St Andrew’s patients requiring hip and knee replacement surgery will now be able to access cutting-edge robotic technology following the arrival of the hospital’s first Mako orthopaedic robot.
The robotic technology is designed to deliver new levels of accuracy and precision by assisting orthopaedic surgeons in joint replacement procedures.
For patients, the technology has been attributed to a range of benefits including quicker rehabilitation, shorter hospital stays, greater implant longevity and patient satisfaction.
Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Dale Rimmington, was the first to use the newly commissioned robot at St Andrew’s and said the technology assists in two key ways by guiding placement of the joint implant and setting boundaries for the surgery.
“Joint replacement surgery assisted by the Mako robot starts with a pre-operative CT scan, which provides us with a personalised three-dimensional virtual model for each patient,” Dr Rimmington said.
“We use the model in the operating theatre to guide placement of the new joint to within one millimetre and one degree of accuracy. This is important because we know that correct placement of the joint is crucial for giving patients the best possible outcome.
“The individual characteristics of the patient’s soft tissues are measured intraoperatively and together with the patient’s bone morphology and limb alignment, precision placement of the prosthetic implants can be carried out.
“The virtual model also creates boundaries for the surgery which can assist with preserving surrounding ligaments and reducing soft tissue damage, potentially leading to less trauma and pain for the patient.
“Ultimately and most importantly, the accuracy and precision we can achieve when assisted by the robotic technology can lead to a range of benefits for patients, including possibly less pain and quicker rehabilitation meaning patients can get back to everything they enjoy sooner,” he said.
General Manager, Mairi McNeill, said the arrival of St Andrew’s first Mako robot was exciting for both patients and surgeons alike.
“We are thrilled that our highly-skilled orthopaedic surgeons are now able to offer this advanced robotic technology to many of the patients who come to us for joint replacement surgery and who trust us with their care,” Mairi said.
“The Mako robot is a welcome addition to our surgical services, and one that we know will have a great impact on patient outcomes and experience which is at the heart of everything we do at St Andrew’s.”
Orthopaedic surgeons Dr Dale Rimmington and Dr James Brown offer access to Mako robotic services at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital.
Together with The Wesley Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital, we are proudly part of UnitingCare’s network of not-for-profit private hospitals. This is the fourth Mako robot for UnitingCare hospitals.