Ash Bolt
A new robot is set to make a difference to orthopaedic surgery at Epworth Geelong.
The Mako robot will be used in hip and knee replacement procedures in what Epworth Geelong executive general manager Leonie Lloyd said was a first for the region.
“Epworth HealthCare introduced its first Mako robot in Melbourne four years ago,” Ms Lloyd said.
“We are proud that Epworth Geelong is the first hospital in the region to pioneer the use of a Mako robot in orthopaedic surgery.”
Until now, orthopaedic surgeons would be guided by patient X-rays, taken in the days or weeks leading up to surgery, however the Mako robot is able to plan surgeries more precisely.
“Mako allows you to overlay three-dimensional imaging via a CT scan, with live navigation, so you can perform incredibly precise cuts and implant position,” Ms Lloyd said.
“The robot can even factor in the patient’s soft tissues when implanting the joint replacement, giving individualised patient specific positioning.”
Orthopaedic surgeons are now undertaking training and certification on the Mako with the first robotic procedure at Epworth Geelong expected early in the new year.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Thomson said the robotic technology allowed for precise surgical planning and prosthesis implantation.
“The improved pre-operative planning and precision enabled by the robotic platform ultimately leads to a more accurate placement of the joint replacement and potentially less damage to a patient’s soft tissues,” he said.
“There is evidence that this can more accurately restore a patient’s anatomy and therefore improve the functional result of the surgery.”
The Mako robot at Epworth Geelong is the fourth used at Epworth, with two operating at Epworth Richmond and one at Epworth Eastern.
