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Robotic precision in shoulder surgery is now available to people in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales at John Flynn Private Hospital.
Dr Andrew McBride performed the first total shoulder replacement in the region using the MAKO robotic system, which he expected to bring faster recovery and improved outcomes.
"The MAKO system builds on traditional planning, exposure and surgical techniques, allowing greater surgical accuracy of implant placement," the orthopaedic surgeon said.
"This provides the potential for a less invasive approach that preserves bone and tissue, and overall improved execution of the treatment plan that is tailored to each patient's anatomy.
"These advancements have the potential to deliver outcomes similar to robotic hip and knee procedures, helping patients recover faster, experience less pain, and regain better shoulder function."
Dr McBride described the breakthrough procedure as a landmark moment in orthopaedic surgery for the Tugun-based hospital, which serves the Gold Coast, Tweed and Northern Rivers communities.
"It allows implants to be placed within 0.08 millimetres, and orientated within 1-2 degrees of the CT-based surgical plan, improving on the accuracy of conventional methods," he said.
"Although it seems minor, this level of precision has the potential to significantly improve shoulder function, help speed up recovery and decrease the need for follow-up (revision) surgery."
The need for shoulder replacements in Australia is forecast to increase three-fold by 2035.
John Flynn Private Hospital's recent robotic addition is part of operator Ramsay Health Care's national rollout of 12 new Stryker machines across its Australian network.
"Through research, improved surgical expertise and advancements in technology such as robotics, we hope to see outcomes in shoulder replacement surgery continue to improve and advance the quality of life of our patients," Dr McBride said.
"The entire orthopaedic team at John Flynn Private Hospital are fortunate to have access to such advanced technology that has the potential for such wide-ranging benefits."
Read more: Ramsay's bulk robot buy to benefit Australian healthcare
Read more: New hip alternative offers greater mobility
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