Patients in need of total hip or knee replacement surgery now have access to a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system being offered exclusively in Washington County by orthopaedic surgeons at Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Canonsburg Hospital. Called the Mako SmartRobotics™ surgical system, the technology enables surgeons to replace damaged joints in a less invasive procedure that often shortens recovery times.
According to the CDC, osteoarthritis – or “wear and tear” arthritis – is the most common cause of disability among adults in the U.S., afflicting more than 24 million Americans. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee.
For those with mid-stage or advanced osteoarthritis and undergoing joint replacement surgery, the Mako system uses a CT scan of the patient’s joint to create a three-dimensional map of the surgical area, providing for a personalized surgical experience based on their specific anatomy. The Mako’s robotic arm then assists the surgeon in removing damaged bone and limits drilling only to areas pre-defined in the surgical plan.
When operating with increased precision and accuracy, patients experience less blood loss, pain and soft tissue damage, as well as quicker recovery times.
“Having the greatest possible accuracy with robotic assistance allows surgeons to remove only arthritic portions of the bone, preserving healthy bone and tissue,” said Eric Yakish, MD, an AHN orthopaedic surgeon on staff at Canonsburg who specializes in joint replacement . “This level of precision enables optimal placement of artificial joints and decreases friction on the new joint, which results in a more natural feel for the patient.”
AHN was the first health system in Western Pennsylvania to utilize the Mako system at Allegheny General Hospital in 2014. The technology is also now being used at AHN’s Forbes, Wexford and Saint Vincent hospitals.
“AHN has a long history of providing patients with access to the latest technologies and cutting-edge surgical techniques that help them recover faster and resume healthy, productive lives,” said Patrick DeMeo, MD, chair of the AHN Orthopaedic Institute and Medical Director of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball club. “The Mako system is another great example of that innovation and we are extremely pleased to make it even more accessible close to home for those who live in the greater Washington County region.”
To learn more, visit www.ahn.org/orthopaedic.
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About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 22,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
