Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery doesn’t replace a surgeon’s expertise but enhances it for even better outcomes. Austin McPhilamy, MD, at McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, specializes in state-of-the-art robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery. This technology reduces tissue damage and pain, helping you recover more quickly. Call McPhilamy Bone and Joint to learn more about benefiting from robotic surgery, or book an appointment online today.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery uses advanced technology to perform minimally invasive procedures. Using robotic surgery, Dr. McPhilamy can complete complex operations with greater precision through smaller incisions than those used in open surgery. This offers benefits such as:

• Reduced postsurgical pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Lower infection risk
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less need for opioid medication
• Faster healing
• Smaller scars

While robotic surgery has some significant benefits, it may not suit all patients. Dr. McPhilamy completes a comprehensive assessment before recommending robotic surgery.

How does robotic surgery work?

Dr. McPhilamy specializes in robotic surgery for joint replacement operations. He uses Stryker’s state-of-the-art Mako® robotic arm-assisted technology, which enables him to precisely customize your surgery to match your joint measurements.

He scans your joint before the surgery to produce a 3D image. The Mako system’s software uses this image to assist Dr. McPhilamy in preparing your surgical plan. When you have your surgery, the robot creates a small incision to remove your damaged joint and implant the replacement parts.

Dr. McPhilamy controls the robot at all times, directing every movement remotely — it can’t do anything without his instruction. The advantage of robotic instrumentation is that it enhances Dr. McPhilamy’s accuracy.

Why would I need robotic surgery?

You might need robotic surgery if you have a joint problem that isn’t improving with more conservative treatments. This could be due to extensive joint damage sustained in an auto accident, but the most likely cause is arthritis.

This common joint condition has multiple forms, but the most widespread is osteoarthritis. Over the years, your joints lose the slippery, tough cartilage coating the ends of your bones. It wears down to expose raw bone, which then catches and rubs, creating friction and inflammation.

Arthritis worsens over time, and there’s no cure. Nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medication, help early on, and corticosteroid joint injections might improve your symptoms for a while. But eventually, the deterioration may be so severe that joint replacement becomes the best option.

Call McPhilamy Bone and Joint to learn more about robotic surgery or request an appointment by completing the online booking form today.