Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement

Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement Gives Patients a Leg Up on Traditional Surgery

Retired Quad Citian, Janell Sullivan, 70, is like many area seniors who enjoy daily walks and cycling on the 100-plus miles of recreational paths throughout the bi-state area.

“I usually walk two to three miles a day and bike seven miles as often as possible. In the summer I’m a big Iowa State Fair fan, so being able to walk the fair is one of my favorite activities.”

After undergoing two knee replacements in 2023, Janell says her right knee took longer to heal. “It just wasn’t coming back as smoothly as my previous replacement. Even after my surgeries, I couldn’t walk or bike like I used to.” A friend suggested she consult ORA Orthopedics to determine why her walking mechanics felt so different.

“Total joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Steven Boardman, said my right hip was so weak and arthritic that it was actually affecting my new knee.” Janell says a CT scan confirmed she needed a total joint hip replacement. “That made for three total joint surgeries in one year!

JR Mako Systems THA TKA PKA Hero

“Dr. Boardman said I was a good candidate for robotic-assisted hip surgery and that there was a new Mako Assisted-Robotic Arm available in Muscatine. I scheduled the surgery in June and it was totally worth it.”

ORA has offered robotic surgical options in the Quad Cities for years, but now ORA physicians serving Muscatine can offer even more patients the option for robotic-assisted surgery.

“I’ve been doing total joint replacements for more than 20 years, and the Mako robot has made me an even better total joint surgeon,” affirms Dr. Boardman. “For my patients, the first step is to take a CT scan that provides a 3-D model of a person’s hip and pelvis.

“With precise measurements, we develop a unique, personalized surgical plan for patients like Janell.”

Dr. Boardman says the precision measurement of a patient’s unique hip and joint socket provides a more accurate placement of the new implants and reduces potential complications.

“Our ability to plan where we put the implants, properly size them, and then execute the surgery is years ahead of traditional techniques.

“In terms of precision, traditional surgical techniques are still good and typically work well in clinical situations, but some joint replacement procedures carry risks. For example, a total hip can lead to a dislocation later or sometimes the parts aren’t as precisely aligned as thought during surgery.”

Dr. Boardman says other complications can include fracturing a femur during surgery in the process of placing the new implants. “Some patients can experience post-operative dislocation, as well as limb-length discrepancy when one leg is slightly longer than the other.”

“With a CT scan’s 3-D image, the robotic-assisted operation is performed virtually using software to create a tailored surgical plan. The doctor remains in control, but the robot provides a precise guideline based on that patient’s unique anatomy.

“In the operating room, some of the tools we use to prepare the bone are attached to the robotic arm so I can prepare the bone and pre-size the parts to the patient’s specific CT-scan based plan.

“Making the bone ready includes smoothing the socket to a perfectly round shape that will accept the implant. As we use those tools to prepare the bone, computerized micro measurements factor in the length of the leg, the joint’s rotation, and placement of the total hip parts. We can execute with an amazing amount of specificity.”

Dr. Boardman adds the level of precision can also result in fewer complications. Overall, the goal is a more natural gait, custom-tailored to each patient.

Janell has noticed the improvement. “It’s amazing. Dr. Boardman had to lengthen my leg just a bit, but the images and computer made it so precise. I can really feel the difference.”

Dr. Boardman says the Mako robot is manufactured by the Stryker implant company and that other implant manufacturers have their comparable models such as Zimmer’s “Rosa” robotic system. ORA offers both robotic system brands  based the surgeon’s implant preferences.

After a summer of recovery, Janell is back to enjoying life. “Five months later and I’m doing fantastic. I am doing housework, walking, and biking again. Dr. Boardman has been great. I’m so glad I had it done!”

Dr. Boardman is not only pleased with Janell’s results but also says robotics have raised his surgical game. “Over my career I’ve done hundreds of hips, but with these robots, I do a better hip than before.”

For more information on ORA’s robotic joint replacement options visit qcora.com.

Dr Boardman Edit scaled e

Dr. Steven Boardman