long-term surviv-
ability of the
implants.
Robotics
doesn't impact
the short-term
recovery of
patients or lead to a faster return to activity. Those factors are influ-
enced by minimally invasive dissection, less aggressive incisions and
novel anesthetic techniques. I do, however, believe robotics will
improve joint functional outcomes. A more accurate placement of the
implant facilitates better range of motion in the joint. I've performed
approximately 50 robotic-assisted procedures. Anecdotally, my sense
is that the patients gain early motion at 1 week and 1 month post-op
faster than they would have had they undergone conventional surgery.
Robotic technology levels the playing field among surgeons. The
instant precision it provides is ideally suited for inexperienced sur-
geons who want to get a joint replacement program up and running.
However, prior knee surgeries or joint deformities can make it
extremely challenging to determine the true center of the mechanical
axis. During those circumstances even the most experienced joint
replacement specialist would benefit greatly from using robotic tech-
nology.
My robotic-assisted surgery procedures last only approximately 10
minutes longer than it takes to perform conventional surgery. That's
an important consideration, because increased time on the table is
associated with significant morbidity in joint replacement procedures.
Making the investment
5 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6
"
"
"I'm always impressed with
how the robot makes that cut
perfectly every time."
