Significant advancements in orthopedic surgeries come to RVH

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre has announced the latest advancement in patient care in the region.

Need a joint replacement soon? A robot named ROSA could be helping out with that.

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is making significant advancements in patient care when it comes to big, orthopedic surgeries like knee and hip replacements.

The health centre is launching robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery on Jan. 19 and the first knee surgery will make use of the robotics technology.

To start, the Zimmer Biomet ROSA® Knee System will be used for total knee replacements. ROSA stands for RObotic Surgical Assistant.

The key word here is “assist.”

RVH said the surgeon will remain in full control throughout the duration of the procedure. The robotic assistance acts as a support tool to help with accuracy and consistency. It also uses real-time guidance and detailed imaging as it helps surgeons plan each unique surgery.

The robotic assistance can provide many benefits including a result of a more exact implant placement and alignment, a less painful post-surgery experience for the patient, improved mobility and a faster recovery.

In late February, the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics™ system will be launched, assisting with partial knee replacements, followed by total knee and total hip replacements.

“Joint replacement surgery can be life-changing for people who have lived for years with pain and limited mobility,” said Dr. Ryan Perlus, RVH orthopedic surgeon. “Robotic assistance allows us to tailor each procedure to the individual by using personalized surgical plans and real-time guidance to support safe, precise and consistent outcomes, while keeping the surgeon firmly in control.”

The health centre recognizes not every patient requiring a joint replacement will need or benefit from the robotic assistance, but it forecasts 400 of its 1,400 hip and knee replacements will use the new technology. It reiterates traditional hip and knee replacement surgery is still quite a viable option for patients.

“This is a meaningful step forward in the type of technology we use and how we continue to innovate and advance care for patients across our region,” said Gail Hunt, RVH President and CEO. “As demand for paedic surgery continues to grow in our rapidly expanding community, this program ensures patients can access precise, personalized, state-of-the-art care close to home, delivered by highly skilled teams and supported by an incredibly generous community.”

RVH said the robots were fully funded by community donations and without them, they would not be here.