Those who desire a restored lifestyle and are seeking the latest technology in knee or hip replacement may benefit from the MAKOplasty® solution. Turkey Creek Medical Center’s list of patient innovations continues to grow as its Joint Replacement Center announces another first, MAKOplasty® anterior hip replacement surgery. With more than 46 million Americans suffering from joint pain in their hips and knees, Turkey Creek Medical Center’s Joint Replacement Center features a first-class team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical technicians, physical therapists, dietitians, care managers, and home health professionals committed to helping its patients return to full and productive lifestyles in less time and with better outcomes over traditional, often more invasive joint replacement surgery.

Today, The Joint Replacement Center’s surgeons, aided by the RIO® Robotic Arm Orthopedic System, are able to dramatically enhance the surgical outcomes of both hip and knee replacement patients, reduce discomfort and recovery periods, and improve the lifespan of the joint replacement implants. In addition to the innovations offered by the daVinci® Robotic Surgical System and cardiac advancements introduced in 2013, this latest announcement underscores Turkey Creek Medical Center’s ability to offer patients the medical benefits of leading-edge technology combined with caring, compassionate health care professionals, providing East Tennesseans with world-class medical care.

This month Everything Knoxville met with Dr. Hovis, Dr. Howard, Dr. MacNaughton, Dr. Johnson, and Lance Jones, Turkey Creek Medical Center CEO, to discuss the MAKOplasty® solution.

EK: According to a study published by Massachusetts General Hospital, out of 1,823 hip replacement patients, only 50% of the acetabular cups (cupshaped sockets of the hip joint) were positioned in the acceptable range. Why is proper positioning of hip implants so challenging for surgeons?

Dr. Hovis: Accurate alignment and positioning of implants using traditional manual total hip replacement techniques can be challenging. This is mainly due to limited pre-operative planning capabilities, as well as having no real-time feedback during surgery that enables the surgeon to make adjustments during the procedure to optimize the alignment of the hip implant. MAKOplasty® anterior hip replacement surgery is an innovative solution for those suffering from degenerative and painful joint disease. It is powered by the RIO orthopedic system, which enables surgeons to achieve a new level of precision in hip replacement surgery and is designed to enhance stability and increase range of motion.

EK: What are the consequences of improperly positioned hip implants?

Dr. Howard: The most common drawback of improperly positioned hip implants is impingement, which can lead to dislocation, wear, pain, and decreased implant longevity. These issues may lead to an increased need for revision surgery, as well as higher levels of patient dissatisfaction.

EK: How does the RIO® Robotic Arm Orthopedic System aid surgeons performing hip replacement surgery?

Dr. MacNaughton: Using the RIO® surgeon-controlled robotic arm technology, MAKOplasty® hip or knee replacement surgery uses the patient’s pre-operative CT scan and creates a patient specific 3D model of their hip or knee. Using that 3D model, the surgeon can then plan the optimal position of the hip implant components. This is critical for proper reconstruction of the hip. During surgery, the RIO® system guides the surgeon in preparing the hip anatomy and positioning of the implants. Real-time data and images allow the surgeon to know and control accurate implant placement, which can be difficult using traditional manual methods. The RIO® then provides summary data to confirm the hip or knee implants are perfectly aligned according to the pre-operative plan.

EK: How does MAKOplasty® robotic assisted anterior hip replacement surgery differ from traditional hip replacement surgery?

Dr. Hovis: Anterior hip replacement surgery involves a smaller incision at the front of the hip instead of through the buttocks or side of the hip. This approach involves less cutting into the major muscles, and patients typically experience less pain and fewer complications than a standard posterior hip replacement procedure. Using the RIO® Robotic Arm Orthopedic System, MAKOplasty® anterior hip replacement surgery enables the surgeon to achieve more ideal cup positioning and leg length precision compared to traditional hip replacement surgery. This reduces the potential of wear, impingement, and dislocation, as well as provides more accurate leg length restoration. In addition, MAKOplasty® hip replacement surgery reduces the possibility for early hip implant failure, as well as discomfort or walking complications caused by poor leg length restoration.

EK: Can the RIO® robotic-assisted joint replacement system be used for both hip and knee replacement?

Dr. Johnson: Yes, it can. In fact, the RIOv robotic arm technology can be used for both partial knee replacement surgery, as well as total hip replacement surgery. MAKOplasty® partial knee replacement surgery is a surgical treatment option for those who suffer from early to mid-stage osteoarthritis in their knees. Traditionally, the surgical option for these patients is total knee replacement surgery. This procedure requires substantial post-surgical rehabilitation and often results in a permanent change in knee function and lifestyle. MAKOplasty® partial knee replacement offers these patients a less invasive surgery, reduced hospital stay, a more rapid recovery, and a more natural feeling knee.

EK: What are some of the major patient benefits of the MAKOplasty® joint replacement procedure versus a traditional joint replacement procedure?

Dr. Howard: The key advantages of MAKOplasty® total hip replacement surgery over traditional hip replacement surgery is more accurate cup placement in addition to more accurate leg length restoration and typically less pain through earlier mobility. As for MAKOplasty® partial knee replacement surgery, the key advantages over traditional knee replacement surgery include less implant wear and loosening, it is bone-sparing and soft-tissue preserving, it preserves the ACL and PCL, it is less invasive and has less scarring, and it offers a shorter hospital stay, as well as a more rapid recovery.

EK: Turkey Creek Medical Center’s Joint Replacement Center focuses on a total team approach both pre- and postsurgery. Why is that important, and how do your patients benefit?

Dr. Hoover: Focusing on the team approach for each patient allows us to go from good to great in each discipline that the patient encounters. Whether in the operating room where there is a well seasoned surgical team that has advanced training and skills in performing the joint replacement or in the post-operative recovery where the therapy and nursing teams have a very carefully crafted plan to ensure a speedy and safe recuperation, our team approach is designed for the patient’s best interest and best outcome. We use the team approach in the surgical, nursing, therapy, nutritional, and administrative disciplines.

EK: What is the best way for someone experiencing hip or knee joint pain to learn more about The Joint Replacement Center?

Lance: We offer a special, free educational program for patients having hip or knee surgery at The Joint Replacement Center at Turkey Creek Medical Center. By preparing for orthopedic surgery in advance, you’ll have a better experience and be on your way to a speedy recovery. We provide education materials, one-on-one counseling with trained therapists, and general support before, during, and after your surgery. For more information, call 865-218-7140.

EK: In closing, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Lance: The Joint Replacement Center at Turkey Creek Medical Center is truly a destination center where improving lives through improved outcomes is our goal. We specialize in knee, hip, and shoulder replacements using technology available nowhere else in the East Tennessee region. If you have been considering joint replacement surgery, choose The Joint Replacement Center at Turkey Creek Medical Center to live life to the fullest, pain free.

Turkey Creek Medical Center
10820 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934
865.218.7011
www.tennova.com