UNC Lenoir Health Care Now Offering Highly Advanced Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement

UNC Lenoir Health Care has introduced robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery which will advance hip and knee replacement surgery in eastern North Carolina.  The system, known as Mako Smart Robotics is one of the first offered in this region. 

Using CT scan imaging and the Mako system, the surgeon generates a 3-D model of the joint to personalize each patient’s surgical plan.  The Mako robotic-arm then guides the surgeon as he executes the plan with a high level of accuracy and predictability. This combination of features produces better outcomes with higher patient satisfaction. 

“With Mako SmartRobotics, I know more about my patients than ever before and I’m able to be more precise in my surgery.  For some patients, this can mean less soft tissue damage and for others greater bone preservation,” said Dr. Louis Peak, an orthopedic surgeon at UNC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Lenoir.

In clinical studies, Mako demonstrated the potential to experience less pain, less need for opiate pain relievers, less need for inpatient physical therapy, reduction in hospital length of stay, and improved knee flexion, and greater soft tissue protection in comparison to traditional joint surgery.

 “We are proud to be among the first hospitals to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area,” said Robert Enders, President and CEO of UNC Lenoir Health Care. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide our community with outstanding healthcare.”