November 23, 2020 – Robotic knee surgery data indicates the technology
has the potential to speed recovery and improve accuracy compared to standard
procedures. If you live in Camden County and need knee surgery, Southeast
Georgia Health System has some good news - robotic knee surgery technology
is now available at the Health System’s Camden Campus.
The ROSA® Knee System provides precision guidance for surgeons who
perform Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), also known as a Total Knee Replacement
(TKR), restore mobility to people struggling with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or a traumatic injury. Degenerative
diseases such as osteoarthritis can cause pain, swelling, knee locking
and eventually, bone-on-bone knee pain.
“ROSA’s leading-edge technology reflects the Health System’s
commitment to our hospital and community. The Brunswick Campus has successfully
used the MAKO robotic technology for years. Our orthopaedic surgeons can
now offer Camden County residents the same high-level patient experience,”
said Glenn Gann, vice president and administrator of the Camden Campus.
Orthopaedic surgeons
J. Melvin Deese Jr., M.D. and
Christopher Yonz, M.D., trained in the ROSA method. Both practice at Summit Sports Medicine &
Orthopaedic Surgery. They see several advantages to the new technology.
“Because the ROSA was designed by surgeons, it allows us to make
decisions during surgery that result in a well-balanced, well-aligned
knee implant,” said Yonz.
“By providing real-time information on how a patient’s knee
responds to different movements, we can properly align the limb,”
explained Yonz, referring to ROSA’s tracking system which sends
patient data to a surgeon during the procedure.
Deese elaborated further. “Using the data on the patient’s
anatomy and soft tissue surrounding the knee, we’re able to create
a very precise reconstruction plan.” In simplest terms, ROSA helps
surgeons understand each patient’s unique anatomy so they can more
closely match the size and shape of a knee implant to the patient.
“ROSA even helps match an implant to the patient’s gender,
ethnicity and stature,” Yonz added.
Asked to highlight the technology’s most important feature, Deese
said, “We can perform a ‘virtual knee replacement’ before
making the first incision, which allows for the most accurate position
and placement of the total knee components.”
ROSA’s efficient imaging system also reduces the patient’s
exposure to radiation and the cost of imaging. “Investing in this
technology further demonstrates our commitment to providing service excellence
and improving patient care. Our physicians deserve to work with the latest
technologies and our patients deserve to have the best care close to home,”
said Gann.
To find out if you are a candidate for ROSA knee replacement, schedule
a consultation with Dr. Deese or Dr. Yonz by calling
Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery at 912-576-6355.