ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT IN KANSAS CITY
—FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of Robot do you use?
We use the Navio system from Smith & Nephew. Check out the video below for a look at the robot we use in a robotic knee replacement—
You can also visit the Navio website to learn more.
What kind of knee is it?
The brand of the knee implant is Smith & Nephew. The components are made out of a very hard plastic and either Cobalt Chrome or Oxinium, which are types of metal. The type of metal we use for your robotic knee replacement depends on a variety of factors, including insurance, age, activity level, any metal allergies, etc. Neither of the knee implants cause issues in metal detectors or while traveling. If you have a nickel allergy, then Oxinium is used, as there is no nickel component. This means there will be an extremely low chance of allergic reaction.
Does insurance cover A robotic knee replacement in kansas city?
Yes, it does!
Can I have both knees replaced at the same time?
That’s a tricky question, one that is very patient-dependent to answer. Typically, it is preferred that one knee, the one that gives you the most trouble, is replaced first. This is because it is extremely difficult to rehab both knees at once. If you do well with the first robotic knee replacement in Kansas City, then the second knee can be replaced around three months following your first surgery. There have been a few, rare cases where we have done bilateral total knees. There are many factors at play with knee replacements, and it is best to make an appointment to talk to your surgeon in detail before making any decisions.
Can you do a knee replacement through a scope?
No. As this is not an arthroscopic surgery, we still have to put in implants, which are made to replicate your knee; this means that they’re life sized. You will still have a scar, around 8 inches long on the front of your knee.
Can I go home the same day as my robotic knee replacement?
Possibly. We do outpatient knee replacements weekly. We do want to make sure that you are the right candidate for outpatient versus an overnight stay. In order to be eligible for an outpatient robotic knee replacement in Kansas City, you must have very few health co-morbidities, as well as a good support system at home. Additionally, if you are covered by Medicare, an outpatient total joint procedure is NOT covered and will therefore require an overnight stay.
Can I have a revision with the robot?
You can revise a partial, or uni-compartmental, knee replacement to a total using the Navio system. If you already have a total knee replacement, then the robot cannot be used for your revision. There is hope that revisions will be a possibility in the future.
How long does it take?
The surgery itself (from cut to close) takes about an hour and a half. This does not account for the time taken to sterilely prep, drape, and position before the surgery begins.
Who will do my surgery?
At Apex Orthopedics in Kansas City, Dr. Abraham and Dr. McCabe are both trained with the Navio Robotic Surgical System to perform robotic knee replacements.
Are there any qualifications I have to meet to have surgery?
Yes. We would like your BMI (body mass index) to be 40 or below. We also ask that you stop smoking 3 weeks prior to surgery and 3 weeks after. If you are a diabetic, your blood sugars need to be well controlled. We recommend an A1C of 7.5 or below.
Is using the robot an additional cost to my knee replacement?
Nope!
WhAT IF I HAVE A METAL ALLERGY?
Most metal allergies stem from Nickel. Many knee replacements do have nickel or derivatives of it in the components. For patients with this allergy, we use a material called Oxinium which has been shown to be safe in people with metal allergy.
What other questions can we answer for you about robotic knee replacement in Kansas City?
APEX Orthopedics can help you improve your mobility and decrease your pain using the highest quality, most innovative technology available.
Reach out today to talk with a surgeon about your options for a total or partial knee replacement.
