Robotic Total Hip Replacements Surgery in Melbourne

If you suffer from hip problems, you’re probably experiencing ongoing pain that affects all areas of your life. Maybe you can no longer play the sport you love or perhaps you’ve had to hang up your running shoes. Perhaps the pain is so debilitating that you’re unable to work and find it difficult to walk for even short distances.

With today’s high-tech techniques such as robotic hip replacement surgery, your current hip problems can become a thing of the past. Dr Daivd Slattery can get you up and mobile again and even have you back playing your favourite sports.

Hip replacement surgery is often the option for restoring mobility and independence for people who suffer from years of deterioration of the bone and soft tissue in the hip area caused by injury, arthritis or other problems. For many years, surgeons carried out conventional hip replacement surgery and while this usually had a successful outcome, occasionally the new hip would mean that the leg was longer or shorter than the other leg. With robotic anterior hip replacement techniques, the success rate of such operations has increased, and patients have recovered from the surgery much more quickly.

What is Robotic Total Hip Joint Replacement Surgery?

Robotic hip replacement is a technique of hip replacement which uses the assistance of a robotic arm to guide positioning of parts of a hip replacement. This technology uses the exact same implants that can be either put in anteriorly or posteriorly, via other surgical techniques. It is just that robotic computer guidance is used to position the socket of the hip replacement.

Robotic hip replacements have been performed since approximately 2010 in the UK and in Australia since 2016.

The process of a robotic hip replacement involves a CT scan to plan the hip socket positioning and fine tuning this to the surgical plan using a computer.

You may be wondering how robotic hip surgery differs from traditional hip replacement surgery. Robotic hip replacement surgery is very similar to the traditional procedure in that the surgeon removes the damaged tissue within your hip and replaces it with an artificial hip joint. The difference, however, is during a robotic total hip replacement, the surgery is carried out with the assistance of a state-of-the-art robotic arm.

The procedure is then carried out with the additional placement of trackers into the pelvis (normally using an additional incision), so that the robot can monitor the patient’s position. The robotic arm then assists with reaming (removing the cartilage and bone and creating a space for the new socket); and inserting the new artificial hip socket. The remainder of the operation is still conducted by the surgeon e.g. cutting the tissues, stopping bleeding etc.

The Benefits of Consultation & Opting for Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery

Not only will you receive exceptional and personal service from Dr Slattery but, by utilising cutting-edge techniques such as robotic hip surgery, he has a track record of achieving terrific outcomes which result in less pain and suffering.

Some studies have shown that this kind of surgery is up to five times more effective at matching leg length compared to traditional surgery. The robotic techniques in some studies are more accurate in terms of getting the angle of the hip joint correct. This is a key factor in the success of the procedure and the overall outcome.

We always strive to get you back on your feet and able to enjoy life again in the fastest possible time.

Potential Advantage and Disadvantage of Robotic Hip Replacement – Will There Be Pain?

Potential advantages of robotic total hip replacement is that it allows highly accurate socket placement, which may translate to improved implant lifespan and overall success of the operation. Studies to date however have not been for a large enough time to show whether or not this has been effective.

Potential disadvantages of robotic hip joint replacement surgery currently are that it involves a large dose of pelvic radiation through a CT scan, which is not normally required for other hip replacements. It also requires further trackers to be placed in the pelvis which requires additional incisions. The main disadvantage however with robotic hip surgery technology especially on joint replacement is that it only assists with positioning of the socket of the hip replacement. It currently does not assist with positioning or placement of the femoral component, which is vitally important for restoration of leg length, soft tissue tension, and stability of the hip.

Could You Benefit from Robotic Hip Surgery?

To find out whether you could benefit from robotic hip surgery, make an appointment with Dr David Slattery to discuss your hip problems. Dr David Slattery is a professional and experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne, who has a wealth of experience in all kinds of orthopaedic surgeries and specialises in minimally invasive hip total replacements, periacetabular osteotomy, partial knee replacement, and hip arthroscopy. He is renowned for his surgical skills and his open communication and patient-centric approach. He believes this is one of the best ways to ensure you can make fully informed decisions about your treatment.

Whether you are seeking help from a professional for the first time or require a second opinion on your recovery or an existing shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist, or arm diagnosis, get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to help. Simply contact us via the online contact form or at one of his consulting rooms.