OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Robotic surgery has revolutionized the field of orthopedics, offering patients a new level of precision and improved outcomes.
At Twin Palm Orthopedics in Ocala, Derek Farr, DO, FAAOS, harnesses the power of cutting-edge robotic technology to provide minimally invasive procedures with exceptional accuracy.
Robotic hip replacement is the latest advancement in hip surgery to transform the hip replacement procedure.
Why choose robotic hip replacement?
“The landscape of hip replacement surgery has undergone a revolution with robotic hip replacement, allowing for personalized joint resurfacing tailored to the uniqueness of each patient’s joints,” said Dr. Farr.
This procedure has become increasingly common, with around 450,000 performed annually in the United States.
The use of advanced materials like ceramics, robust plastics (polyethylene), and 3D printed titanium components, coupled with enhanced implant positioning and alignment, ensures the longevity of these implants, often surpassing 20 years.
Precision surgical techniques with robotic surgery
Dr. Farr says robotic surgery changed the game and addressed the challenges often associated with traditional hip replacement. A preoperative CT scans create a 3D image for virtual implant positioning that is loaded into the Mako Robot for precise surgery. Eliminating the manual guesswork ensures precise implant placement with 0.5mm accuracy. “Properly positioned implants prevent instability, uneven leg lengths, and eliminate issues like shoe lifts, muscle, and tendon friction causing pain,” said Farr. Say goodbye to shoe lifts!
Increased range of motion with robotic surgery
Older models utilize a metal ball that fits into a plastic liner inside a metal cup. “The ball could only move so far until the side of the thigh bone hit against the cup. Newer mobile bearing designs utilize two balls (one ceramic and one polyethylene) that snap together creating a larger diameter which is more stable and provides more range of motion – up to 5 degrees more motion than any other implant on the market,” said Farr.
Quicker recovery with robotic surgery
Newer surgical approaches to the hip require less cutting and entering the hip joint from the front to spread the muscles out of the way. “This technique allows patients to be up and walking with physical therapy within an hour after surgery,” said Farr.
“Patients can return home the same day without staples or sutures,” said Farr. “Therapy is started in their home and recovery is much faster with return to most activities by 6-8weeks.” With robotic surgery, gone are the days of long hospital stays, rehab follow ups, and blood donations!
Dr. Farr’s expertise
Dr Farr was the first surgeon in Marion County to perform Mako Robotic hip surgery and has the most experience. Robotic surgery is considered when all non-operative treatments suggested by Dr. Farr, such as rest, ice, heat, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements prove unsuccessful.
If hip pain is holding you back, go see Dr Farr at Twin Palm Orthopedics to learn if robotic hip surgery is right for you. Hip hip hooray!