By Bonny Burrows
In St John of God Berwick Hospital’s orthopaedic ward, doctors and robots work side by side.
One of the first hospitals in Australia to purchase a Mako robot, the Berwick healthcare service has embraced robotic technology to assist surgeons performing joint replacements.
Hospital CEO Lisa Norman said the combination of surgeons and robotics would greatly benefit the community.
“As we prepare to move to our new hospital later this year with a more extensive range of services it is important that we introduce new technology to enable us to offer a high quality healthcare service,” Ms Norman said.
“We anticipate that orthopaedic surgery will be in high demand in this region and we are committed to being responsive and being seen as leaders in orthopaedic surgery. “
The hospital has performed highly successful joint surgery for many years using traditional surgical techniques, Ms Norman said, however the new technology will allow more precise work.
“The benefit of robotic assisted surgery is that the surgeon – together with a specialist team – designs the operation using 3D modelling and CT imaging,” Ms Norman said.
“The robot prevents the surgeon from diverging from the pre-determined plan.
“The new knee or hip is designed to fit perfectly against the remaining bone tissue and deliver a very targeted and precise procedure.”
The technology currently assists surgeons to perform partial knee replacements, with plans to later expand its capacity to perform hip and total knee replacement surgeries.
Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Robert Steele, who has been using the technology since February, said the robot allowed a “precision we have never had previously”.
“It is an exciting time to be involved with this technology that will hopefully allow our patients to experience better functioning hip and knee replacements,” Mr Steele said.
The healthcare provider plans to further expand its orthopaedic services with the opening of the new, larger hospital later this year.
