My orthopedic surgeon offered robotic total knee replacement surgery when my knee aches had become so severe that I could not even climb up the stairs. At first, I was nervous. The biggest question that I had in my mind was: What is the recovery period of robotic knee replacement?
As with most people, I was online searching and searching. I asked: How soon can you walk after robotic knee surgery? What to expect after robotic total knee replacement? and How painful is robotic knee replacement surgery? None of the answers seemed to be founded on actual experience and were too broad.
That is why I am posting my experience- where I was operated, why I selected that hospital, advantages and disadvantages, and above all, my real recovery schedule. When you are planning to undergo robotic knee surgery, then I can guarantee you that this article will not leave you without a full experience based guide.
Why I Chose Robotic Knee Replacement and Where I Got It Done
It was after many months of fighting knee osteoarthritis that I chose to seek assistance at a specialized orthopedic hospital, which had a reputation of applying the most recent robotic-assisted surgical procedures. I have compared a few hospitals but ultimately settled on one after reading success stories and the end emphasis on quicker recovery time.
The reason I did not want a classic surgery is that robotic knee replacement promised the following:
- More precision in implant placement.
- Minimal bone damage in relation to manual surgery.
- Shorter recovery time with quicker mobility.
- Lower risk of complications.
I was aware of the fact that the cost was more expensive at the beginning as I was interested in regaining mobility with minimal downtime. In a matter of weeks I was going to have surgery.
What to Expect After Robotic Total Knee Replacement?
The initial days of post-operative were hard. This is what happened to me:
- Day 13 through 3: I had already been inspired to rise and make small assisted steps using a walker. Nurses observed my pain and changed drugs.
- Week 1-2: I worked with crutches and underwent physical therapy. Suffering could be treated by medication.
- Week 4-6: I began to walk without support. At the completion of week 6, I was able to move around my home comfortably.
- Month 3-6: I returned to some light activities, such as driving, cooking, grocery shopping.
- Month 6-12: I had returned to hiking and performing light workouts.
Kailash Healthcare reports that most patients are able to walk with aids in a few days and unaided in 4-6 weeks, which are also my personal findings.
How Painful Is Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery?
I was anxious about the pain. However, surprisingly, knee replacement with robots did not hurt as much as I thought. Here’s why:
- The robotic system reduced a lot of tissue damage.
- Smaller incisions were used by my surgeon than in traditional surgery.
- Suffering was treated by pain drugs and ice.
The first week was not easy. I will not candy coat it. It was not easy to sleep at times and the physical therapy sessions were hard. However, week after week i felt better. Brown Healthcare that robotic surgery typically causes less post-surgical pain than traditional procedure.
How Soon Can You Walk After Robotic Knee Surgery?
This was the most significant question to me. My experience:
- Day 2: I was walking with a walker a few steps.
- Week 1: I would be able to walk around the hospital ward.
- Week 3-4: I did home-based walks with the help of crutches.
- Week 56: I began walking independently.
In two months, I was able to walk a half mile. North Central Surgical suggests that one can walk without crutches in 4-6 weeks, although it may take as long as a year to recover fully.
How Much Time Does It Take for Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery and Recovery?
The actual surgery took approximately 1.5 hours and I was in the hospital 3 days. The actual problem was recovery. Based on my journey:
- Light recovery (independence in daily activities): 6 weeks–3 months.
- Light exercise (moderate exercise, driving, no walking aids): 3 to 6 months.
- Full recovery (hiking, sport, active activity): 6-12 months.
This is in line with the guide provided by Aashlok Hospital that indicates that recovery is quicker though it remains age, fitness, and adherence to therapy.
Pros and Cons of Robotic Knee Replacement (From My Experience)
Pros:
- Quick healing as opposed to conventional surgery.
- Smaller incisions, less blood loss.
- More accurate implant placement.
- The severity of pain was less than anticipated.
- Walking resumed quicker.
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional surgery.
- Not available in all hospitals.
- Needs a high level of technology and well trained surgeons.
- The initial week of recovery was not painless.
The cons are compensated by the fact that it was worth it to me because the recovery was faster.
My Feedback After Using the “Product”
When I consider robotic knee replacement to be a purchased product, then my evaluation is favorable. It restored my mobility, independence and quality of life.
- Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely.
- Was it worth the cost? Yes.
- Did it meet my expectations? More than expected.
- In my opinion robotic knee replacement is the future of orthopedic surgery.
Conclusion
Robotic knee replacement recovery is faster and less painful than conventional surgery, though patience and dedication to physical therapy is still necessary. Within days most patients are walking with assistance, within weeks they resume daily activity and in 6-12 months they are fully recovered, depending on health and lifestyle.