OSTC has always been at the forefront of orthopedic advances and became the first clinic in the region to offer robotic assisted total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacements. This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with pinpoint accuracy.
The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174 percent.
Long-term success for joint replacement is highly dependent upon the positioning and alignment of the implant. Robot assisted joint replacement provides a level of extreme accuracy in positioning and alignment that could improve the longevity and success of joint replacements. With an influx of younger patients needing joint replacement, the longevity offered by robotic joint replacement is an attractive alternative to manual joint replacement, which does not last indefinitely.
Prior to surgery, the patient may have a specialized scan taken of their joint. These scans are used by the surgeon to plan out the procedure. Throughout the surgery, the surgeon controls a robotic arm which utilizes a GPS-like system as a mapping software. In surgery, the robotic system guides the surgeon with high-definition visualization, tactile, and auditory feedback. The system continuously updates the patient’s anatomy during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to make adjustments to implant placement and alignment, along with other critical details, all while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. This preparation and continuous updating allows for a surgery that is more specifically tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
“With robotic joint replacement, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Dr. Wilson. “Using a virtual 3D model, robot assisted surgery allows the surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute the plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip, and partial knee replacements.”
The Robotic Total Knee application is a knee replacement option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the robotic system to create a personalized surgery plan. This allows precision planning for the implant size, orientation, and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The robotic system also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively which assists the surgeon in minimizing bone resection.
The robotic partial knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to involve the whole knee. Following the personalized pre-operative plan, the surgeon guides the robotic arm during bone preparation to execute the pre-determined surgical plan and position the implant. By selectively targeting only the part of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis, surgeons can resurface the diseased portion of the knee, while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding the knee joint. Studies have shown robotic assisted partial knee replacements to be two to three times more accurate than manual partial knee replacement procedures.
The robotic total hip application is a treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the hip. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic arm during bone preparation to prepare the hip socket and position the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan. Studies have demonstrated robotic total hip replacement to be four times more accurate and reproducible than manual total hip replacement. “We are proud to be the first practice to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area,” said Dr. Perez. “The addition of robot assisted joint replacement to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide the community with outstanding healthcare.”
