Full Knee Replacement Options, Robotic Assisted or Conventional, Which did you choose and Why?

[QRTRHRS]

My wife has to take a single doxycycline prior to a visit to the dentist. For her, it is because of a coclear implant.

I don't have to worry about it.

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

Absolutely robotic!!! Many misunderstand what that means. Instead of getting the tape measure and pencil to mark where to cut it's done with precision. Believe me there are still some real "hacks" out there so ask around some before you get it done. Hopefully you can make an informed choice. I had mine done robotically in 2021. It's still done by a surgeon. He's at the controls. I walked out that afternoon, started therapy the next day, and was back to work at 6 weeks. Then 2 weeks after that I retired. My wife had her first one done in January this year by the same surgeon robotically, and the second one in April also robotically. The only difference between hers and mine are hers are "smart" knees. They have chips implanted that report back to the Dr about range of motion and activity. It's not a machine coming into the room and sizing you up. It is just a precision tool to help the Dr do the best job possible for you. Think of it as the difference between using a cutting torch to cut out a part, or using a laser controlled by a computer to do the same job.

 

[Oaktree]

Absolutely robotic!!! Many misunderstand what that means. Instead of getting the tape measure and pencil to mark where to cut it's done with precision. Believe me there are still some real "hacks" out there so ask around some before you get it done. Hopefully you can make an informed choice. I had mine done robotically in 2021. It's still done by a surgeon. He's at the controls. I walked out that afternoon, started therapy the next day, and was back to work at 6 weeks. Then 2 weeks after that I retired. My wife had her first one done in January this year by the same surgeon robotically, and the second one in April also robotically. The only difference between hers and mine are hers are "smart" knees. They have chips implanted that report back to the Dr about range of motion and activity. It's not a machine coming into the room and sizing you up. It is just a precision tool to help the Dr do the best job possible for you. Think of it as the difference between using a cutting torch to cut out a part, or using a laser controlled by a computer to do the same job.

Good to know, I'm leaning in that direction for when it comes time for me to go that route. Think I'll pass on the "smart knees" though. Not big on being tracked.

 

[Mi-Troll]

Good to know, I'm leaning in that direction for when it comes time for me to go that route. Think I'll pass on the "smart knees" though. Not big on being tracked.

I've decided to go with the robotic assisted surgery as well, no way on the smart knee, wonder if I have a say in that. Interesting, now I'm being to see all of the fine print with having knee surgery.

 

[Mi-Troll]

My wife has to take a single doxycycline prior to a visit to the dentist. For her, it is because of a coclear implant.

I don't have to worry about it.

I've had surgery's before, never had to take meds afterwards prior to going to the dentist. It must be specific to implants, maybe one's body never really accepts the implant??

 

[Mi-Troll]

Absolutely robotic!!! Many misunderstand what that means. Instead of getting the tape measure and pencil to mark where to cut it's done with precision. Believe me there are still some real "hacks" out there so ask around some before you get it done. Hopefully you can make an informed choice. I had mine done robotically in 2021. It's still done by a surgeon. He's at the controls. I walked out that afternoon, started therapy the next day, and was back to work at 6 weeks. Then 2 weeks after that I retired. My wife had her first one done in January this year by the same surgeon robotically, and the second one in April also robotically. The only difference between hers and mine are hers are "smart" knees. They have chips implanted that report back to the Dr about range of motion and activity. It's not a machine coming into the room and sizing you up. It is just a precision tool to help the Dr do the best job possible for you. Think of it as the difference between using a cutting torch to cut out a part, or using a laser controlled by a computer to do the same job.

When your wife received the "Smart Knee" did she sign any kind of disclosure document or was it a surprise? Did she have a voice in the decision, what type, if any, disclaimers were there, such as length of monitoring, information collected and insurance coverage long term if required??

 

[etpm]

I've had surgery's before, never had to take meds afterwards prior to going to the dentist. It must be specific to implants, maybe one's body never really accepts the implant??

The antibiotics are because it is very hard to fight bone infections. And implant in the bone makes a path for bacteria. Dental work can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. This bacteria can then find the path from the implant and infect the bone. So prophylactic precautions are taken to prevent infections.
Eric

 

[garry1p]

I had a bone infection in my foot as a diabetic that is not good news., the fix was.

Insert a pic line, be at the hospital everyday at 8am for 6 weeks receiving an antibiotic by IV plus an oral antibiotic.
On the 4th week I had bad reaction from the IV and had to take doxycycline for the next 60 days.

To answer your question. I have had robotic and knife surgery on my spine go robotic.

 

[Oaktree]

When your wife received the "Smart Knee" did she sign any kind of disclosure document or was it a surprise? Did she have a voice in the decision, what type, if any, disclaimers were there, such as length of monitoring, information collected and insurance coverage long term if required??

Also, how is it monitored? If it's via a cellphone aap, she could "conveniently forget" to install it.

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

The batteries don't last to long. Less than a year. My wifes aren't reporting any longer. She used to be able look on her smart phone and see her step count and activity but they aren't reporting it any longer. Tried to reset the base unit that they report to but it didn't help. So no worries there. The Dr had said they would last less than a year and they didn't make it that long. Funny though that several others we have talked to that have received replacement knees in the same time frame weren't even offered the option at other locations. Either way don't shy away from the robotic part of it. That only helps the Dr be more precise in what he's doing.

The other thing is therapy. No pain no gain!!! If they don't have you in therapy the next day that is a red flag IMHO. It also goes better at a facility then if they come to your home. I hope you get along fantastic with it. It's going to ache and hurt the first few days. After the 1st couple weeks the worst is over and you will be glad you did it. I don't know your situation but with me it hurt to go up hill and down hill, steps hurt, ladders too. I was using my good leg to avoid using my bad one and was afraid I was going to end up with it ba d too. Dr said it's a candidate for replacement as well but if it doesn't bother me why mess with it? Good luck if you get yours done.