Our hospital has performed the first total knee replacement utilising the NAVIO surgical robot in Australia.
Having become the first hospital in Australia to successfully implement the robotic NAVIO Surgical System for partial knee replacement surgery in 2016, we now offer patients access to the ground-breaking technology for total knee replacements.
Distributed by global medical technology specialists, Smith & Nephew, the NAVIO System is a handheld tool that provides orthopaedic surgeons with accurate and precise robotic guidance when operating on the knee and inserting an implant.
sportsmed Hip and Knee Surgeon Dr Tony Spriggins, who was responsible for introducing the NAVIO platform to patients at the South Australian purpose-built orthopaedic hospital, performed the historic procedure on Wednesday, 18th October 2017.
Dr Spriggins said the expansion of the NAVIO robot’s capabilities to assist with total knee replacement surgery was another monumental step in medical technology.
“The wonders of today’s innovative medical technology such as the NAVIO robot can now offer our patients better outcomes and rapid recovery times so they can return to the joys of everyday life without prolonged limitations often experienced with traditional surgery,” he said.
“NAVIO’s total knee replacement technology strengthens the potential benefits to patients including reduced knee pain, quicker rehabilitation and recovery, improved knee mechanics, lower risk of complications and a shorter hospital stay.
“The NAVIO system simplifies the surgical process and allows a surgeon to create patient-specific plans without the extra steps associated with other image-based robotic-assisted technology.
“Patients do not require a CT scan if they undergo knee surgery with the NAVIO, sparing them exposure to further radiation and removing any extra preoperative imaging costs.”
The revolutionary and cost-effective robotic-assisted procedure is a four-step process.
A 3D model of the patient’s cartilage and bone is first captured through direct surface mapping, eliminating the need for a CT scan. This provides the surgeon with the required information to place the implant virtually and predict postoperative joint laxity at time of surgery without being locked into a plan before verifying the severity of the disease.
The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage of the knee while assessing the patient’s anatomy on a real-time screen. The surgical process is completed by evaluating the postoperative joint’s laxity while moving the leg through flexion/extension, and confirming successful alignment and placement.
“Traditional methods to knee surgery are technically challenging as the surgeon must rely on cutting blocks or guides placed on the thigh and shin bones to help direct a surgical saw to remove the diseased bone and cartilage – accurately placing these blacks can be difficult,” Dr Spriggins said.
“The NAVIO on the other hand can provide assistance through an advanced computer program that relays precise information about the knee to a robotic handpiece used by the surgeon during the operation.
“By collecting patient-specific information, the surgeon is able to establish spacial boundaries for the handpiece to assist in removing the damaged surfaces of the patient’s knee, balance their joint, and position the implant with accuracy and precision.”
The NAVIO is also considered a sterile device that avoids the risk of infection to patients, while it also uses an implant with a five-year track record of successful clinical outcomes recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR).
Some robotic systems currently in use require new specifically designed implants due to the constraints of the technology which can increase the risks of complications for patients.
A number of sportsmed Knee Surgeons are trained to use the NAVIO Surgical System, which is now available to patients.
Patients who are interested in the NAVIO Surgical System and whether they are suitable for treatment are encouraged to contact 08 8362 7788.