Erlanger Orthopaedic Institute has added two state of the art robotic surgery systems to assist with total hip and total and partial knee replacement surgeries.
Officials said, "Erlanger is the first health system in the region, and one of only a few in the nation, to have multiple surgeons performing robotic assisted orthopaedic surgeries with access to multiple platforms.
"Robotic assisted orthopaedic surgery is the next generation of orthopaedic technology. This technology takes computer assistance to another level by partially controlling instruments to improve safety, accuracy and precision for better overall alignment and sizing, while also improving surgical execution.
The surgeon maintains control at the field, but has more information and more assistance available than ever before."
“We are proud to have partnered with several companies to forge ahead developing a truly trailblazing opportunity for our region: building a comprehensive computer and robotic assisted orthopedic surgery program,” said Dr. Mark G. Freeman, medical director of Erlanger Orthopaedic Institute. “We have access to multiple computer and robotic systems maintaining increased choice for implants and surgical options for our patients. Few hospitals around the country have these options available to patients. Most hospitals have no computer navigation or robotic program, and others, at best, have a couple of surgeons, at most, trained on only one robotic system available, which limits implant choice and other options for patients and surgeons.”
Six orthopaedic specialists for hip and knee joint reconstruction have been trained and utilize these new technologies at Erlanger. "With more surgeons utilizing these systems, more patients have access to these advancements in surgical care," officials said.
Dr. Freeman continued, “The Erlanger Orthopaedic Institute is by far the region’s most comprehensive musculoskeletal provider. With more than 30 surgeons, non-operative physicians and advanced practice providers, all orthopaedic specialties are covered with fellowship trained, board certified doctors, and, in many cases, several physicians in each specialty.”
According to Dr. Freeman, the most significant use of these devices involves hip and knee replacement surgery; however, the future is bright for applications in tumor surgery, spine, fracture repair, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery, foot and ankle surgery and other specialties.
"Erlanger surgeons are routinely ahead of the curve with utilizing the latest technology for orthopaedic procedures," officials said. "They were the first in the region to use computer navigation, computer design software for individualized planning of surgery, custom 3D printed patient specific instrumentation and even the first and only in the region to make truly custom hip and knee replacement implants available to patients. Erlanger Orthopaedic Institute is the only program in the region to obtain gold certification as a DNV Center of Excellence for hip and knee replacement based on quality outcomes, patient safety, and surgical care process development."