guidance component of robotic platforms helps surgeons plan their
surgical routes with a greater degree of clarity and certainty. A simple
scan of the joint gives the robot enough information to generate a
model the surgical team can work with to minimize the invasiveness
of procedures.
Pre-op scans of the joint also give surgeons the ability to more accu-
rately assess anatomic landmarks in real time and adjust accordingly
during surgery to obtain the most optimal joint alignment and func-
tion, says Dr. Kuwik.
Robotics help surgeons replace hip joints in a way that ensures the
leg on the operative side will match the length of the leg on the non-
operative side. "Leg length is tough to assess," says Dr. Kuwik. "With
the robot, you know exactly how long the leg will be after the implant
is placed."
Mapping out a pre-operative plan allows the OR team to plan for
complications that might occur during surgery. Instead of making key
decisions after initial incisions are made, and possibly prolonging an
operation and causing more soft tissue damage, the robotic platform
lets the team focus on executing the ideal operation. Intraoperatively,
the arm of the robot prevents the surgeon from straying from the pre-
4 8 • 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
• TRAINING TOOL Cedric
J. Ortiguera, MD, orthope-
dic surgeon at Mayo Clinic
in Jacksonville, Fla.,
explains the finer points of
robotic-assisted total knee
surgery.