ROSA Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement
ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
Advanced robotic-assisted partial knee replacement for patients with knee arthritis affecting one compartment of the joint.
If knee arthritis is causing persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty with everyday activities, ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement may be an option when the damage is limited to one compartment of the knee. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes, a Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist serving Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, uses advanced robotic-assisted technology to help plan and perform partial knee replacement with precision tailored to each patient's unique anatomy.
The ROSA® Knee System by Zimmer Biomet provides real-time information during surgery to assist with bone preparation, soft-tissue assessment, and implant positioning. When appropriate, this approach can preserve healthy portions of the knee while addressing the damaged compartment and supporting a personalized path toward improved mobility.
What is ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
The term ROSA refers to Robotic Surgical Assistant. ROSA partial knee replacement surgery is a robotic-assisted surgical procedure in which only the damaged portion of the knee joint is removed and replaced with an implant or prostheses.
The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone, medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. In total knee replacement, all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if the damage is confined to a single compartment of your knee.
ROSA - developed by Zimmer Biomet - enables surgeons to carry out partial knee replacement surgery with greater precision and a higher standard of care. The ROSA robotic knee system comprises state-of-the-art features, including real-time information to assist surgeons with bone resections, assessment of soft tissue condition, and precise placement of the implant intraoperatively based on the patient’s unique knee anatomy. It utilizes a camera and optical trackers that are secured to the patient's leg to know the exact position of the knee during surgery.
What is Anatomy of the Knee?
The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The lower end of the femur meets the upper end of the tibia at the knee joint. A small disc of bone called the patella rests on a groove on the front side of the femoral end. The fibula, another bone of the lower leg, forms a joint with the shinbone. The bones are held together by protective tissues, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Synovial fluid within the joint aids in the smooth movement of the bones over one another. The meniscus, a soft crescent-shaped area of cartilage between the femur and tibia, serves as a cushion and helps absorb shock during motion.
What are the Indications for ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
The ROSA partial knee replacement surgery is indicated for patients with early-to-mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee exhibiting symptoms such as pain, swelling, locking, and stiffness, that are not responsive to conservative treatment. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the knee joint making the bones rub against each other leading to painful movement.
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
Dr. Economedes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, adult joint reconstruction, and arthritis care. Fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center, he provides comprehensive treatment for joint pain and mobility issues. Dr. Economedes is committed to helping patients regain function and improve quality of life through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
What is the Procedure for ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
In general, the partial knee replacement procedure using the ROSA knee system is similar to that of a traditional partial knee replacement, but performed with the help of a robotic assistant. The robotic system does not perform the procedure on its own. The surgery is performed entirely by your surgeon by prompting the robotic hands as per the personalized plan developed by your surgeon. The ROSA knee system is only an additional tool to guide your surgeon to ensure greater accuracy in the placement of the knee implants. It cannot replace the skills of your experienced surgeon.
The ROSA partial knee replacement surgery is usually done under general anesthesia with you appropriately placed on the operating table. An incision is made over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. The ROSA knee system functions like a high-tech GPS system utilizing optical trackers and a mini-camera attached to your leg to determine the damaged areas of the joint that need to be removed for the precise placement of the knee implant. The robotic system makes adjustments even with the slightest movement of your legs ensuring the surgical plan designed by your surgeon is carried out without any changes and with a high degree of precision. In partial knee resurfacing, only the diseased portion of your knee is removed, preserving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue. An implant is then secured over the prepared portion of your knee joint. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon is provided with real-time data by the ROSA Knee System, which enhances your surgeon’s skill enabling accurate placement of the knee implant. With the new implant in place, the knee is taken through a range of movements. The muscles are then approximated, the incision closed, and covered with a sterile dressing.
What Does Postoperative Care for ROSA Partial Knee Replacement Involve?
Recovery is fairly quick as it is a minimally invasive procedure. In general, postoperative care and recovery after ROSA partial knee replacement procedure involve the following:
- You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
- Most patients may need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days before being discharged home.
- You may notice pain, swelling, and discomfort in the knee area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed for comfort.
- Antibiotics are also prescribed to address the risk of surgery-related infection.
- You will be placed on assistive devices such as crutches with instructions on restricted weight-bearing for a specified period of time. You are encouraged to walk with assistance as frequently as possible to prevent blood clots.
- Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided to keep the wound clean and dry.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin D and iron is strongly advised to promote healing and a faster recovery.
- Refrain from strenuous activities for the first few months and lifting heavy weights for at least 6 months. A gradual increase in activities over a period of time is recommended.
