SHEFFIELD – Surgical technology took a big leap forward as Helen Keller Hospital brought a new state-of-the-art robot on line. Designed to assist surgeons with knee and hip replacement procedures, the MAKO SYSTEM is the first of its kind in Northwest Alabama.
Director of Surgical Services Michael Hill, R.N.
“This is a game changer”, said Registered Nurse Michael Hill, Director of Surgical Services at Keller. ” This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy. ”
The Mako, is built and supported by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, MI. Stryker has already placed more than 650 Mako robots around the world, with more than 76,900 knee and hip replacement procedures performed. The new technology will used by surgeons of the North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic., P.C.
Here is what Helen Keller Hospital had to say about this innovative new technology:
The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174 percent. Yet studies have shown that approximately 30 percent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery.
This is one of the reasons, the surgeons from North Alabama Bone and Joint came to us with the idea of purchasing the Mako System. “With Mako, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Paul Storey, President of Helen Keller Hospital. “Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements.” The surgeons that will be using the Mako System are, Dr. Jeffery Goodman, Dr. Jeff Hovater, Dr. A.E. Joiner, Dr. John Mann, Dr. Johnathan Wright, and Dr. John Young. The first surgery will be performed this month.
The Mako Total Knee, partial knee and total hip application are treatment options designed to relieve the pain caused by degenerative joint disease. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.
Stryker’s Mako has been in the news recently throughout all of Alabama. The University of Alabama’s head coach, Nick Saban, had hip replacement surgery that was assisted by the Mako system. Saban was up using a walker the day after the surgery and a cane two days after. He was back to work within the week.
Paul Storey, Keller Hospital President
“We are proud to be the first hospital in Northwest Alabama to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area,” said Paul Storey, President of Helen Keller Hospital. “The addition of Mako to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide the community with outstanding healthcare.”
