MCCG Offers Robotic Arm Guided Surgery Demonstration

MCCG Offers Robotic Arm Guided Surgery Demonstration

Minimally invasive procedure treats osteoarthritis

MACON, GA (July 9, 2012) – In 2010, The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) became the first hospital in the region to perform MAKOplasty^®, a minimally invasive partial knee and hip resurfacing procedure used to treat early to mid-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip. MAKOplasty^®, powered by the RIO^® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, offers a more precise and consistent result for partial knee and hip resurfacing.

MCCG will host a MAKOplasty^® demonstration day on Thursday, July 12 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in MCCG's Trice Lobby. Media are invited for a private look at this robotic surgical system. This is not a public event, but media are invited to attend.

 MAKOplasty^® is performed through a smaller incision than traditional knee or hip replacement surgeries. Only the arthritic portion of the knee or hip is resurfaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue. After resurfacing, implants are optimally positioned in the joint to allow smooth movement once again.

This system provides the surgeon a pre-surgical plan that details the technique for bone preparation and customized implant positioning using a CT scan of the patient's knee. During the procedure, the system creates a three-dimensional live-action, virtual view of the patient's bone surface and correlates the image to the pre-programmed surgical plan.  As the surgeon uses the robotic arm, its tactile, acoustic and visual feedback limits the bone preparation to the diseased areas and provides for more optimal implant positioning and placement for each individual patient.  

“MAKOplasty^® allows the surgeon to be more exact with his surgery. In turn, the patient will get a better result,” said Dr. Rob Thornsberry, who had the procedure on both knees and was back to full-time work two weeks later. “This is an operation I've done hundreds of times, but this technology allows me to do it better. We're taking a common operation and refining it, making it better.”

Benefits of MAKOplasty^® include less scaring and blood loss, minimal hospitalization and quicker recovery, and less implant wear and loosening. The less invasive surgery improves surgical outcomes and creates a more natural feeling joint. More accurate placement of the implant reduces the likelihood of complications such as dislocation and rubbing, and leads to a better range of motion. MAKOplasty^® hip replacement also reduces the risk of leg length discrepancy by providing feedback during surgery to create final correct leg length before the incision is closed. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OA is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The opportunity for early intervention is important.