Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement at Fondren: Technology Behind the Precision

Orthopedic surgery has made a difference in the lives of millions of people. Whether arthroscopic surgery or joint replacements, these operations regularly help people live their lives with minimal pain and maximum function.

For a long time, orthopedic surgeries, including joint replacements, were done entirely by hand. In recent years, new methods have emerged. Surgeons can now use robotic tools to achieve sub-millimeter precision, promote safe operations and much more. A highly experienced professional is still overseeing the operating room — they simply have more at their disposal to provide the best patient experience possible.

Fondren Orthopedic Group has adopted many of these emerging technologies. Learn how they help us give our patients the best and safest care possible.

How Robotic Technologies Enhance Joint Replacement

Robot-assisted joint replacement is a complex process that relies on four main technologies:

1. Computed tomography (CT) segmentation: X-rays are used to create a virtual 3D model of the body. Then, digital software maps the shape, structure and arrangement of the patient’s bones. Surgeons can remove bone spurs and plan exactly how much bone to remove during the operation. The plan is then used to calibrate safe boundaries for the robotic arm during surgery.
2. A robotic surgical arm: The core of robot-assisted joint replacement is the surgical arm. It provides surgical precision to the millimeter and helps surgeons follow the plan laid out by the CT segmentation process. It also keeps the surgeon within the safe region of the bone, helping them avoid the soft tissue and unnecessary blood loss.

1. Stereotactic haptic feedback: The CT segmentation process gives the robotic arm patient-specific boundaries. If the surgeon approaches these boundaries, the arm provides resistance. This both protects the patient and allows the surgeon to manipulate the saw blade with more precision.
2. Optical tracking arrays: If the robot were only following a digital model, it would not be able to respond to the patient’s movements in real time. Optical tracking arrays solve this problem by updating the limb’s position dozens of times a second. The robotic arm’s boundaries can then adjust almost instantaneously to match.

How Human Surgeons Fit In

All robot-assisted orthopedic surgery is overseen and conducted by human surgeons. The robotic arm is a passive tool that is powerless without an experienced surgeon guiding it. It provides a safe cutting plane to the surgeon so that they can move with more precision.

The surgeon’s firsthand experience is also needed to input and interpret the data that calibrates the robotic arm. All bodies are different, so the surgical plan cannot be based on averages. The surgeon must adapt it to the patient’s unique physiology. Any bone spurs or other idiosyncratic formations need to be taken into account. If anatomical complexities emerge during the operation, the surgeon’s experience will also help them adapt in the moment to keep the patient safe.

Robotic Technologies at Fondren

Fondren Orthopedic Group incorporates many robotic technologies into our orthopedic treatments. Each one helps us give our patients the quality care they deserve.

MAKO AccuStop™ haptics is one of our most prominent orthopedic tools. It is a type of stereotactic haptic feedback technology that guides our surgeons during joint replacements. Unlike other systems, the MAKO system provides visual and auditory feedback as well as tactile resistance when the arm approaches the cutting plane’s boundaries. This keeps operations safe and precise.

We also use CT scans and 3D models for kinematic analysis. This technology allows our surgeons to virtually move joints to assess their range of motion, which gives them a sense of the underlying bones’ stability. They can then use this information to make important decisions about how the surgery is performed.

At Fondren, our surgeons are also equipped with a comprehensive digital navigation and planning suite. These tools help them ensure every patient receives the most appropriate technological approach for their unique diagnosis.

Patient Selection Criteria for Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement

Robotic knee replacement and other robot-assisted joint replacement surgeries are not suitable for everyone. Certain biological factors can make them unfeasible or unsafe. Three of the most prominent issues that disqualify robot-assisted joint replacement are:

• Insufficient bone density: Optical tracking arrays are attached to the bone via bone pins or screws. This only works if the bone is dense enough to handle them. If it is not, optical tracking is not possible, which means the robotic arm cannot adapt to movement during surgery. These conditions are unsafe, which is why insufficient bone density can disqualify some patients from robot-assisted joint replacement. 
• Preexisting metal hardware: If a patient has metal hardware, they may not be eligible for robot-assisted joint replacement. The metal can distort the CT scan, making it harder for surgeons to accurately assess the joint’s health and develop a safe cutting plane.

Your doctor will assess these factors and more to let you know if you are eligible for robot-assisted joint replacement.

How Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement Improves Patient Outcomes

When surgeons combine their skills and expertise with the latest technology, patients get better results. This evidence-based approach is already making a difference.

With the support of robotic arms, surgeons can align artificial joints with sub-millimeter precision. This accuracy reduces the risk of uneven mechanical wear on polyethylene inserts, potentially extending the implant’s lifespan. Haptic boundaries also promote safer cuts, protecting soft tissues during surgery. 

Thanks to precision orthopedic surgery, patients may experience less post-operative pain, swelling and discomfort, leading to a quicker and smoother recovery. Ultimately, this can contribute to improved mobility and a higher quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment With Fondren Orthopedic Group Today

With Fondren Orthopedic Group, you know you are receiving the high-quality, personalized care you deserve. We have over 50 years of experience, cover 10 different specialties and have a dozen locations in the Houston, Texas, area. Whether you are looking for a full joint replacement or physical therapy, you can rest easy knowing that you will receive a personalized care and treatment plan rooted in the best practices available.

Schedule your appointment today to learn more about MAKO surgery in Houston.