Dec 9 2010
Orthopedic surgeons at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center are utilizing the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System to carry out partial knee replacement procedures for preliminary to middle stage osteoarthritis patients.
The robotic device was developed by MAKO Surgical and has received FDA approval. Till date around 5,000 osteoarthritis procedures have been performed in the United States.
Dr. William Macaulay, Director of the Center, for Hip and Knee Replacement at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and Nas S. Eftekhar, Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief of the Division of Adult Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip and Knee at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, have jointly stated that robotic technology is an ideal tool for partial knee replacement procedure, which demands higher level of accuracy. They have mentioned that the robotic device treats patients with less pain and quick recovery.
Dr. Macaulay has said that the robotic arm offers a pre-operative plan to the surgeon, explaining the bone preparation technique and tailored implant placing by means of a CT scan of the knee of the patient. Further, during the surgery, the robotic device offers a 3-D virtual vision of the surface of the bone and compares the image to the predetermined procedure plan. The demonstrative, audio and visual feedback offered by the robotic device confines the bone preparation only to the affected areas and optimizes the positioning of the implant.
It was reported that that the robotic surgery is suggested for those who feel knee pain with activity, either on the inner or outer knees or under the kneecap. Other candidates are those who experience knee pain or stiffness while initiating activities from a sitting posture and those who did not respond to non-surgical therapy or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.