Abrazo West Campus is now offering an innovative robotic-arm assisted technology for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacement procedures that will be used to help patients suffering from debilitating joint pain.
The Mako robotic system is a new tool at Abrazo West that transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy. Abrazo Health continues its focus on patient safety during the ongoing pandemic, as delays in care could lead to significant complications in many types of conditions.
“We want to help patients feel safe and comfortable getting care in our hospital,” said Abrazo West CEO Christina Oh. “Care teams meet frequently with respect to patient safety, best practices and ensuring non-COVID patients are kept separated from COVID-positive patients. We are encouraged by the continued reduction in hospitalized COVID patients statewide, and our commitment to safety includes protective policies and pre-operative protocols that originate in our affiliated physician practices and offices. Patients should feel confident and safe in any Abrazo facility or practice.”
Millions of Americans suffer from severe knee and hip pain or stiffness that is caused by arthritis or injury that limits their ability to perform and enjoy daily activities. For those who haven’t experienced relief with conservative treatment options like bracing, medication or joint fluid supplements, joint replacement surgery may be the answer.
The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase 673 percent by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174 percent. Yet studies have shown that approximately 30 percent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery.
The Mako hip and knee applications provide treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease in these areas. Orthopedic surgeons Christina Khoury M.D. and Lige Kaplan, M.D. are two orthopedic surgeons performing knee and hip surgeries using the Mako technology at Abrazo West.
“Using the Mako we can create a 3D map of each patient’s individual anatomy,” said Dr. Khoury. “The technology allows me to develop each patient’s individual surgical plan before entering the operating room. I can see the patient’s bone structure, identify the appropriate implant size, orientation and alignment for each patient’s unique anatomy. This can afford a more accurate placement of the implant, which can result in a better outcome for our patients.”
Dr. Kaplan explains the advantages the technology brings. “The surgeon guides the robotic-arm during the procedure, precisely positioning the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan. In studies, Mako total hip replacement has been shown to be four times more accurate than manual total hip replacement procedures. For partial knee replacement with Mako, it is two to three times more accurate than manual partial knee replacement procedures.”
The Mako 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 all three compartments of the 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.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer this highly advanced and transformative technology for our patients,” said Christina Oh, Abrazo West CEO. “The addition of this surgical technology to Abrazo West’s orthopedic service line further demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing the community with outstanding healthcare.”
