Robotic-assisted surgery can aid surgeons during total joint replacements

Sep 6, 2022

Robotic-assisted surgery offers more options for patients considering total hip and knee joint replacements. Surgeons use this advanced technology to have more information about the joint to create a more personalized surgical plan.

The benefits to using this technology starts by knowing more about the patient’s anatomy before even entering the operating room. A CT scan generates a 3D model of the joint. Then, the surgeon uses this interactive model to create an operative plan tailored to the patient.

“We can take into considerations tissue balance during surgery and using the robot as a tool to implant the replacement exactly according to plan,” said Dr. David Simenstad, Marshfield Clinic Health System orthopedic surgeon.

The plan is loaded into the Mako SmartRobotics™ system. During the surgery, the robotic-arm then guides the surgeon within the pre-defined area according to the plan. Additionally, the AccuStop™ haptic system prevents the surgeon’s cutting tool from moving outside the planned boundaries. This increases the surgeon’s precision.

Robotic-assisted technology complements surgeons’ expertise

Computer-assisted surgery is not new for Marshfield Clinic Health System orthopedic surgeons. However, this robotic tool offers additional technology to increase precision and accuracy even beyond what computer-assisted surgery already does.

Additional benefits also may include a more natural feeling for the patient after surgery due to more precise implant placement. And, it may result in smaller incisions, quicker recovery, shorter hospitalizations, less pain and a reduced risk of injury to adjacent tissues.

If you are considering a total knee or hip replacement because of chronic joint pain due to osteoarthritis or injury, you may be eligible for a replacement using robotic-assisted surgery. Ask your orthopedic surgeon if this method is right for you.

3 responses to “Robotic-assisted surgery can aid surgeons during total joint replacements”

Ggls

Sep 8, 2022

Both of my knees have been without cartilage for over 25 years. I was told repeatedly that I was too young for knee replacement. Quality of life was more important to me then and to this day so I've been in pain to this day. I limp every day and now my hip is also hurting. 25 years of pain is nothing to scoff at and it's only worsened. Now, everyone wants to get their scalpel into me and I'm afraid of not getting a good surgeon as they seem to be a little bit too gung ho. I've had shoulder surgery, knee surgery, foot surgery, hand surgery and many steroid injections (that did nothing, the expensive ones also), and the only surgery that helped any pain was the hand and foot surgery, the others did nothing to relieve pain. I guess I'm very gun shy at this point but would like to be able to walk more than 50 feet without wanting to just give up. I trust no one at this point and most of the older, well respected doctors are retired now.

Reply
Lisa Gieringer

May 6, 2021

I have a right hip that has some degeneration going on . I have lost a good part of range of motion of like bending and I have bit of a limp to .

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  May 7, 2021
  
  Hello Lisa,
  
  Thank you for reaching out.
  
  We strongly recommend talking directly with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Due to their knowledge of your medical history and past conditions, they can best advise you.
  
  Thanks,
  Jake
  
  Reply