Knee replacement surgery can be life-changing for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain, arthritis, or injury. With approximately 790,000 total knee replacements performed annually in the United States, this procedure has become one of the safest and most reliable treatments in modern medicine. Most knee replacements last 20 or more years, making total joint replacement surgery a lifelong solution for arthritis of the knee for the majority of patients.1 Robotic total knee replacement offers even greater advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and improved knee flexibility compared to conventional surgery along with better overall alignment and reduced risk of needing revision surgery in the future.2
At Great Falls Clinic, our advanced robotic surgery department provides patients with access to the most sophisticated surgical technologies available today.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged or worn knee joint surfaces with artificial implants. This procedure is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, no longer provide adequate pain relief or mobility improvement.
Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Great Falls Clinic is equipped with the latest advancements in orthopedic medicine, including Mako and ROSA® robotic surgical systems. These cutting-edge technologies enable our surgeons to:
- Create personalized surgical plans based on your unique anatomy
- Achieve precise bone cuts and optimal implant positioning
- Minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Reduce recovery time and improve outcomes
Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our orthopedic specialists, during which your surgeon will review your medical history and conduct physical examinations. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, are then analyzed to determine if knee replacement is the right option for you.
- Preoperative Planning: Our team utilizes tailored treatments and advanced technology to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and effective care, leveraging state-of-the-art surgical planning tools including our Mako and ROSA® robotic systems. These systems allow for precise preoperative planning and enhance surgical accuracy.
- Medical Clearance and Preparation: Before surgery, you’ll undergo preoperative testing, including blood work and an EKG, and may need to receive clearance from your primary care physician or specialists, while our staff provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery and your first few days at home afterwards.
The Day of Surgery
- Arrival and Check-In: On surgery day, you’ll arrive at the hospital 1-2 hours before your scheduled procedure. Our excellent nursing staff will prepare you for surgery, and you’ll discuss anesthesia options with one of our highly experienced anesthesia providers. Most knee replacements can be performed without the need for full general anesthesia.
- The Surgical Procedure: During the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will remove damaged cartilage and bone from your knee joint and replace them with artificial components made of metal alloys (titanium and cobalt-chrome) and high-grade surgical plastics. This procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
- Using the Robot: During surgery, your surgeon uses the robotic arm to assist with determining the placement of the bone resections, which is critical to the overall alignment and function of the replaced knee, by registering your unique bone anatomy with the robot’s computer using a series of sensors and arrays. Once this process has completed, the robotic arm assists with either placing guide pins to direct the bone resections (ROSA) or making the resections with a saw (Mako). In both cases, the surgeon controls the robotic arm, and it does not move autonomously. The Mako robot also relies on a preoperative CT scan that adds an additional layer of accuracy and planning capabilities.
- Leaving the Hospital: Many patients can go home on the same day as surgery, but we also offer overnight admission for those who require it. Before you leave the hospital or surgery center, our physical therapy team will ensure you can walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs independently.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation begins almost immediately after surgery. Our qualified staff will work with you to:
- Restore range of motion
- Strengthen surrounding muscles
- Improve balance and stability
- Gradually return to daily activities
Typically, patients use a walker for about a week after surgery and a cane for 2 to 3 weeks afterward. Usually, the need for a gait assist device is resolved within 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Most patients attend physical therapy appointments for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Maximum recovery after a knee replacement typically takes at least one year, but most people feel like they are returning to most normal activities within three months. After a full recovery, patients can expect to return to an active lifestyle, including walking, hiking, riding a bike, horseback riding, golf, bowling, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and engaging in aerobic exercise, among many other activities.
Patient satisfaction rates after total knee replacement are consistently above 90%. The risk of major complications is <5%.
Discover How Mako and ROSA® Systems Transform Your Surgery
Our Mako robotic system delivers enhanced surgical precision through personalized 3D modeling of your knee, created from a preoperative CT scan—this allows your surgeon to plan exact implant placement based on your unique bone anatomy, ligament tension, and joint mechanics. During surgery, your surgeon registers your bone using a series of sensors and arrays, and the Mako robotic arm guides the saw with sub-millimeter accuracy, providing real-time feedback and tactile resistance to ensure precise bone resections.
Our ROSA® system utilizes a similar intraoperative bone registration process, and the robotic arm assists in placing guide pins, enabling accurate bone cutting. It serves as an intelligent surgical navigator, tracking instruments and adapting to anatomical variations encountered during the procedure.
These advanced technologies are available for any patient who requires a knee replacement, whether due to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following knee injuries, avascular necrosis, or significant joint deformities. Performing knee replacements with the aid of robotic technology helps to minimize surgical trauma, reduce complications, and accelerate recovery times while ensuring optimal implant positioning for long-term success.3-4
Why Choose Great Falls Clinic for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Our commitment to personalized care, combined with advanced surgical technologies such as Mako and ROSA® systems, positions Great Falls Clinic as a leader in orthopedic care in Montana. Board-certified orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Blackman, Dr. Gregg Pike, and Dr. Michael Bryant, bring extensive experience and expertise to every procedure, while our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care from diagnosis through complete recovery.
Ready to discuss knee replacement surgery? Contact Great Falls Clinic’s Orthopedics Department to schedule a consultation and learn how our experienced team can help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Call us at (406) 454-7311 or visit gfclinic.com/department/orthopedics/.
Sources:
- Joint Replacement Surgery. American College of Rheumatology. https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery
- Saber, A. (2023). Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564396/
- Mako. Stryker. https://www.stryker.com/us/en/joint-replacement/systems/Mako_SmartRobotics_Overview.html
- Robotic Surgery for Your Unique Anatomy. Zimmer Biomet. https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/patients-caregivers/robotic-surgery.html