was amazingly successful with minimal pain and discomfort in recovery. First, it is amazing to see how 3D images can create an easily accessible surgery area. This assures that the surgeon will be able to achieve greater accuracy. It also means that the surgery itself will be minimally invasive.

I started PT the day after surgery and although there was pain, there was also success in building a ROM of 137 and a "0" straight leg. My PT actually worked together with my MFR (myofascial release) therapist to make sure that any pain was minimal throughout the post-surgery period. I was able to drive within a few weeks, go up and down stairs and return to my two-mile walks. The MFR treatments prevent scar tissue buildup.

When you say you have been offered this surgery.......what exactly does that mean? Do you have other choices? My first TKR 10 years ago was a standard surgical procedure and it took almost a year for my new knee to feel like it belonged to me.

You have asked about snapping hamstrings and I must admit that I have never heard that expression. Would you be able to explain that condition to me? Thanks.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

And until we connect again, please have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I had one May 2021. Had 6 weeks physical therapy prior to surgery for strengthening, learned how to use a walker, had surgery, started pt in hospital within hours after surgery, home the next day and back to my therapists office that same day. Off walker at 2 1\2 weeks By 5 months I was ready to fly on my own, though therapist had me come for 6 months. Cryocuff machine was my buddy throughout for pain control. This surgery was painful, didn’t get much sleep for about 3 1/2 months, had one setback but my therapist was awesome and kept me going. Joint replacements are not easy requires a lot of work and dedication on our part ( had a RTS as well, that was much harder), but results for me was worth it. My knee is just plain awesome and I can do things now with shoulder I couldn’t do before. Therapist used exercises, deep tissue massage, muscle stimulator, dry needling, taping, and cupping during recovery! Your therapist should be your lifeline once surgeon has done their part. Good luck

I had both knees replaced this year by a surgeon using the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant. Both surgeries were wildly successful and I'm at the gym 6 days a week now, and I'm 68 y/o. I believe the added accuracy from Mako makes for a better recovery and long-term success.

That said, if you don;'t have access to a surgeon using Mako, worry not. TKRs are becoming quite common and surgeons are very good. Finally the materials being used, metal and plastic, have been highly refined and work just great. You won't know they're in your leg and you won't have bone on bone pain anymore.

All the best to you!

Joe

I had mako TKR on 9/16/22. My recovery has been rough. 9 weeks out I'm still using walker. My knee seems okay, but there is neuropathy/swelling in my foot. I'm hoping to graduate to a cane, but my foot won't allow it. Podiatrist xray said nothing broken. I'm not sure whether to push it or take it easy. I suspect the new alignment with the foot is part of it. Anyone have any thoughts?

My TKR was September 20, 2022 with the robot. I was expecting this to be a whole lot easier then it is. At 9 weeks I am fine walking without a cane but the low level pain is constant. I go to bed with an ice pack and still ice and elevate several times a day. My PT was my savior the first 6 weeks. He talked me down a few times when the pain was bad and I felt I wasn't advancing like some others I read about. 9 weeks and I'm still not straight and I'm at 117* of flexion. I work my butt off for every single degree. I've been told it will probably take a year for total healing. The cut for the robot had 3 staples and healed up right away. No problem there. Good luck with it. I'm hoping in a year I will be able to say I'm glad I did it.

I’m with you @willw!!

I had my TKR with robotic asst. done 11/03/22.. I’m still using a walker!!

My pain mostly comes at night and will wake me up!

Are you able heat & ice?

Icing has been my best relief!

Definitely ask the doctor about the foot swelling.

I recognize that my leg and ankle do swell after doing a lot.

Stay positive!!! It will get better!!

💪🏼💪🏼