Robotic-assisted hip procedures can provide greater precision and control when treating painful or damaged hip joints. Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He uses advanced technology, including the MAKO robotic-arm system, to create personalized surgical plans for qualifying patients. The following information explains how robotic-assisted technology may be used during total and revision hip replacement procedures.
Robotic-Assisted Hip Procedures
Robotic-assisted surgical procedures enable orthopedic surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and control.
During a robotic-assisted procedure, the surgeon guides the robotic arm while comparing its position in real time with the patient’s preoperative surgical plan. The technology provides information and guidance, but the surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.
Robotic-assisted procedures may offer several benefits, including:
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Greater precision
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Greater flexibility
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Better control
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Reduced blood loss
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Less pain
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Fewer complications
Total Hip Replacement
The hip is where the thigh bone meets the pelvis. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is located at the upper part of the thigh bone, and the socket is part of the pelvis. The hip joint is extremely flexible and allows for a wide range of motion.
If a hip condition causes damage to the joint, Dr. Cohen may first recommend nonsurgical treatments. If those treatments do not relieve pain or improve function, he may recommend a total hip replacement.
Total hip replacement involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the hip and replacing them with metal and plastic implants.
Dr. Brian Cohen utilizes MAKO robotic technology for hip replacement procedures. Before robotic-arm-assisted surgery, a CT scan of the hip joint is taken to produce a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient’s hip.
Dr. Cohen uses this information along with the patient’s case file to create a surgical plan tailored to the patient’s needs. The plan includes determining the appropriate size, placement, and position of the hip implant.
During robotic-arm-assisted surgery, Dr. Cohen guides the robotic arm as it prepares the joint and places the implant. The technology helps him follow the personalized surgical plan and position the implant accurately, which may improve outcomes and reduce certain complications related to total hip replacement.
Learn more about Stryker’s MAKO Total Hip Replacement.
Revision Total Hip Replacement
Unfortunately, not every hip replacement provides lasting pain relief. In some cases, a hip replacement may fail, produce undesirable consequences, or wear out over time.
Problems involving a previous hip replacement may include:
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Stiffness
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Instability
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Joint failure
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Persistent pain
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Infection
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Implant loosening
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Implant malposition
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Wear of the implant components
Patients experiencing serious problems with a hip replacement may need a revision total hip replacement. This procedure involves removing and replacing some or all components of an existing hip implant.
Revision hip replacement is more complex than an initial joint replacement and may carry additional risks. Patients considering this procedure should seek an orthopedic surgeon with experience performing revision total hip replacement.
When appropriate, robotic-arm-assisted technology may help the surgeon plan the procedure and position the replacement components accurately.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robotic-assisted hip replacement with the MAKO system generally requires a recovery period similar to traditional hip replacement. The technology provides additional accuracy and guidance during surgical planning and implant placement, which may reduce certain risks and improve the predictability of the procedure. However, recovery time depends on the patient’s health, the condition of the joint, the surgical approach, and adherence to postoperative instructions.
MAKO robotic-assisted technology supports accurate planning and implant placement during hip replacement. These factors may make recovery easier for some patients, but the recovery experience is different for everyone.
The plan is typically for discharge on the day of surgery or the following morning. Physical therapy and movement often begin in the recovery room, with outpatient physical therapy starting within the following days. Pain management is an important part of recovery, and patients may need a walker or other assistive devices while moving around the home.
The appropriate time to return to work after hip replacement depends on the physical demands of the patient’s job. A patient with a sedentary job may be able to return to the office approximately two to three weeks after surgery. Someone working from home may be able to return sooner.
Patients with physically demanding jobs may need to wait at least six weeks before returning. Complete recovery after total hip replacement with the MAKO system may take approximately three to six months.
Coverage for robotic-assisted hip replacement varies by insurance plan, hospital, and surgical facility. Some insurance plans that cover traditional hip replacement also cover procedures performed with robotic-assisted technology, but deductibles, copayments, and other patient expenses may still apply.
Patients should contact their insurance provider and the hospital or surgical facility before the procedure to review coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs.
Traditional hip replacement can provide pain relief and restore mobility when performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. The results depend on several factors, including the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s experience, and the accurate positioning of the implant.
MAKO robotic-assisted technology provides additional information and guidance during surgical planning and implant placement. It can support greater precision, flexibility, and control, but the surgeon remains responsible for decision-making and procedure execution. Dr. Cohen determines whether robotic-assisted hip replacement is appropriate for each patient based on their needs.
The MAKO system provides valuable surgical guidance, but the robotic arm does not perform the procedure or make decisions independently. Dr. Cohen guides the technology within boundaries established by a three-dimensional model of the patient’s hip.
He reviews the surgical plan and makes adjustments based on the patient’s anatomy and needs. The Cohen Advantage combines MAKO technology with Dr. Cohen’s more than 20 years of experience and over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Chillicothe, OH
Robotic-assisted hip replacement may be an option for patients whose hip pain and limited mobility have not improved with nonsurgical care. Dr. Cohen evaluates each patient’s joint condition, medical history, previous treatments, and recovery goals before recommending total or revision hip replacement. Patients in Chillicothe and throughout central Ohio can receive a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.