World-class robotic technology is making its debut in Australian hospitals, marking a significant advancement in knee surgery. Doreen Nicholson, a 73-year-old woman from Victoria, is set to become the first patient to undergo a knee replacement using this groundbreaking system at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
This innovative robotic machine creates highly detailed 3D models of patients’ knees, allowing surgeons to visualise the anatomy they will operate on without any incisions. This capability enables medical professionals to formulate tailored surgical plans that may improve recovery times for patients.
Doreen faced severe knee pain following a fall earlier this year, which an X-ray revealed necessitated a knee replacement. She expressed her feelings of excitement and privilege at being the first person in Australia to benefit from this advanced technology. While robotic assistance is increasingly common in surgical environments, this new generation of tech takes things a step further by enhancing pre-surgical planning.
Melbourne surgeon Professor Tim Whitehead noted that while the majority of patients experience satisfactory outcomes post-surgery, there exists a small percentage who report less favourable results, a dissatisfaction rate ranging between 0% to 20%. The introduction of this robotic system aims to minimise such concerns by facilitating a more customised approach to knee replacements.
The robotic technology also includes a feature known as a “knee balancer,” which evaluates the tension of the ligaments in the knee. This functionality provides surgeons with the ability to optimally position the knee replacement, ensuring better balance for each patient. Overall, this advancement promises to revolutionise knee surgery in Australia, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.