ROBOTIC ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT

The latest innovation in joint replacement surgery

Robotic Surgery: FAQ

WHAT IS ROBOTICALLY ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT?

Robotic Joint replacement surgery is gaining popularity around the world due to benefits with improved component positioning. In order to get the optimum function of a joint replacement it has to be implanted accurately and consistently. This may be in a slightly different position for each person depending on small variations in an individual's anatomy.

This new technology brings an ability to achieve this consistently and brings real patient benefits.

Dr Roche only uses the robotic system with the longest track record that has been used to perform over 300 000 joint replacements worldwide and he has now performed over 650 cases using this system in Rockhampton. It is the only system with a robotic cutting arm that automatically aligns to the correct position and is controlled by the surgeon.

PROCESS OF ROBOTICALLY ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT

PRE-OPERATIVE CT SCAN

A limited CT scan is performed to help plan the surgery. This takes images though the hip and knee for a Total Hip Replacement. Images are also taken through the ankle for a Total Knee Replacement.
These special scans can only take place at validated CQ Radiology sites in Emerald, Gladstone and Hillcrest Hospital Rockhampton.

PRE-OPERATIVE CT BASED PLANNING

Everyone's joints are slightly different. These detailed scans allow planning of the position of the implants to within 0.5mm and 0.5 degrees to give the best possible fit of the implant to your joint

ADAPTION OF PLAN AFTER ASSESSMENT TO BALANCE SOFT TISSUES IN SURGERY

In knee replacement surgery the tension in the ligaments around the knee are assessed. The plan is then adapted to balance the tension in these ligaments and minimise the soft tissue releases needed.

This is a key benefit over all other types of patient specific instrumentation.

It results in fewer soft tissue releases, that equates to less pain and swelling

ROBOTIC ASSISTED SHAPING OF BONE

Once the plan for your joint has been adjusted to suit your soft tissues all that is left is to execute that plan precisely. The robotic arm is used to guide the saw, burr or reamer and is accurate to less than 1 millimetre.

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Robotic Surgery: Services

ROBOTIC ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT

The latest innovation in joint replacement surgery

Robotic Surgery: FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is a surgeon still performing the surgery?

Yes, the robotic arm is just one of the tools used to perform your operation. It is only brought to the operating table when required. It is under the full control of Dr Roche at all times. The is not an autonomous procedure.

Are all robots the same?

No. Different robotic systems have been launched in the last few years by different implant manufacturers. Some do not have robotic saw attachments and others do not use axial imaging for planning. Dr Roche uses the Stryker MAKO robot. This is the only robot with published research that shows improved outcomes on National Joint Replacement Registry data. It is also the only robotic system that can perform hip replacement, total knee replacement and unicompartmental knee replacement. The proven benefits from this system cannot be applied to other companies robotic systems.

Is the operation quicker?

Generally the operation is of a similar length. There are some extra steps with registering the bone surface and attaching trackers to your bones but it allows other aspects of the procedure to be quicker. The benefits are quality rather than speed.

Is this new technology?

This is the first and still the most advanced robot system available. Over 300 000 procedures have been performed worldwide with this system. Dr Roche was the first to use this technology for hip replacement, total knee replacement and unicompartmental knee replacement in Rockhampton in September 2020. He has now performed over 550 procedures using this new technology

Do you need to use special implants?

The total hip and total knee replacement implants are identical to those Dr Roche has used extensively for the last 5 years. Consequently he is very familiar with them in all different situations. The unicompartmental knee replacement can only be implanted using the robotic system and is optimised to make the most of this technology.