Here are 15 things to know about the device:
1. The new robotic arm will assist orthopedic surgeons in performing hip and knee surgery.
2. The technological device is expected to improve outcomes for patients.
3. Surgeons have been using the device called RIO, “Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, for the last month.
4. The robotic arm cost the hospital approximately $1 million.
5. The device gives surgeons the opportunity to perform surgeries with the utmost precision in terms of preparing a patient to receive an artificial joint.
6. The arm is designed to assist surgeons in the “burring” for partial knee replacements and “reaming” for hip replacements.
7. “Burring” and “reaming” require milling away fractions of the bone or cartilage to allow room for the artificial replacement parts.
8. These procedures require precision to ensure the replacement parts fit correctly for the duration of the patient’s life
.
9. Dr. Winter states the device reduces the chance of having complications like dislocation and limb length differences for hip replacements.
10. RIO allows surgeons to avoid mistakes in the burring or reaming process by only disrupting necessary material for the replacement.
11. While the RIO may play a minimal part in the surgery, its role is pertinent for surgeons to operate within accurate parameters.
12. Partial knee replacements will feel more natural with the help of RIOs by not taking down ligaments in the knee.
13. Dr. Basta states that the new robotic arm allows orthopedic surgeons to consider a larger patient population for partial knee replacements.
14. Drs. Basta and Winter have seen success in their patients who have had surgeries with the RIO.
15. With the many opportunities the robotic arm presents for surgical procedures, Drs. Basta and Winter believe that the device will pay for itself.
For more articles on orthopedics:
5 facts about fluctuating charges for joint replacement surgeries
Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. Lutul Farrow of The Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Ronald DeThomas joins Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists: 3 quick facts
