Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Special Edition: Hot Technology - April 2020 - Subscribe to Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.

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uses a 3D printer to create a sterilized mold that is customized to that patient's specific anatomy. This mold then fits directly onto the patient's bone during their operation, and incorporates all the plan- ning and sizing data into a guidance system. This customization allows the surgeon to make precise cuts to the bone that utilize all the data analyzed and inputted during the digital planning. All of this translates into an operation that is more accurate, less invasive and more efficient than many of its predecessors. Some studies have shown that patient-specific instrumentation in total knee replacement not only decreases operative time, but also improves the accuracy of bone cuts, resulting in a more rapid recov- ery that leads to earlier discharge. While this innovation is not yet widely available for hip replacements, there are other modalities and technologies that are allowing for improvement in that space. • Robotic assistance. Another enabling surgical technology we use for both hip and knee replacements is robotics, which allow us to do much of the same type of patient-specific planning, but also offers the flexibility to adjust in real time. Preoperative imaging is used to gener- ate a three-dimensional plan on a computer. During surgery, we use a robot arm to help execute those plans. • Optimized implants. The manufacturers we work with have evolved to develop longer lasting implants with better kinematic capabilities. For example, there is a great deal of focus on reproduc- ing a more natural and normal arc of motion when replacing the knee joint. Your native knee is not a simple hinge joint that bends back and forth. Instead, as you go from extension to flexion and back again, numerous subtle rotational movements occur around the joint — in addition to and in conjunction with the simple hinge- type bend. If the replaced knee cannot mimic these more subtle and natural movements, it's possible the patient will be less satisfied 4 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 2 0

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