A new knee with a more precise fit

Learn the benefits of the Rosa robotic system

A new joint can mean a new lease on life when knee pain limits your daily activities. If you are considering having a joint replaced, you’ll want to know about a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system now available at Nazareth Hospital.

Orthopedic surgeons at Nazareth began replacing knees with the ROSA robotic system last winter. The system (which a highly skilled surgeon controls) allows the team to be much more precise with their bone cuts and adjustments of soft tissues in the knee when placing an implant.

The benefits? For starters, the result may be a prosthetic that lasts longer and feels more like a natural knee, says Christopher Selgrath, DO, FAAO, an orthopedic surgeon at Nazareth Hospital.

“This robot gives us real-time data that allows us to adjust our cuts and components,” Dr. Selgrath says.

“Hip and knee pain may be a result of infection, inflammation, degeneration or injury. People with hip and knee pain should consult an orthopedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. If left undiagnosed and untreated, joint pain may progress to joint deterioration in the form of chronic pain, swelling and stiffness that interferes with daily living and work activities.” – Bradley A. Fink, DO, orthopedic surgeon

This ability to make real-time adjustments helps the surgeons to customize the fit, meaning the prosthetic is neither too loose nor too tight. “The feeling is that the more perfect the cut, the better the knee will function and the longer the knee will last,” says Nazareth Hospital orthopedic surgeon Paul Steinfield, MD.

The surgeons of Nazareth Orthopedics also hope to use the ROSA system to replace hip joints soon. One benefit of using the system for hips is that a precisely fit hip may be less likely to become dislocated over time. Hip dislocation is an uncommon, but possible, complication of hip replacement.

Is it time for a new joint?

Osteoarthritis is a common reason people have a joint replaced. In its late stages, arthritis wears down the cartilage that cushions the bones. Signs of arthritis can include painful, stiff and swollen joints. If you think you might have arthritis, see your doctor. Treatments may include medicines, physical therapy, weight control, walking aids, and injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid to relieve pain.

Your doctor may suggest surgery if:

• Your joint damage is so bad that your bones rub together.
• You still have pain that limits your daily life after you have tried other treatments.

If your doctor does recommend a new joint, you may be a candidate for surgery with the ROSA system. One exception is if you have had the joint replaced before and now need revision surgery. Ask your surgeon if the ROSA system is a good choice for you.