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Difference between Robot-Assisted TKR and Conventional?
In April 2017 I had a right total knee replacement (TKR) performed by Dr. Ortiguera @ Mayo Jacksonville. I was pleased beyond belief at the results. On 1/29/19 (last Tuesday) I had a left TKR, again performed by Dr. Ortiguera. This time, he used the robot-assisted technique. Prior to the surgery, Dr. O talked to me about his expectation that the greater degree of accuracy and precision might result in a quicker recovery and less pain. I had high expectations for this surgery and so far I am astounded! Before surgery I had 3 degrees extension/130 flexion. I had 3 PT visits in the hospital. On the last one before discharge, I had 5 degrees extension/110 flexion. I still need my RX pain meds, but the first night home, I slept 6 full hours before the pain woke me up. And, on my first in home PT visit, I was walking so well with the walker that the physical therapist let me try the cane, I was strong enough to go back and forth across the LR with just a cane. I am SO pleased with the results I'm seeing. (At this point, my only complaint is that I'm still having a bit of nausea and brain fog from the meds!) Has anyone else had this kind of experience with the robot-assisted TKR? If so, I'm wondering how your PT was different and also how long you stayed in PT after the surgery?
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Thanks ....Now that I'm further out, I've graduated to a cane. The knee seems to gradually improve as my sense of normalcy returns. This has been and still is a long difficult slog. However at this point I'm optimistic that by spring I'll be in good shape. Pushing the foot, with reason is the way to go.
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1 ReactionPlanned on TKR in January but Surgeon doesn’t use Robotic Surgery. What are pros and cons ?
Hi @bluetiffany, I moved your question about robotic surgery for total knee replacement to this related discussion:
- Difference between Robot-Assisted TKR and Conventional?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/difference-between-robot-assisted-tkr-and-conventional/
I did this so you can read the previous posts and connect easily with other members.
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1 ReactionI had my TKR 9/12/22
Done with PT… Still adjusting to balance of how much I can do in a day to day stuff I usually have done before surgery; I am retired 67 and active ( not gym active 😫) before knee problems . Loved down hill skiing , GOLF♥️, grandkids, walking, and just loved being outside. So far after 3 months I feel I have a ways to go after this surgery! (Mako). It is a long recovery. I am confident there will be a day when I will accept this new part of my body, but have not after 3 months. It is the most pain I have experienced, and I have had 3 babies!!
My PT has been the most helpful Physically, Mentally and Spiritually. The support from my Doctor and his team very helpful a month before surgery and ongoing. This is a process and different from one person to the next. Keep communicating to your support team fr surgeon and Physical Therapist with any questions and problems in recover (1 year)! I never thought it would be a year recovery….. After 3 months I am thinking so!
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1 ReactionI agree with you. I am 68 years old and had TKR on September 8/22. I “trained” for the surgery for over a year by exercising regularly and losing weight. Have always been very fit and active. I am shocked by how painful recovery has been. I have a great PT as well.
Would rather give birth any day.
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2 ReactionsYOU all are giving me hesitation in getting TRK on Jan 13, 2023. I am 73 and physically active. I a doing PT exercises now to prepare for surgery and I am hoping i don’t have a lot of pain after surgery. Maybe wishful thinking but I will let you know. Keep moving.
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1 Reactionvgen,
Don't worry. Most people who post here are in the minority and have had bad experiences. I am also a very fit 68 y/o and worked with a trainer before getting both knees replaced this year (surgeon used the Mako assistant).
I couldn't be happier with the results. Do the post-surgical stretching and strengthening exercises religiously for a few weeks and you'll likely be amazed at the outcome.
And yes there is pain after surgery, it's a big procedure. I got a nerve block via catheter line above my knee for 3 days. The good news is that the pain starts to lessen within the first week and keeps getting better.
All the best to you. Let us know how it goes. Joe
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2 ReactionsDear continentalred, You are so right!!! I had TKR in Sept of 2020. I *finally* am feeling back to normal, but still cannot kneel down in church or do many of my yoga exercises that I used to do! My recovery was also so painful. I have had four abdominal surgeries in my lifetime, along with two babies and *nothing* compares to the pain of that knee surgery!!! So much so, that I will *never* get my other knee done!!! Like you, I did all of the pre-exercises for months before that surgery. Also, thankfully, I had a great PT who encouraged me and was a tremendous help to me! I hope that you will see improvement soon but from what I understand from my surgeon, the recovery takes a while. All of my best to you for complete healing.
Oh thank you so much. You are very sweet. I am with in that I do not plan on ever having any more orthopaedic surgery
All the best
This has been the most pain I have ever had in my life and right now I’m very sorry I did it. I’m hoping that will change. I had an unusual situation because I had a knee dislocation (fourth one) prior to surgery and wore a knee brace. Therefore, my knee was not in great shape to begin with even though I exercised as much as possible. Wishing you all the best with your recovery. So many successful surgeries out there and since you are active you will probably be one of them! PT is so important. Good luck!