Robot Technique Improves Hip Arthroplasty

A robotic surgical system delivers a precise, repeatable surgical technique to prepare the joint for hip replacement procedures.

The DigiMatch Robodoc Surgical System allows the surgeon to select the ideal implant for total hip replacement surgery from multiple implant manufacturers, after reviewing a detailed computerized tomography (CT) scan of the patient's joint. Utilizing proprietary system software, the surgeons can preview the surgical outcome before beginning the actual operation. The system then plans and executes exact bone cutting and precise implant placement to reduce surgical fractures and complications, and minimize human error. The system includes two components: The Orthodoc preoperative planning workstation which converts the CT scan of the patient's joint into a 3-dimensional (3D) bone image, which can be manipulated by the surgeon to view bone and joint characteristics. This enables the surgeon to perform simulated surgery using the scanned images of the patient's anatomy. Using a prosthetic image of an implant selected from the digital library, the surgeon is then able to manipulate the 3D model against the CT bone image, allowing for optimal prosthetic selection and accurate alignment. The surgeon can determine the specific brand, size, type (anatomical or straight stem) of the femoral stem prosthesis, and can precisely define optimal fit and alignment.

The preoperative plan created on the Orthodoc is then electronically transferred to the Robodoc surgical assistant. The surgical robot can then precisely execute the preoperative plan. Using controlled, gentle pressure the Robodoc mills the bone with sub-millimeter accuracy. Specialized drill bits and other hardware accurately prepare the bone to achieve precise fit of the prosthetic implant. The robot mills cavities for hip implants, removes bone cement for revision surgeries, and planes the femoral and tibia surfaces for knee implants. Currently, new applications such as resurfacing, long bone osteotomies, uni-condylar knee, and spine applications are being developed. The DigiMatch Robodoc Surgical System is a product of Curexo Technology (Sacramento, CA, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are very pleased to receive FDA clearance for the Robodoc System. This milestone represents the first active robotic system cleared by the FDA for orthopedic surgery allowing our advanced technology to be marketed in U.S., the largest market in the world for medical devices,” said Dr. Ramesh Trivedi, President and CEO of Robodoc. "We will continue our efforts to further penetrate existing markets where we have met the local regulatory requirements.”

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