- An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen knee muscles and optimize knee function once you are off crutches.
- Most patients are able to resume their normal activities in 3 to 4 weeks after surgery; however, returning to sports or high-intensity activities may take at least 6 months or longer.
- You should refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
What are the Benefits of ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
Being a minimally invasive procedure, the ROSA partial knee replacement surgery offers the following benefits:
- Smaller incisions
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less postoperative pain
- Minimal muscle trauma and reduced scarring
- Precise placement of the implant
- Increased longevity of the implant
- Quicker return to normal activities
- Lower risk of postoperative complications
- Better range of motion
- Increased knee stability
What are the Risks and Complications of ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
ROSA partial knee replacement is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, there are risks and complications that can occur, such as:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Stiffness or instability in the knee
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Allergic/anesthetic reactions
- Damage to adjacent soft-tissue structures
- Implant fracture/failure
- Dislocation (rarely)
What is ROSA Partial Knee Replacement?
The term ROSA refers to Robotic Surgical Assistant. ROSA partial knee replacement surgery is a robotic-assisted surgical procedure in which only the damaged portion of the knee joint is removed and replaced with an implant or prostheses.
The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone, medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. In total knee replacement, all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if the damage is confined to a single compartment of your knee.
ROSA - developed by Zimmer Biomet - enables surgeons to carry out partial knee replacement surgery with greater precision and a higher standard of care. The ROSA robotic knee system comprises state-of-the art features, including real-time information to assist surgeons with bone resections, assessment of soft tissue condition, and precise placement of the implant intraoperatively based on the patient’s unique knee anatomy. It utilizes a camera and optical trackers that are secured to the patient's leg to know the exact position of the knee during surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Demetri M. Economedes for ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC?
Choosing the right orthopaedic surgeon is an important part of your knee replacement journey. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes specializes in hip and knee replacement, providing individualized treatment plans based on each patient's anatomy, symptoms, activity level, and goals.
Patients in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding communities may benefit from:
- Specialized joint replacement expertise: A focused practice centered on hip and knee replacement.
- Robotic-assisted technology: The ROSA® Knee System can provide real-time information to assist with surgical planning and implant positioning.
- Personalized treatment planning: Partial knee replacement is considered when arthritis is appropriately limited to a specific compartment of the knee.
- Advanced surgical options: Treatment may include partial or total knee replacement depending on the extent of joint damage.
- Comprehensive care: From your initial evaluation and surgical planning through rehabilitation and follow-up, your care is designed around your individual needs.
- A patient-centered approach: Dr. Economedes emphasizes clear communication and personalized recommendations to help you make informed decisions about your knee health.
FAQs About ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement
ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement is a robotic-assisted surgical procedure used to replace the damaged portion of the knee when arthritis is limited to a single compartment. The ROSA® system provides real-time information to help the surgeon plan bone preparation and implant positioning.
Patients with arthritis confined primarily to one compartment of the knee may be candidates for partial knee replacement. Your surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, joint damage, and overall knee function to determine whether partial replacement is appropriate.
No. ROSA® is a robotic surgical assistant, not an autonomous surgical robot. Dr. Economedes performs the procedure and uses information provided by the system to assist with surgical planning, bone preparation, and implant positioning.
When appropriate, partial knee replacement may preserve healthy portions of the knee and involve a smaller surgical approach than total knee replacement. Robotic assistance may also help support individualized implant positioning and surgical precision.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Many patients can gradually return to everyday activities within several weeks, while higher-impact activities may require additional recovery time. Dr. Economedes will provide a personalized rehabilitation and activity plan based on your progress.
Neither procedure is universally better. Partial knee replacement may be appropriate when arthritis is limited to one compartment and the remaining structures of the knee are healthy enough to support the procedure. Total knee replacement may be recommended when arthritis affects multiple areas of the joint. Dr. Economedes can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
Robotic-assisted surgery is not appropriate for every patient. Your candidacy depends on factors including the location and severity of arthritis, your knee anatomy, overall health, and treatment goals. A comprehensive evaluation can determine whether ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement is an appropriate option.
Explore Your Knee Replacement Options in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
Persistent knee pain can make walking, exercising, climbing stairs, and enjoying everyday activities increasingly difficult. If arthritis is affecting one compartment of your knee, ROSA® Partial Knee Replacement may offer a personalized surgical option.
Dr. Demetri M. Economedes provides advanced robotic-assisted knee replacement care for patients in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding North Carolina communities. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, review your treatment options, and determine whether robotic-assisted partial knee replacement may be right for you.