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Vidant Orthopedics has a new way to keep community members moving thanks to a new robotic knee surgery technology called the ROSA Knee System, which was recently performed for the first time at Vidant Beaufort Hospital, a campus of Vidant Medical Center. The ROSA Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant for total knee replacement. This new technology allows the surgeon to create a plan for the procedure using a 3D model of the patient’s knee, establishing a more precise view and a more personalized approach for the patient.

Dr. Jeff Barwick, orthopedic surgeon, Vidant Orthopedics Washington performed the first ROSA surgery at Vidant Beaufort Hospital on Sept. 27 and a total of three since then.

“With the ROSA Knee System we are able to take an already successful and popular surgery and dial in the precision of our knee replacements to levels that have never been accomplished before,” said Barwick.

This total knee replacement technology supports patient care and offers cutting edge technology in the community so patients do not have to travel long distances to receive this procedure. The team of expert, highly trained orthopedic surgeons at Vidant Orthopedics is equipped with the most advanced technologies, treatments and surgical techniques and can now perform these surgeries for patients who want to stay close to home.

“Now at Vidant Beaufort Hospital you can have your knee replaced with this state of the art robotically assisted system and still get the excellent care and small town hospitality that you are accustomed to,” said Dr. Barwick.

The need for total knee replacement surgery results when other treatment options fail to provide relief. Unlike traditional total knee replacement methods, prior to surgery, the ROSA Knee takes a series of X-rays that can be used to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee anatomy. This 3D model enables the surgeon to plan many specifics related to the patient’s unique anatomy.

During surgery, ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to a patient’s leg to know exactly where the knee is in space. This helps ensure the plan the surgeon put into place is executed as intended. The ROSA Knee functions as an assistant to the surgeon providing the surgeon with data about the knee and helping in the positioning of the implant based on the patient’s anatomy.

After surgery, a patient is hospitalized based on the recovery plan designed by the surgeon. Though recovery times will vary, most patients should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks and golf after six to eight weeks.

Dr. Crane Couch, orthopedic surgeon, Vidant Orthopedics Washington said, “The ROSA Knee System is a technological advancement developed with one goal: provide every patient the opportunity to achieve a better outcome following total knee replacement.”

Talk to your doctor if knee replacement is an option, or call Vidant Orthopedics Washington at (252)-946-6513 for more information about the ROSA® Knee System.