New robotic device further increases options for St John of God Subiaco Hospital knee replacement patients

20 Mar 2024

Pictured: Members of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s nursing team with Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Jean-Louis Papineau (front centre).

The ROSA Knee Robotic System is a state-of-the-art surgical device used by orthopaedic surgeons to perform total knee replacement surgery, providing patients more choice than ever about how their surgery is perform

Referencing 3D scans of the patient’s knee anatomy which are taken before surgery, the ROSA uses precise metrics to inform surgeons’ pre and intra-operative decision making and planning, with the objective of achieving enhanced surgical accuracy and optimum patient outcomes.

Using data provided by the ROSA, surgeons can gain a better understanding of the patient’s pre-operative anatomy and ideally tailor the surgical plan to best fit the patient.  

Dr Papineau said that the availability of the robot will provide orthopaedic patients more choice about how knee replacement surgery is performed.

“Robotic assisted knee replacement is an excellent emerging technology that may assist us in providing the best outcomes for our patients. Whilst the long term impact of robotics in arthroplasty is still being collected, it does allow the surgeon to very accurately place implants and accommodate for nuances in a patient’s native anatomy and limb alignment,” he said.

“Ultimately, this tool allows us to combine our clinical judgment with software that helps us understand the individual patient’s knee better and deliver the best possible knee for each person.

“It’s fantastic that we can now offer this additional solution to patients undergoing knee replacements at St John of God Subiaco Hospital, providing a greater range of implants and augmenting the breadth of the orthopaedic service we provide.”

“I feel very fortunate to be able to admit my patients to a health care facility that is progressive and willing to support surgeons with the latest equipment, technologies and treatment options.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery added that the hospital has a long history of introducing latest surgical innovations, particularly related to orthopaedic surgery. 

“In 2015, St John of God Subiaco Hospital became the first hospital in Australia to perform a partial knee replacement using the Mako robotic-arm, which is also used to perform total knee replacement surgery, as well as partial knee replacements,” she said.

“Based on the popularity of the device amongst surgeons and patients, we also became the first private hospital in Australia and South East-Asia to install a second Mako robot in its theatres.

“Following the introduction of the ROSA, St John of God Subiaco Hospital patients now have a choice between the Mako or the ROSA for their total knee replacement surgery.”

“Our continued investment in technology ensures we can provide our patients unrivalled access to robotic surgery, as well as choices of treatment options not available at other private facilities. It also enables us to attract many of the State’s leading surgeons, who want to access and use latest innovations.” 

“We look forward to reviewing the results of the ROSA and analysing its impact on surgical outcomes.”