Dickinson Orthopaedics

The robotic-arm assisted technology is an advanced innovation in orthopaedic surgery that is transforming the way joint replacement procedures are performed. With the increasing need for knee and hip replacements due to normal wear-and-tear, sports injuries and overuse injuries, Mako technology is enhancing the joint replacement experience for patients of all ages.

This system is a robotic-arm assisted technology for use in total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements. Virtual 3D modeling allows surgeons to create each patient's surgical plan before the surgery. During surgery, the surgeon implements the plan and adjusts for increased accuracy while using the robotic arm.

The highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

It is an interactive robotic arm that provides the surgeon with real-time, visual, tactile and auditory feedback throughout the procedure to ensure optimum placement of the implant and restore both the bio-mechanical alignment and range-of-motion of the joint.

Using 3-D printing technology, it also allows the surgeon to create a detailed model of the existing joint and develop a surgical plan customized to each patient's diagnosis and anatomy prior to the actual surgery. During the surgery, any necessary adjustments can be made using the robotic arm and image-guided technology to execute the plan.

Total Knee Application

• The total knee application is a knee replacement option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient's unique anatomy. The system also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.

Partial Knee Application

• The partial knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Following the personalized pre-operative plan, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to execute the pre-determined surgical plan and position the implant. By selectively targeting only the part of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis, surgeons can resurface the diseased portion of the knee, while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding the knee joint. Studies have shown robotic-arm assisted partial knee replacement to be two to three times more accurate than manual partial knee replacement procedures.

Total Hip Application

• The total hip application is a treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the hip. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to prepare the hip socket and position the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan. In cadaveric studies, this robotic-assisted total hip replacement acetabular cup placement has been shown to be four times more accurate and reproducible than manual total hip replacement procedures.

To learn more about how this robotic technology can help you during your joint procedure, contact 701-456-4694.

Donna Abrahamson of Dickinson, Orthopaedic Patient, shares her feedback: 

"From the day I walked in for my initial appointment until I was released following a total shoulder replacement, I couldn’t have been in a better hospital. CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson took care of me from the beginning to the end. My initial reaction was I couldn’t believe the friendliness displayed by not only the receptionists but the whole staff as well. Throughout the whole process I was incredibly well-informed with not only the initial diagnosis, but am still being updated on the progress I have seen since the surgery was completed.

My experience pre-surgery to post-surgery was phenomenal. Each of the nurses who worked on and with me were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but super friendly as well. The whole staff was very warm and caring from beginning to the end.

The surgery went so well because of the doctor who performed the procedure. Before the surgery it was very relaxing as my husband and I met with the surgeon Dr. Cote and were informed step-by-step of what it would entail. I was checked on numerous times by the staff after the surgery was done and still am in contact with them as the total process is coming to an end.

It is truly a blessing to have the care CHI St. Alexius is able to provide to our city. With an easy-to-get to location on the west side of town that has ample parking and a tremendous facility, the clinic and hospital is certainly one of the finest healthcare facilities in North Dakota. With all of the up-to-date equipment and an experienced staff who runs it, we couldn’t ask for a better situation. Rather than getting in a vehicle and chasing down the road, we only have to take a short drive and we are in the midst of excellent healthcare. The clinic/hospital provides everything Bismarck or Fargo could provide to the east and Billings to the west. I would recommend CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson to anyone!"