WAYNE MEMORIAL AND BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE PHYSICIANS NOW OFFERING ADVANCED ROBOTIC-ARM ASSISTED JOINT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH STRYKER’S MAKO SYSTEM
Wayne Memorial Hospital and the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia bring robotic-arm assisted total knee replacements to rural Georgia with the addition of Stryker’s Mako System. This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.
The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030.
“With Mako, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Dr. J. Matthew Valosen of the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia. “Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee replacements.”
The Mako Total Knee application is a knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.
“We are proud to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area. Our patients no longer have to travel to access the latest medical advancements,” said Dr. Jay Cook of the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia. “The addition of Mako to our orthopaedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide the community with outstanding healthcare,” added hospital CEO Joe Ierardi.
The Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia provides comprehensive orthopaedic care using the most technologically advanced equipment. Featuring on-site x-ray services, open MRIs accredited by the American College of Radiology, and eight healthcare providers, BJI serves over 18 Southeast Georgia counties with offices in Jesup, Baxley, Hinesville, and Waycross.
Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a two-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award.
Image 1: Drs. Valosen (left) and Cook (right) inside one of the Operating Rooms at Wayne Memorial with the MAKO robotic knee system
####