4 | January 11, 2018 | 22nd century media <strong>Healthy</strong> <strong>Living</strong> 22ndCenturyMedia.com The Winter 2017 issue has landed. Secure our most thorough and compelling issue yet by going to Chicagolymag.com/subscribe today. A 22 nd Century Media publication Ingalls expands robotassisted surgeries to include partial knee replacements The partial knee replacement surgery Nicole Calmes had earlier this year was not her first rodeo. She had one on her left knee five years ago and knew the drill. But it was the only robotic-assisted surgery she ever had. In fact, it was a first for UChicago Medicine Ingalls, too, since investing in the highly advanced Mako robotic system. “It was pretty exciting,” the 46-year-old Lockport corrections officer said. Like Calmes’ other partial knee five years ago, orthopedic surgeon Daniel Weber, MD, performed this one, too, making him the very first surgeon to use the Mako system at Ingalls. Mako surgery is a newer approach to joint replacement that offers unparalleled accuracy when placing and aligning a new joint, and that translates to a longerlasting knee. Although the revolutionary technology is used only for partial knee replacements for now, eventually it will expand to total knees later this year. With robotic-guided precision, Mako allows a surgeon to carefully target and resurface the part of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis, leaving the healthy bone and ligaments intact. It begins with CT imaging of the knee before surgery that enables the surgeon to create a patientspecific plan. But unlike other partial knee systems that stop there, the Mako takes it an important step further. “The biggest advantage of the system is that it gives the surgeon the ability to finetune that plan during surgery and then execute,” Weber explained. This allows for the most precise alignment of the new joint, and the most natural fit and feel for the patient. The highly intelligent Mako system guides the surgeon within a predefined area, preventing movement outside the planned boundaries. To work properly, the components must be put in with extreme accuracy. Even a millimeter or two of tilt or rotation can dramatically affect the wear patterns and longevity of the components. (Think of a car out of alignment and how it leads to rapid tire wear.) “This helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of your implant and helps minimize pain after surgery,” Weber added. Other benefits include less blood loss during surgery and a shorter hospital stay. It all adds up to better outcomes for the patient. And for Calmes, who stands up to 16 hours a day at her job, that is music to her ears. “I work in a prison and wear boots all day on a concrete floor,” the mother of five says. “It’s hard on the joints.” Especially when one has bone-on-bone arthritis. Before her February surgery, Calmes barely could walk or take the stairs. I was like a little kid, taking the stairs one step at a time,” she recalled. Once she is healed, the former high school track star said she looks forward to getting back to the gym. “I was able to walk on it the day after surgery with no problems,” she added. “I seem to be healing better this time, and the pain after surgery wasn’t as bad either. I’m really happy with the results so far. Dr. Weber is the best.” Submitted by UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial. For more information, visit www. ingalls.org or call (708) 915-7246.
22ndCenturyMedia.com <strong>Healthy</strong> <strong>Living</strong> 22nd century media | January 11, 2018 | 5