Robotic assistant offers improved outcomes for knee replacement patients

New robotic technology at Nepean Hospital is assisting orthopaedic surgeons to deliver knee replacements with millimetre accuracy and offering improved recovery outcomes for patients.

AroBoTIC Surgical Assistant, known as roSA, has been introduced to the theatres of the hospital’s orthopaedic Surgery department, with Nepean Hospital just the second public hospital in NSW to have access to the technology.

using state-of-the-art technology, roSA applies 3D modelling preoperatively to support surgeons to plan the optimal position of the knee implant with pinpoint accuracy.

Associate professor Yasser Khatib, Head of orthopaedic Surgery at Nepean Hospital says roSA is ensuring patients are getting the most technologically advanced experience of surgery.

“With the introduction of roSA, people in the Nepean Blue Mountains area can be assured they’re receiving world-class surgery with world-class surgeons,” Yasser says.

Nepean Hospital is a high-volume centre for joint replacements and knees are the most common joint replacement procedure performed.

Yasser says knee joints involve more complex movement and as such, knee surgery can result in a more involved recovery, longer length of hospital stay and more physiotherapy than other joint replacements.

“ROSA may be particularly beneficial with some of our more complex cases as it provides us with objective data on soft tissue balance and tolerances, providing us with valuable information to judge and modify the best position of the prosthesis.”

“Ensuring the precision of the procedure has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance the patient’s surgical experience and make the recovery easier after surgery,” says Yasser.

ROSA may assist us to minimise pain, improve balance and movement of the knee and overall, reduce the length of hospital stay and rehabilitation required after surgery.

The hospital’s orthopaedic surgeons are excited by the benefits ROSA may offer their patients and Yasser has partnered with fellow Nepean Hospital orthopaedic surgeon Associate professor rami Sorial, Dr Eli oleschewski and Dr pavitar Sunner to conduct a clinical trial examining these benefits.

It’s hoped that data from the study will clearly demonstrate how the use of robotic technology supports a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

“our patients deserve the best care possible and anything we can do to help improve their experience and speed up recovery is worth investing in,” Yasser says.