An Innovative New Option for Orthopedic Surgery
Artesia General Hospital is excited to announce the arrival of robotic orthopedic surgery. The state-of-the-art robotic arm system will enhance surgeons’ accuracy and precision when performing partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement procedures.
“You can’t get this level of accuracy, precision and safety with conventional or even computer- assisted orthopedic surgery,” says Zhinian Wan, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon. “These advancements are the key to an easier and shorter recovery process for the patient.”
If you have early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee, this new, minimally invasive option may be an alternative to total knee replacement. Surgeons are able to accurately target only the diseased portion of the knee, without compromising the healthy bone and tissue surrounding it.
Zhinian Wan and Marshall Baca, Orthopedic Surgeons, discussing the benefits of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery.
PATIENT-SPECIFIC PROCEDURES
Unique to this type of partial knee resurfacing is the creation of a 3-D model of the patient’s knee, making each procedure truly patient-specific. Infrared reflectors are placed on the thighbone and shinbone, bouncing back a signal that provides a map of the leg and how it moves. Data collected from the devices is combined with a CT scan of the knee to ensure accuracy. Using this information, the robot can assist in the resurfacing procedure with eight times more accuracy than one performed by sight alone.
During total hip replacement surgery, surgeons use the robot to visualize the joint, prepare the bone and guide implant positioning. Following a procedure similar to the one used in partial knee resurfacing, the device offers more accurate implant placement and leg length restoration.
“Our goal as orthopedic physicians is to get our patients back on their feet, free of pain,” says Marshall Baca, MD, Orthopedics. “This type of surgery gives people back their mobility and the freedom to be active again.”
Artesia General Hospital continues to lead the way in healthcare technology for New Mexico. To see if robot-assisted orthopedic surgery is right for you, or for more information on our total hip or partial knee replacements, please call The Bone and Joint Destination Center today at 575.736.8106.