The highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at UH Geauga Medical Center have gone high tech
By Laura Briedis
Most surgeons would agree with what Aristotle said 2,000 years ago—“the hand is the tool of tools.” And while there is no replacing the skilled hands of a surgeon, when paired with a robotic arm in today’s modern medicine, it can lead to even better outcomes.
This summer, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a Campus of UH Regional Hospitals, added a new Mako robotics system to its orthopedic department to assist with total knee and hip replacements.
Offering more precision, the robot-assisted arm helps align all of the components to ensure the prosthetic joint will fit perfectly. Think of it as an extension of the surgeon’s arm.
“This semi-active robot assists the surgeon in the alignment and balance of components in joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. Benjamin Silver, medical director of Total Joint Replacement Surgery at UH Geauga Medical Center. “We use 3-dimensional data of images of the patient’s bone obtained through a CAT scan, which allows us to plan the placement of implants using the computer. This allows us to translate that plan into reality in the operating room.”
While this technology is new at University Hospitals, Dr. Silver trained in robotics while he was a fellow in orthopedic adult reconstruction and complex hip and knee replacement at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. During the fellowship, his focus was on complex hip and knee revision and the use of cutting-edge robot-assisted techniques for total joint surgery.
“We always want to implement new technology in a way that improves patient outcomes,” says Dr. Silver, noting he also can take care of problematic joint replacements from previous surgeries. “Our goal is to bring patients long-term relief, increase their mobility and renew their quality of life.”
Oftentimes, this robot-assisted surgery can be done on an outpatient basis and patients can go home in as little as four hours after their surgery to begin recovery in the comfort of their own home.
“There has been a major shift in the past several years of performing hip and knee replacements as an outpatient procedure,” says Dr. Silver, who also is a clinical assistant professor of orthopedic surgery in Case Western Reserve University Medical School. “It depends on each patient and his or her specific case. Some need surgery due to trauma, while others have specific medical conditions. I have performed joint replacements on patients ranging in age from 31 to 91.
“Many of these patients may qualify for outpatient surgery, thanks to our rapid recovery protocols, excellent multimodal pain control and our leading-edge physical therapy protocols,” he says.
Not everyone who has hip and knee pain needs surgery, but those who do are in good hands at University Hospitals. All doctors take a patient-centric approach to care.
“When you do surgery on someone, it becomes an intimate relationship as you develop a significant rapport with that person,” Dr. Silver says. “My goal is to have patients thrive after surgery.”
Do You Have Hip or Knee Pain?
University Hospitals offers comprehensive care for those suffering from joint pain. Its orthopedics department provides conservative treatments including anti-inflammatory medicines, injections, bracing and physical therapy, as surgery is not always required.
However, if you notice any of these symptoms below, it may be time to see an orthopedic surgeon:
• Persistent pain in your knees and hips
• Stiffness in your joints that causes discomfort
• Pain during rainy or humid weather
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Discomfort from a previous injury.
Call 440-568-8213 to learn more about treatment options.
University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a Campus of UH Regional Hospitals, is located at 13207 Ravenna Road in Chardon. For more information, call 440-568-8213 or visit UHhospitals.org/services/orthopedic-services.