Dr. Hasson specializes in using the Mako SmartRobotics system for all the hip and knee replacements he performs.
He spoke with Becker’s about his recent decision to join DISC, and what is next for the field of robotics.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Why did you make the decision to join DISC?
Dr. Duke Hasson: Joining DISC was an easy decision. With the quality of physicians they have and locations they have, it was a no-brainer to partner with DISC. They’re also looking to expand their joint replacement footprint, not just in Southern California, but nationwide. Bringing my expertise with robotic surgery for knee and hip replacements to DISC was something I thought would be valuable to the growth of the practice and to its patients.
Q: What are some of your preliminary plans to expand DISC’s joint replacement program?
DH: First and foremost, we are focused on putting out the best product. In this day and age, if you’re not having a robotic joint replacement, you’re behind the curve. By providing the best product in Southern California in the outpatient setting, this will transform the area. We perform outpatient joint replacements in Newport and Marina Del Ray. Patients are going home 2 to 2.5 hours after surgery with minimal pain. This is revolutionizing the patient experience. Having it done in a world-class ASC in the heart of Newport Beach and going home two hours after is a game changer.
Q: Have you faced any pushback when it comes to migrating joint replacement cases to the ASC?
DH: No, all patients are eager to not have to go to a hospital. When COVID-19 happened, a lot of physicians took previously hospital-based procedures and moved them to an outpatient setting. Nowadays, patients don’t want to go to the hospital. Hospitals are for sick people. Coming to a clean and efficient ASC is what patients want. They don’t want to sit there and be in a hospital for extended periods of time. They want in and out. People always do better sleeping in their own bed, being in their own house, being around familiar settings.
Q: How have robotic joint replacements improved care for your patients?
DH: I’ve always lived by the mantra, “If there’s something that can make me a better surgeon, why not do it?” I trained with Mako robotics and without robotics, and the precision and personalization you get with Mako robotic arm assisted joint replacements is unprecedented. It utilizes 3D- and CT-based planning and creates a customized surgical plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy. On top of that, it gives me the ability to make real time, interoperative adjustments for the optimal implant placement and alignment. This increases the accuracy of the surgery. Further, doing these robotically, we are much gentler with the soft tissue and do this minimally invasive. We can preserve more bone, be gentler to soft tissue, there’s also less surgical trauma and blood loss and quicker surgery. That all translates to faster recovery.
Q: What other technology advancements are you keeping an eye on in 2025?
DH: I think the integration of augmented reality is what I’m really excited about, for all aspects of orthopedics, whether its spine, joint replacement or trauma. AR is going to be the next goal all companies start hitting.
