Log in

Health care

Abrazo West adds robotic technology for knee, hip replacements

Posted 9/3/20

Abrazo West Campus is now offering robotic-arm-assisted technology for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacement procedures that will be used to help patients suffering from debilitating joint pain.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
Health care

Abrazo West adds robotic technology for knee, hip replacements

Posted

Abrazo West Campus is now offering robotic-arm-assisted technology for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacement procedures that will be used to help patients suffering from debilitating joint pain.

The Mako robotic system is a new tool at Abrazo West, 13677 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear, that transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy, hospital officials announced in a release. Abrazo Health continues its focus on patient safety during the ongoing pandemic, as delays in care could lead to significant complications in many types of conditions.

“We want to help patients feel safe and comfortable getting care in our hospital,” hospital CEO Christina Oh said in a prepared statement. “Care teams meet frequently with respect to patient safety, best practices and ensuring non-COVID patients are kept separated from COVID-positive patients. We are encouraged by the continued reduction in hospitalized COVID patients statewide, and our commitment to safety includes protective policies and pre-operative protocols that originate in our affiliated physician practices and offices. Patients should feel confident and safe in any Abrazo facility or practice.”

Millions of Americans suffer from severe knee and hip pain or stiffness that is caused by arthritis or injury that limits their ability to perform and enjoy daily activities. For those who haven’t experienced relief with conservative treatment options like bracing, medication or joint fluid supplements, joint replacement surgery may be the answer, the release stated.

The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise during the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase 673% by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174%. Yet studies have shown that approximately 30% of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery.

RELATED STORY: Use of surgical robots rising in Arizona

The Mako hip and knee applications provide treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease in these areas. Dr. Christina Khoury and Dr. Lige Kaplan are two orthopedic surgeons performing knee and hip surgeries using the Mako technology at Abrazo West.

“Using the Mako we can create a 3D map of each patient’s individual anatomy,” Dr. Khoury said. “The technology allows me to develop each patient’s individual surgical plan before entering the operating room. I can see the patient’s bone structure, identify the appropriate implant size, orientation and alignment for each patient’s unique anatomy. This can afford a more accurate placement of the implant, which can result in a better outcome for our patients.”

Dr. Kaplan explained the advantages the technology brings.

“The surgeon guides the robotic-arm during the procedure, precisely positioning the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan. In studies, Mako total hip replacement has been shown to be four times more accurate than manual total hip replacement procedures,” he said. “For partial knee replacement with Mako, it is two to three times more accurate than manual partial knee replacement procedures.”

The Mako partial knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve  pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee.

Following the personalized pre-operative plan, the surgeon guides the robotic arm during bone preparation to execute the pre-determined surgical plan and position the implant. By selectively targeting only the part of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis, surgeons can resurface the diseased portion of the knee while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding the knee joint.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer this highly advanced and transformative technology for our patients,” Ms. Oh said. “The addition of this surgical technology to Abrazo West’s orthopedic service line further demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing the community with outstanding healthcare.”