St John of God Subiaco Hospital surgeons and patients provided unrivalled access to orthopaedic robot

17 Dec 2024

The Mako surgical arm is used by 14 St John of God Subiaco Hospital orthopaedic surgeons for knee and hip replacement surgery. It offers patients a more precise and predictable surgical experience and enhances post-operative recovery.

The device generates a 3D model of the patient’s joint prior to surgery, allowing surgeons to pre-plan the operation based on their specific anatomy.

During the procedure, the surgeon guides the Mako’s robotic arm according to the patient’s surgical plan and 3D model, and uses real-time feedback provided by the device to optimally position the joint implant.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery said the hospital is continuing to invest in the growth and expansion of key hospital services, including orthopaedics, to meet the evolving health care needs of the Perth’s growing population.

“Over the years, robotic assisted surgery has become increasingly popular amongst surgeons and patients. In fact, many patients now select their surgeon based on whether they use robotic devices to undertake procedures,” she said.

“We are delighted to be the only hospital in the state with three Mako surgical arms, providing our orthopaedic surgeons and their patients unrivalled access to the device.

“Our investment in the third Mako also builds on our long history of clinical excellence and surgical innovation.”

In 2015, St John of God Subiaco Hospital became the first hospital in Australia to perform a partial knee replacement using the Mako. The hospital also became the first health care facility in Australia and South East Asia to install a second Mako in 2019, further cementing the facility’s reputation as a leader in robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery.

Tina added, “We were also thrilled to learn in June this year that we became the first hospital in the southern hemisphere to undertake 5,000 procedures using the Mako. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the popularity of the device amongst patients and surgeons, as well as its effectiveness.”

“The record breaking volume of Mako procedures conducted at our hospital also means joint replacement patients can feel confident their care is being delivered by a highly experienced and skilled team of health care professionals.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital also introduced the ROSA Knee System in March this year. The ROSA is another ultra-modern surgical robot used by orthopaedic surgeons to perform total knee replacement surgery, giving patients more choice than ever about how their surgery is performed.

“We are committed to supporting our surgeons and patients by providing access to the latest technologies and treatment options,” Tina said.

“In addition to meeting patient’s expectations, this ensures we continue to attract many of the state’s leading medical specialists who want to use the newest innovations to ensure optimum patient outcomes.”