March 24, 2023

When severe knee arthritis made everyday activities painful, Ray turned to WashU Medicine Orthopedics for help. He underwent robotic-assisted total knee replacements on both knees, 10 weeks apart, and was able to return to the active lifestyle he had been missing.

Not many people come in excited for a joint replacement, but that is exactly how Ray Absolon felt when he had his left knee replaced just 10 weeks after having his right one done.

Ray did quite a bit of research before having a knee replacement – he was determined to have a successful outcome. His research led to Ilya Bendich, MD, MBA, an adult joint reconstruction surgeon at WashU Medicine Orthopedics. Dr. Bendich, WashU Ortho, and advanced technology available at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital led to incredible outcomes in Ray's total knee replacements.  

What is robotic-assisted knee replacement technology?

WashU Medicine Orthopedics and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital utilize the latest in joint replacement technology, including robotic-assisted joint replacement. With this technology, contrary to what some imagine, a robot does not perform the surgery. In fact, a robotic knee replacement is similar to a traditional knee replacement, where a surgeon removes damaged or diseased tissue and replaces it with an implant. The difference is that it is done with the assistance of a robotic arm. "We are in control the entire time," says Bendich. "We are specially trained and skilled at using this technology, and the robot allows us to follow our surgical plan precisely." 

How does robotic knee replacement work?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses advanced imaging, 3D planning and robotic technology to help surgeons personalize the procedure to each patient's anatomy.

WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeons begin by visualizing a patient's anatomy with a 3D model using sophisticated surgical planning software and advanced imaging, allowing surgeons to create a personalized joint replacement plan. During surgery, the robotic system follows that surgical blueprint, which allows WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeons to cut only what is planned and make adjustments in real time, protecting healthy bone. 

"The goal is to get patients back to doing what they love, quicker," adds Bendich. "Using this technology helps us do that for our patients."

Ray is thrilled to sing praises of Dr. Bendich. "When I saw Dr. Bendich, there was no question that I needed a knee replacement. He told me the X-rays showed my knee was bone-on-bone and I had no meniscus left. He was really patient with me though." From that first appointment, Ray trusted Dr. Bendich and continued to be overly impressed with attentive care before and after his operation. "Dr. Bendich called the night before surgery. He took time to listen to me and made sure I was at ease about surgery the next day," Ray explained. "He called to check in on me once I was recovering at home, too."

Life after knee replacement

Ray progressed through recovery remarkably after the right knee replacement. His physical therapists were impressed and he was the model patient with an exceptional 120-degree bend just three weeks after surgery. He had minimal pain and swelling, and much less pain during recovery than before his operation. Ray was in need of a total joint replacement for both his right and left knee, and he actually looked forward to the day he was able to have his left knee replaced.

Why choose WashU Medicine for robotic joint replacement?

With advancing technology, patients like Ray are experiencing a relatively quick return to a better quality of life. Robotic technology use is growing across the country in joint replacements, but the midwest has the lowest utilization. WashU Medicine Orthopedics is a pioneer in robotic joint replacement, with specialists who perform a high-volume of these surgeries and conduct research on this technology. WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeons are performing over 500 of these procedures every year and maximizing patient outcomes. 

Ray continues to do exceptionally well in his recovery. He is walking independently, and was even using the elliptical six weeks after his left knee was replaced. With two well-working knees, Ray can get back to enjoying retirement and living his life without the limitation of "bad" knees.