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ROSA® Knee Robotic Technology

Understanding robotic technology for total knee replacement

You’re unique, and so is your individual anatomy. That’s why Zimmer Biomet offers ROSA® Knee robotic technology. ROSA, which stands for Robotic Surgical Assistant, is designed to help your specially trained surgeon tailor the placement of your knee implant just for you. Here, we will explain what makes the ROSA Knee System unique, what to expect preoperatively, what will happen with ROSA Knee during surgery and what to expect after your surgery.

Arthritis in the knee joint

The knee is a hinge joint formed by the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap). The ends of the bones in the knee joint are covered with cartilage, a tough, lubricating tissue that helps cushion the bones during movement.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear-and-tear condition that destroys joint cartilage and bone. It typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend total knee replacement using ROSA Knee robotic technology.

ROSA Knee Robotic Technology

Getting a precise knee implant fit is important to your comfort and overall experience following knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee uses data collected before and during surgery to inform your surgeon of many details related to your unique anatomy that may affect your implant fit. By using this data to make more informed decisions, your surgeon is able to plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon your individual needs.

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BEFORE SURGERY

Your preoperative experience will be like that of most total knee patients. But, unlike traditional knee replacement methods, with ROSA Knee, a series of x-rays may be used to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your knee anatomy. This 3D model will enable the surgeon to plan many specifics of your knee replacement prior to your surgery.

DURING SURGERY

The surgical procedure using ROSA Knee is similar to traditional total knee replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially trained to use ROSA Knee in order to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. That means it does not move unless your surgeon prompts it to. Your surgeon will make intraoperative decisions based on data points and stress range of motion to position your implant in the optimal position. Rosa then positions the cutting guides to allow the surgeon to make precise cuts for optimal placement of your implant. Your surgeon is still in the operating room the entire time and is making all of the decisions throughout your surgery.

During your procedure, ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to your leg to know exactly where your knee is in space. Think of it like a very detailed global positioning system (GPS) that you might use in your car. If your leg moves even a fraction of an inch, the robot can tell and adjusts accordingly. This helps ensure that the plan your surgeon put into place is executed as intended. Throughout your surgery, ROSA Knee provides your surgeon with data about your knee. This information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps them know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.

AFTER SURGERY

Following surgery, you will be hospitalized based upon the recovery plan your surgeon decides is best for you. This hospitalization may range from one to three days. Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to, and what activities to avoid.

The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope that this information has helped you understand the ROSA Knee System so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.