ARTICLE
DATE: March 4, 2021 CONTACT: John Gardner, 715-221-8659, gardner.john@marshfieldclinic.org Jeff Starck, 715-389-4978, starck.jeffrey@marshfieldclinic.org Marshfield Clinic Health System now offering innovative technology in total knee replacement Innovative robotic technology allows surgeons to personalize procedures to each patient MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Clinic Health System now offers Mako SmartRobotics™, an advancement in joint replacement surgery that transforms the way total knee and hip replacements are performed. Mako total knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically successful total knee and total hip systems, which enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy. A CT scan generates a 3D model of the anatomy, which the surgeon uses to create an operative plan tailored to the patient. The plan is loaded into the Mako system where a robotic arm assists the surgeon by guiding the surgery within the pre-defined area and prevents the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. “We can take into considerations such as soft tissue balance during surgery and using the robot as a tool to implant the replacement exactly according to plan,” said Dr. David Simenstad, orthopedic service line medical director and surgeon. “This should result in a more natural feel to the knee replacement, quicker recovery and higher patient satisfaction.” If an individual is no longer able to manage knee or hip pain through medication or other treatments, it may be time to consider a joint replacement. Marshfield Clinic Health System has both the orthopedic expertise and smart technology to provide a more precise placement and alignment of the implant, which may result in smaller incisions, quicker recovery, shorter hospitalizations and less pain. All patients with advanced osteoarthritis can be considered candidates for this surgery. Computer-assisted surgery is not new for Marshfield Clinic Health System orthopedic surgeons. They have been using computer navigation since 2008 for total knee, total hip resurfacing and total shoulder. Now the computer technology is joined with a new robotic tool that will offer increased precision and accuracy even beyond what computer-assisted surgery already does. “It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements,” Simenstad said. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide the community with outstanding health care.” ### Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system whose mission is to enrich lives through accessible, affordable compassionate health care. The Health System serves Wisconsin with more than 1,200 providers comprising 86 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. Primary operations include Marshfield Clinic, nine Marshfield Medical Center hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. Learn more at marshfieldclinic.org.