Knee replacement surgery has historically been an extremely invasive procedure requiring a long recovery, but the Orthopedic Program at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital is changing that with the debut of a robotic minimally invasive partial knee replacement technology. This revolutionary technology uses a CT scan of the knee to create a digital replica of the patient’s actual anatomy. A robotic arm gives the surgeon extraordinary precision in placing new implants. Adventist Hinsdale Hospital is the only facility in the south, west and southwest suburbs of Chicago with this technology.

The personalized surgery plan requires very small incisions to remove only the diseased portion of the knee. This results in less blood loss during surgery, preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue and a quicker recovery. The renewed joint feels and moves more like a natural, healthy knee.

“Minimally invasive robotic technology allows knee pain sufferers to get back to normal active daily life faster than ever,” says David L. Crane, president and chief executive officer of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. “Many who undergo the surgery are back to their regular physical activity in less than two months. It’s truly remarkable.”

A less invasive solution
Knee pain often begins in the inner knee and can be caused by bone rubbing on bone due to loss of cartilage, an abnormal bone formation or joint deformity. When pain from arthritis is localized in one area of the knee, the knee could be treated with this minimally invasive robotic technology.

Common knee pain symptoms that could indicate that someone is a potential candidate for robotic partial knee replacement include:

• Pain while standing or walking short distances, climbing up or down stairs, or getting in and out of chairs
• Start-up pain or stiffness when activities are initiated from a sitting position
• Joint stiffness after getting out of bed
• Swelling in one or more areas of the knee
• A grating sensation or crunching feeling in the knee

“People living with knee pain often put off surgery until their problem effects the entire joint, requiring a full knee replacement and a long recovery time,” says Dr. Paul Trksak, an orthopedic surgeon who is trained to use the robotic device. “It’s our hope that those suffering will visit the Orthopedic Program to see if they are a candidate for a robotic partial knee replacement. Having this procedure may relieve them from years of chronic pain and get them back to enjoying their life.”

Because the knee is an active joint, anyone could be a candidate for a partial knee replacement – from the young to those well into their 80s. But most candidates are 50 to 70 years old.

Sticking to the plan
The surgical robotic arm literally will not allow the surgeon to operate outside of the digitally created surgical plan so that only the diseased portion of the knee is removed. The procedure is typically completed in less than two hours, usually requires only one night’s hospital stay, and the course of physical therapy may be as short as six weeks.

People suffering from knee pain should exhaust all non-surgical options first – such as losing weight or treating pain with anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections – before considering knee surgery. If moderate to severe pain persists or is present in more than one area of the knee, a total knee replacement may be needed.

The specially trained staff in the Orthopedic Program at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital cares for patients from the initial consultation through the recovery process – including rehabilitation and home care – to ensure that patients return to full strength as quickly as possible.

Following robotic partial knee replacement, many physical activities, such as golf, biking, swimming and tennis, can be completed without pain or risk of further injury.

Attend a free seminar to learn more about partial knee replacement options. Call 630-856-7525 or visit www.keepingyouwell.com.