Total knee arthroplasty replaces the worn surfaces of the knee joint with metal and polyethylene components, restoring smooth motion and relieving the pain of advanced knee arthritis. Dr. Chudik performs computer-navigated robot-assisted total knee replacement, which allows precise virtual surgical planning before incision and improves implant position, ligament balance, and long-term outcomes.
What Is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty replaces the diseased surfaces of all three knee compartments (medial, lateral, patellofemoral) with implants that recreate the joint surfaces. The arthritic ends of the femur and tibia are resurfaced with metal components. A polyethylene insert sits between them and acts as the bearing surface. The patella is often resurfaced with a polyethylene button, depending on patient anatomy and surgeon preference.
The goal is restoration of pain-free motion through a balanced, well-positioned implant that mimics native knee mechanics.
Dr. Chudik uses computer-navigated robotic assistance to perform the procedure. Pre-operative CT scan data is loaded into a computer. The surgical plan is created virtually, and the implants are positioned on a 3D model of the patient’s specific anatomy. The robotic system then guides bone preparation during surgery, with feedback that ensures the actual cuts match the plan.
Who Is a Candidate?
Candidates for total knee arthroplasty typically have:
- Advanced tricompartmental knee arthritis with bone-on-bone narrowing on weight-bearing X-ray
- Pain that interferes with daily activity, work, and sleep despite non-surgical treatment
- Failure of conservative treatment including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and injection
- A medical profile that allows safe surgery
- Realistic expectations about post-replacement activity (return to low-impact, not high-impact, sport)
Patients with isolated single-compartment arthritis are evaluated for unicompartmental knee replacement, which preserves more native bone and ligaments.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Total knee arthroplasty is performed through an incision over the front of the knee. The patella is everted or moved aside to expose the joint. The arthritic surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella are removed in precise cuts that match the implant shape.
With robotic assistance, the cuts are guided by the pre-operative virtual plan and intraoperative computer feedback. The robot does not perform the surgery autonomously; it provides positioning guidance and prevents cuts that deviate from the plan. The surgeon maintains control throughout.
Implants are then trial-fitted and tested for stability, motion, and ligament tension. Final components are cemented or pressed into place. The capsule and skin are closed in layers.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery follows a structured protocol:
- Same-day or next-day mobilization with physical therapy
- Walking with assistive device (walker, cane) for two to four weeks
- Progressive range of motion and strengthening over two to three months
- Return to most daily activities by four to six weeks
- Return to low-impact sport (golf, swimming, cycling) at three to four months
High-impact sport (running, basketball, singles tennis) is not typically recommended after total knee replacement.
Risks and Outcomes
Major risks include infection (1 to 2 percent), deep vein thrombosis, periprosthetic fracture, stiffness, and component loosening. Long-term implant survivorship is excellent: most modern total knee implants function well at 15 to 20 years, and many survive longer.
Pain relief is reliable, with most patients reporting significant improvement by three months. Robotic assistance has been shown to improve implant positioning, ligament balance, and early functional recovery compared to conventional manual instrumentation.
Why Dr. Chudik for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Dr. Chudik performs total knee arthroplasty with computer-navigated robotic assistance, the most precise method available for implant positioning and ligament balance. His arthroscopic and joint-preserving experience informs his arthroplasty practice, with attention to soft-tissue handling and individualized implant selection. He has performed over 500 procedures annually for more than two decades, including the full range of joint replacement complexity from primary cases to revision surgery.