While many of us know someone suffering from knee arthritis, few understand its various forms and the revolutionary treatments now available. Dr. Romer of the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton, who has performed over 400 robotic knee replacements, sheds light on this common but complex condition.
Types of Knee Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- The most common form of arthritis
- Characterized by wear and tear of cartilage
- Often has a genetic component, as Dr. Romer emphasizes
- Typically develops gradually over years
- Most common in people over 50
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune condition
- Body’s immune system attacks joint tissue
- Can affect people at any age
- Often affects both knees simultaneously
- May require different treatment approaches
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
- Develops after knee injury
- Common in athletes and accident survivors
- Can appear years after the initial injury
- May progress faster than traditional OA
- Often affects younger patients
The Genetic Connection
Dr. Romer’s insights about genetic predisposition to arthritis are particularly noteworthy. Research shows that:
- Family history can increase risk by 40-80%
- Certain genes control cartilage development
- Genetic factors can influence inflammation response
- Some people are genetically more susceptible to joint wear
Revolutionary Treatment Options
Today’s treatment options have evolved significantly, particularly with robotic assistance. Dr. Romer’s expertise with robotic knee replacements showcases two main approaches:
Total Knee Replacement
- Best for widespread arthritis
- Complete joint resurfacing
- Robotic precision in all bone cuts
- Computerized alignment
- Personalized implant positioning
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Ideal for isolated arthritis
- Preserves healthy joint portions
- Less invasive approach
- Faster recovery potential
- Precise robotic mapping
The Robotic Advantage
The robotic technology Dr. Romer uses offers several key benefits:
- Creates a 3D model of each patient’s knee
- Enables precise, personalized bone cuts
- Minimizes damage to surrounding tissue
- Optimizes implant placement
- Potentially improves long-term outcomes
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Recovery and Outlook
With robotic assistance, patients often experience:
- More predictable outcomes
- Better implant positioning
- Potentially faster recovery
- More natural-feeling results
- Improved long-term satisfaction
The Future of Arthritis Treatment
As technology continues to advance, we can expect:
- Even more precise surgical techniques
- Better understanding of genetic factors
- More personalized treatment plans
- Improved implant materials
- Enhanced recovery protocols
Want to learn more about your treatment options? Watch Dr. Romer’s detailed explanation on WHIO Touchdown7 , where he shares his expertise and experience with robotic knee replacement surgery at the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton.
Watch the video here to learn more!
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the type of arthritis affecting your knees is crucial for proper treatment. With genetic predisposition playing a significant role, early intervention and proper treatment selection become even more important. Thanks to advances in robotic technology and skilled surgeons like Dr. Romer, patients now have access to more precise, personalized treatment options than ever before.