No medical specialty remains the same year after year–including the field of orthopedic surgery. The innovations are amazing, benefiting patients and the doctors who use them. In this blog, you’ll read about how bone and joint surgery and non-operative interventions produce outstanding therapeutic results.
Robotic-assisted and Computer-assisted Surgery
Computer software combined with an orthopedic surgeon’s diagnostic and hands-on operative skills equals CAS.
Using detailed imaging to plan and execute orthopedic surgeries, such as limb salvage or joint replacement, CAS dramatically improves patient outcomes and speeds recovery. Complications and surgical revision decrease as doctors use digital templates to place incisions, map bones and replace joints with synthetic components.
In addition, at Watauga Orthopaedics, we offer robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries for qualified patients suffering from arthritis in the knee or hips.
Using Mako brand robotic technology, the surgeons can create a 3D model of the affected joint and use this data to custom-fit an implant and create a precise surgical plan. The robotic arm is guided by the surgeon, removing only diseased bone and cartilage, and preserving healthy tissue.
This approach leads to faster recovery times and a more natural fit for the implant. We use Mako SmartRobotics for total hip and knee replacements, Mako SmartRobotics is also a great option for partial knee replacements as the robotic assist ensures accurate surgery that uses as few incisions as possible.
3D Printing
Making joint components onsite sounds impossible, but it is now a reality in many orthopedic settings. Some surgeons utilize 3D computer software and synthetic materials to custom-craft screws, rods, and other bone and joint hardware.
Custom joint components tend to fit better than regular components because they are designed individually for each patient. This increases the chances that the joint replacement surgery is successful and does not need to be repeated.
This saves doctors and patients time, money and revisions, and it creates endless possibilities for size and fit.
Augmented Reality
This technological wonder projects data and images onto the operative field. In other words, this digital apparatus helps the surgeon correct the size and shape of the injured bone, joint or soft tissue and to place implants and sutures with the greatest efficiency and accuracy.
Over time, AR may reduce recovery time and more closely meet therapeutic outcomes. In other words, patients can feel and function better and more quickly when their orthopedic doctors are assisted by the data and images provided by augmented reality.
Cartilage Regeneration
Can torn or worn knee cartilage be replaced without synthetic materials? The answer is yes, if cartilage wear and tear has occurred over time and is moderate in severity.
Here is how it works. The surgeon removes a sample of healthy cartilage from the affected knee. In the laboratory, new cartilage cells grow over a period of four to six weeks. Then, they are injected into the knee where they meld with existing, healthy cartilage.
Cartilage regeneration is a very promising orthopedic treatment for many adults who are otherwise in good health as it postpones, or completely avoids, expensive knee replacement surgery which can take weeks to months of recovery and rehabilitation.However it is not yet a commonly available treatment, and only some specialty hospitals offer it.
Orthopedic Surgeons Near Me in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol, TN
At Watauga Orthopedics, our highly trained team of orthopedic surgeons create care plans which maximize the function and health of the spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot. In short, we treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the entire musculoskeletal system.
We specialize in robotic surgery for joint replacement. Specifically, our orthopedic surgeons are trained to use Mako SmartRobotics for total hip replacements, total knee replacements, and partial knee replacements.
So, if you are facing surgery or and want the best orthopedic surgeon, contact us for an initial consultation. We have three fully staffed, up to date clinics to serve all your musculoskeletal needs.
Call us today at (423) 282-9011 or request your visit with one of our board-certified physicians by filling out our appointment request form. We look forward to discussing your needs and goals very soon!
