Advanced computer assisted 3-D interactive technology provides accurate and precise partial knee reconstruction, less pain and quicker recovery.
12/9/2008 - William J. Robb III, M.D., and Michael O’Rourke, M.D., of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) are the first orthopaedic surgeons in Illinois trained in an exciting and innovative technology that utilizes three-dimensional computer graphics and interactive robotic cutting tools to treat patients who suffer from early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the medial (inner) knee.
“While partial knee replacement surgery is not new,” said Dr. O’Rourke, director of NorthShore’s Total Joint Replacement Center, “this robotic technology is revolutionizing the way the surgery is performed. It enables surgeons to be accurate and safe in the least invasive way possible so the patient can resume normal activity sooner and experience a more natural feel to the knee and a longer life span on the knee joint.”
“The robotic component takes computer assisted surgery to an exciting new level because it allows a highly technical procedure to be performed in a very precise, reproducible and consistent way,” adds Dr. Robb, head of NorthShore’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
This remarkable technology allows surgeons to isolate and remove only the arthritic or damaged portion of the knee through a 2 to 3 inch keyhole incision; thus, preserving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue. It also allows surgeons to precisely position an orthopaedic implant in the knee joint to restore knee function.
The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who has tissue damage confined to one compartment of the knee, cruciate ligaments (cross-shaped ligaments in the knee joint) that function close to normal and good range-of-motion. The procedure takes 90-minutes and includes a hospital stay of up to two days. In addition, many patients are able to return to an active lifestyle within weeks of the procedure.
The procedure begins when the patient’s pre-operative CT scan is used to create a 3-D computer model of the patient’s knee. The model allows surgeons to determine the exact alignment, position and size of the implant as it relates to the patient’s anatomy and the way the patient’s knee works. The 3-D information is then linked to the interactive robotic arm (cutting tools) so the arm knows precisely where to place the implant.
The surgeon’s robotic cutting tools provide tactile – voice and touch – direction to virtually restrict surgical activity to the planned area only. By limiting the movement of the cutting tools and providing accurate 3-D visualization and real-time tactile feedback, the surgeon is guided in creating the ideal position for the orthopaedic implant.
“The surgeon is able to control every aspect of care because the robot provides the information inter-operatively. It provides a window of safety and ultimately helps the doctor achieve an optimal outcome for the patient,” added O’Rourke.
“The primary focus right now is on the inner knee,” noted Dr. Robb, “but I’m confident that over the next three to five years this robotic technology will be used to perform surgeries on other parts of the knee and also the hip.”
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common form of arthritis, affecting some 15-million people in the U.S.
NorthShore University HealthSystem is the only healthcare organization in Illinois and one of 15 nationwide to offer the robotic partial knee replacement technology. This technological advancement is being performed at NorthShore’s Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview.
To schedule a consult with Dr. Robb or Dr. O'Rourke, please call NorthShore Physician Referral at 847.570.5020.