FEMH Magazine

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  • 2023-08-01

Precision Medicine: Robotic Arm-Assisted Total Joint Replacement

Orthopedics Department Wang, Cheng-Tzu
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       The development of technology has greatly changed our way of life. In addition to providing convenience to the general public, it also offers more precise and minimally invasive medical procedures. Patients suffering from degenerative knee joints may have heard of total knee replacement surgery, which involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint, replacing them with metal implants, and inserting durable polymer cushions to restore the original functionality of the knee joint. However, each person's knee joint is unique, including factors such as the angle of varus and valgus, degree of wear, and the mechanical distribution of forces on the knee cap. In addition to selecting implants of the appropriate size and material, it is also important to customize the implantation method to each individual. The ROSA robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery is designed to create a personalized implantation method for each patient. In traditional knee replacement procedures, surgeons use instruments to assist in positioning and measuring the bone to be removed. This can lead to larger incisions, longer recovery times, and more tissue damage and pain. However, with the ROSA robotic arm-assisted approach, top-notch optical lenses are used for precise positioning, allowing real-time tracking of the patient's 3D spatial position. With the assistance of a precision mechanical arm manufactured in Switzerland, surgeons can achieve any desired rotation angle and depth, enabling them to accurately calculate and remove the affected joint surfaces.
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          Furthermore, the new generation of process design significantly reduces surgery time and minimizes the potential for infections. Before customized surgery, it is necessary to understand the bone structure of each patient. By utilizing 3D reconstruction algorithms, a realistic bone model of the patient can be created using only two X-rays. This helps surgeons plan the surgery and adjust the size, placement, and orientation of the implants. By avoiding the need for CT scans for 3D bone modeling, the radiation absorption is greatly reduced.
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          During the surgery, in addition to providing a 3D bone model, the ROSA robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery also includes a real-time intuitive soft tissue balancing system. This system quantifies the surgeon's assessment of ligament tension, continuously recording data before, during, and after the procedure. Only the necessary tissues are removed, ensuring the preservation of healthy tissues that do not need to be removed. This assistance helps the surgeon precisely plan how to balance soft tissue preservation and bone conservation, while reducing unnecessary postoperative pain for patients.
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         The robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery provides orthopedic surgeons with a more precise and reassuring surgical approach. Compared to traditional surgery, it preserves more healthy tissues within the joint, allowing for a more comfortable and faster recovery to return to the patient's original daily life. However, it is important to note that this surgery is not suitable for all patients, and a detailed diagnosis and evaluation by a specialized orthopedist is still required before the procedure.