Less Pain, Faster Recovery: Quad Cities’ Total Joint Surgery Transformed by Certified Experts Utilizing Mako SmartRobotics™
November 16, 2023
When patients move easier, with less pain and can return to their favorite activities – it’s nothing short of lifechanging. These transformative success stories have become the standard for total joint surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists located on Dexter Court in Davenport, thanks in part to the innovative Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System technology enhancing outpatient procedures.
Providing better precision and accuracy, the Mako SmartRobotics™ system allows surgeons to perform joint replacement surgery through the most minimally invasive technique possible.
In 2021, Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC) was the first to bring Mako SmartRobotics™ to Quad Cities patients. Located in Davenport, MVSC is the only ambulatory surgery center transforming outpatient joint replacement with the use of SmartRobotics™ in the Quad Cities.
“Great innovation demands great expertise,” said Michael Patterson, CEO of Mississippi Valley Surgery Center. “We’re constantly evaluating the latest technology in order to provide successful outcomes for our patients and up the game for healthcare in the Quad Cities.”
Industry-leading expertise, world-class equipment
In order to use this technology, surgeons must undergo additional education, training and certification prior to offering procedures with SmartRobotics™.
Leading the Mako team at MVSC is Dr. John Hoffman and Dr. Tuvi Mendel of Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Hoffman has more than 30 years of surgical experience and Dr. Tuvi Mendel has more than 25 years of surgical experience.
As two of Iowa’s most experienced outpatient and robotic joint replacement experts, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Mendel have completed thousands of joint replacements over the years. More than 1,200 of the procedures utilized Mako technology.
“As a surgeon, it’s my job to get patients back to a pain-free lifestyle as soon as possible,” Dr. Mendel said. “Because the surgical team at MVSC specializes in outpatient surgeries and procedures, they are experts in the latest, proven technologies. This technology leads to better outcomes and faster recovery which makes the entire surgical experience convenient and personal for my patients.”
Smarter surgery, quicker recovery
Mako helps the surgeon plan for the procedure before it begins. Using CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Mendel can create personalized surgical plans based on each patient’s unique anatomy.
For the patient, that means faster recovery time, smaller incisions and less pain. Technology-led customization means no two patients get the same replacement surgery.
In the operating room, the surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm to remove unhealthy bone and cartilage from the joint. Mako’s AccuStop™ haptic technology guides the surgeon and protects the healthy bone by allowing for precise cuts following the surgical plan. When the implant is ready to be placed, the robotic arm guides the implant at the desired angle to ensure proper placement and alignment.
As the surgery proceeds, the Mako technology provides real-time data to the surgeon to assess the movement and tension of the new joint and adjust as needed. Real-time feedback improves accuracy, leading to lower complication rates and lower dislocation rates. Especially when compared to manual surgery, Mako SmartRobotics™ has been associated with less pain, less need for inpatient physical therapy, improved knee and hip flexion and soft tissue protection.
“The recovery time in a minimally invasive total knee or hip replacement is drastically shorter than other options,” Dr. Hoffman said. “Using the latest methods, patients are home and walking within a day in most cases.”
With each patient helped, MVSC deepens its commitment to innovation that changes lives. The providers and the surgical team are dedicated to improving the quality of services, in safe and comfortable surroundings to meet the changes and advancements in healthcare.