The Robotic Joint Replacement Journal
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — ACTIVE ADULT WALKING]
Knee arthritis often develops gradually. Many patients live with symptoms for years before realizing that the joint has reached a point where surgical treatment may provide the most reliable solution.
Understanding when knee replacement becomes appropriate can help patients make informed decisions about their mobility, long-term joint health, and quality of life.
Robert J. Avino, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, focuses on robotic-assisted knee replacement for patients with advanced arthritis affecting the knee joint.
This article explains how knee arthritis progresses and how surgeons determine when knee replacement surgery may be appropriate.
Understanding Knee Arthritis
The most common reason patients require knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears away.
Cartilage normally allows the knee joint to move smoothly during walking, bending, and weight-bearing activities. As cartilage deteriorates, the joint surfaces may begin to rub directly against one another.
This progression may lead to:
- Loss of joint cushioning
- Bone-on-bone contact
- Joint stiffness
- Inflammation and swelling
- Reduced range of motion
Over time, these changes can significantly affect daily mobility and activity levels.
Signs Knee Arthritis May Be Progressing
Patients often begin to consider knee replacement when arthritis begins to interfere with everyday life.
Common symptoms of advanced knee arthritis include:
- Persistent knee pain during activity or at rest
- Increasing stiffness in the knee joint
- Difficulty walking longer distances
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Limited ability to bend or straighten the knee
- Reduced participation in exercise or recreational activity
These symptoms often worsen gradually as cartilage loss progresses.
When Non-Surgical Treatments Are No Longer Effective
Many patients attempt conservative treatments before considering knee replacement surgery.
Common non-surgical treatments may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone or other joint injections
- Activity modification
While these treatments may temporarily relieve symptoms, they do not reverse cartilage loss. When arthritis continues to progress despite these measures, surgical treatment may be considered.
What “Bone-on-Bone” Knee Arthritis Means
A term frequently used when discussing advanced knee arthritis is bone-on-bone degeneration.
This occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint has worn away to the point that the bones of the knee joint make direct contact during movement.
Bone-on-bone arthritis may lead to:
- Increased joint pain
- Reduced knee stability
- Loss of smooth joint motion
- Progressive joint deformity
At this stage, joint replacement surgery is often the most reliable method of restoring joint mechanics.
How Knee Replacement Surgery Restores Joint Function
Knee replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint surfaces with medical implants designed to restore smooth movement and alignment of the knee joint.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the worn cartilage and damaged bone surfaces and replaces them with precisely fitted implants.
Modern knee replacement implants are designed to allow the knee joint to move smoothly during walking, standing, and daily activity.
For many patients with advanced arthritis, knee replacement surgery may significantly improve mobility and quality of life.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Advances in surgical technology have changed how knee replacement procedures are planned and performed.
Dr. Avino performs robotic-assisted knee replacement using Mako robotic-arm technology, which allows the surgeon to plan the procedure using a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee joint.
This planning process helps guide implant positioning and joint alignment during surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgical planning allows the procedure to be tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy.
[LINK PLACEHOLDER — ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT PAGE]
Consultation for Knee Arthritis
Patients considering knee replacement often benefit from consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on joint replacement.
During consultation, the knee joint is evaluated through:
- Review of symptoms
- Physical examination
- Imaging studies such as X-rays
- Discussion of treatment options
This evaluation helps determine whether knee replacement surgery may be appropriate based on the condition of the joint and the patient’s goals.
[FORM PLACEHOLDER — REQUEST CONSULTATION]
Schedule a Consultation
If knee arthritis is affecting your mobility or limiting your activity, consultation with a joint replacement surgeon can help determine whether knee replacement surgery may be appropriate.
Patients may request a consultation online or call Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute and ask for Dr. Robert J. Avino when scheduling.