We have seen robots performing on the “big screen” taking over the world (think Transformers). And remember R2-D2 and his pal golden protocol droid C3po from Star Wars fame? We marvel at the graphic advances and life like automation being made in the motion picture industry. (Who hasn’t at least heard of Wall-E, released last month?)Real robots are now appearing closer to home and being used in the treatment and management of healthcare. One example is a surgeon-controlled robotic technology called MAKO Tactile Guidance SystemTM, used in orthopedic surgical procedures.
Why Robots?
Nearly 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative bone disease that causes the cartilage found on healthy joints to break down removing the buffer between bones. This often causes pain during normal daily activities and can eventually cause loss of motion in knees. Other than lifestyle changes and medication, the only other treatment option is knee replacement surgery.
Many patients, however, would rather live with pain than have what they consider to be a major surgery. The MAKOplastyTM surgical solution is an FDA-cleared option for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis damage in medial (inner) portion of the knee. The procedure, also called a “uni-knee”, includes partial knee resurfacing for patients suffering from early to mid-stage OA Knee. MAKOplasty is designed to provide reduced recovery time and improved surgical outcomes for patients with joint degeneration in only one part of the knee.
Here’s how it Works:
Using the MAKO robotic guidance system in conjunction with a MAKO knee replacement device, surgeons are able to remove only the diseased portion of a knee, leaving the healthy bone and tissue surrounding it untouched. The procedure often requires a shorter stay in the hospital, less rehabilitation and a smaller scar on the knee. In addition, many MAKOplasty patients are able to return to an active lifestyle within weeks of the procedure.
Article provided to the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce – GEM Publication August 2008 page 17.
http://www.lqchamber.com/pdf/gem-aug08.pdf
