Patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee have historically faced a dilemma: how much pain and lack of mobility should they endure before getting a knee replacement? Fortunately, new advances in knee replacement technology offered by the ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) Knee System make the procedure more precise than ever. Dr. Malcolm Stubbs, an orthopedic surgeon at Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic, is proud to offer his patients the benefits of this new technology.
Dr. Stubbs said one of the most important aspects of knee replacement surgery is getting the best alignment for the new knee. Every person’s individual anatomy is different, so if you do the procedure the same way for two different people, you could get very different results.
“You want the soft tissue to be balanced,” said Dr. Stubbs. “You don’t want the knee to be too loose or too tight.”
With the new procedure, doctors take 2D X-rays of the knee then use them to create 3D models of the knee before surgery. It gives surgeons a more exact road map before they begin operating. They have a predictive model of implant balance and placement before they make a single cut. This method is not only precise; it’s also cheaper than using MRIs.
Just because the R in ROSA stands for “robotic” does not mean the surgery is performed by robots. The doctor is controlling a robotic arm that makes the cuts.
“The robot is not taking the place of your surgeon,” said Dr. Stubbs. “The robot is assisting your surgeon.”
Dr. Stubbs said most patients will spend one night in the hospital after the surgery. They will be able to walk with a walker before leaving the hospital. Within a month, they will be walking without assistance. Within three to four months, they will be able to resume normal activities.
Born in Pride, Dr. Stubbs has helped patients for 20 years as a surgeon. His career includes a stint at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi as the staff orthopedic surgeon and another as the chief resident in orthopedic surgery at LSU. Through the years, his patients have kept the work exciting and meaningful for him.
“The most rewarding things for me are the smiles on the faces of my patients when they are able to be free of pain and get their quality of life back. They are so appreciative and it’s the best feeling ever,” said Dr. Stubbs.
Technical Specs
The ROSA offers surgeons many helpful features. The system allows for soft-tissue balancing and femoral rotation. The soft-tissue balancing keeps the joint aligned while flexing and extending. The balance is an important factor in the implant’s durability. The ROSA enables physicians to make adjustments during the operation with real-time data updates of the patient’s anatomy. The system also provides quantifiable data to better analyze surgical decisions to achieve improved outcomes.
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