Coastal Orthopedics, an orthopedic surgery practice whose physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery and pain management, is the first practice in the region to offer Stryker’s Mako Robotic-Arm assisted total and partial knee replacement procedures. This latest advancement in joint replacement surgery is transforming the way joint replacement procedures are performed.
Robotic-arm assisted surgery is a new approach to knee replacement that offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning. The technology allows surgeons to create a 3D plan and perform surgery using a surgeon controlled robotic-arm that helps execute the procedure with a high degree of accuracy.
Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase 189 percent by 2030, yet studies have shown that approximately 20 percent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery. Mako Total Knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically successful Triathlon Total Knee System, which enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy. 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.
Mako SmartRobotics™ consists of three unique components – 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop™ haptic technology and insightful data analytics. In clinical studies, Mako Total and Partial Knee demonstrated the potential for patients to experience less pain, less need for opiate analgesics, less need for inpatient physical therapy, reduction in length of hospital stay, improved knee flexion and soft tissue protection in comparison to manual techniques. The technology also allows surgeons to cut less, which can mean less soft tissue damage and greater bone preservation.
“With the current trend of orthopedic surgeries shifting to outpatient surgery centers, Coastal Orthopedics has made a significant investment so we can offer this technology to our local community,” said Alan Valadie, joint replacement specialist. “We believe our patients don’t need to travel to a teaching center or university for the latest innovations in healthcare. Our hope is that the Mako robot will now provide a level of precision that can take our surgical outcomes to an even higher level.”
Following the personalized pre-operative plan, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to execute the predetermined surgical plan and to 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-arm assisted partial knee replacement is two to three times more accurate than manual partial knee replacement procedures.
“We are proud to be the first provider in a 5 county region to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our outpatient surgery center,” said Paige LeMay, chief executive officer of Coastal Orthopedics. “This addition to our orthopedic service line in the Sarasota/Manatee markets further demonstrates our commitment to provide the local community with outstanding healthcare in our own backyard.”
