Tzu Chi Hospital introduces CUVIS Joint robotic technology for more precise knee replacement surgery. CUVIS Joint robotic

technology helps Tzu Chi Hospital's orthopedic surgeons perform pre-operative planning guided by highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) images. Unlike conventional X-ray images, which only display frontal (AP) and side (lateral) angles, CUVIS Joint uses CT scans to create a complete 3D model of the patient's knee anatomy—360 degrees.Using the CT scan data, the robotic system can map bone condition, joint shape, and the orientation of knee components with high precision down to the millimeter level. This allows the surgeon to design the most ideal knee implant position and angle before the procedure. During surgery, the CUVIS Joint robotic arm helps the surgeon execute the plan in real time with digital navigation guidance, ensuring every bone cut aligns with the pre-operative plan. The result is a more precise and stable surgery with a reduced risk of error and a faster recovery for the patient.

There are many advantages of knee replacement surgery with CUVIS Joint robotic system, including:

More accurate implant placement, leading to a more natural sensation to joint movement post-surgery
Reduced risk of injury to surrounding tissues, enhancing safety and lowering the risk of infection
Minimized blood loss and smaller incisions, facilitating faster wound healing and minimal pain
Quick recovery, reducing hospital stay duration
Better long-term functional outcome
Improved durability of the implant
Enhanced quality of life

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Is robotic knee replacement surgery better than conventional surgery?

Compared to conventional surgery performed manually, robotic-assisted knee replacement offers numerous advantages. These include more accurate implant positioning, precise bone cutting, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. Robotic technology assists surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues often associated with traditional methods.

Are there any risks associated with robotic knee replacement surgery?

State-of-the-art robotic systems like CUVIS Joint are equipped with safety features such as Bone Movement Monitoring and haptic feedback mechanisms, enabling real-time monitoring of the entire procedure to enhance precision and accuracy during surgery.

With this technology, the success rate for robotic knee replacement surgery is reported to be between 90% and 95%. However, as with any surgical procedure, potential risks remain. While robotic technology helps minimize these risks through superior precision, the final outcome ultimately depends on the individual patient's health status and a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist prior to the procedure.

Are all robotic systems for knee replacement the same?

While robotic-assisted surgery is currently the most advanced treatment option for knee replacement, not all robotic systems are created equal. Among the various systems available, CUVIS Joint is the only fully active robot capable of performing direct, automatic bone cutting. Other systems serve only as guidance tools for surgeons and are classified as passive or semi-active, which increases the risk of human error during critical steps such as bone cutting. In contrast, CUVIS Joint operates actively to enhance accuracy and safety.

How long does a robotic knee replacement surgery take?

Robotic knee replacement surgery typically takes between 90 to 120 minutes. Patients undergo a preoperative preparation period of approximately 60 minutes, which includes vital signs monitoring, physical preparation, and administration of necessary medications. After the procedure, patients are transferred to a recovery room for postoperative observation lasting around 120 minutes, to ensure stability before being moved to the inpatient ward.

How long will I need to stay in the hospital?

Patients generally stay in the hospital for three to four days following a single robotic knee replacement procedure.

Is the procedure painful?

As with any surgical procedure, some postoperative pain is expected. However, the use of anesthesia during surgery, supervised by an anesthesiologist, helps minimize discomfort during the recovery period.

When can I return to normal activities?

Here is a general timeline for your recovery:
By the second day after surgery, once you return home, you will be encouraged to begin walking gradually at home with support. Light activities, such as walking to the bathroom or dining table, are important for stimulating circulation and preventing complications like blood clots. Stitches are typically removed about 14 days after the operation.

When can I travel again?

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients can undertake short trips within the first three months post-surgery. Long-distance travel is not recommended during this period, as prolonged sitting can increase the risk of blood clots.

When should follow-up X-rays be taken?

The first X-ray is performed immediately after surgery to confirm the correct placement of the knee implant. A follow-up long leg X-ray is usually scheduled 1–2 months after surgery to evaluate the surgical outcome and assess overall leg alignment.

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