Hartford Healthcare's Bone & Joint Institute Pioneers Robotic Assisted Technology For Total Knee Replacement

Surgeons from all across the country will train at the Hartford Hospital campus, learning how to perform this procedure and other robotic arm procedures at Hartford Hospital's Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation. RIO is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables more precise alignment and placement of implants. It features a patient-specific visualization system and robotic arm technology that is integrated with surgical instruments. It assists surgeons in pre-planning and treating each patient uniquely, and has been used for years for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement procedures. 

"Hartford Hospital has a strong history of innovation, bringing leading-edge treatment to the community. These are the kinds of innovations that will be a hallmark of Hartford HealthCare's new Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital," said Jeffrey Flaks, Hartford HealthCare's President and Chief Operating Officer. "While construction is nearly complete on the Bone & Joint Institute, we are already bringing the latest technology to our communities and ensuring all patients have improved access to the highest quality care."

The Bone and Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital opens December 19 and will usher in a new era for musculoskeletal care in New England. Construction is nearly complete on the $150-million facility, the only orthopedic specialty hospital in New England. The Institute will integrate all elements of orthopedics and musculoskeletal treatment, including specialty care, diagnostics, rehabilitation, rheumatology, and pain management. The Bone & Joint Institute is the first-of-its-kind, fully integrated, breakthrough "hospital within a hospital" — where the most complex orthopedic cases can be performed, staffed by extraordinarily talented and experienced clinicians and subspecialists. The Bone & Joint Institute will provide access to innovative sports rehabilitation and analysis programs currently available only at Olympic training sites, serving  patients with major injuries requiring limb-saving surgery to weekend warriors to seasoned athletes and Baby Boomers seeking a higher quality of life.

The patient, 46-year-old Gary Andruskiewicz, was an avid soccer player for years and is eager to get back in the game. He first injured his ACL in 1988. Years of activity and joint damage led to arthritis and debilitating pain. Andruskiewicz learned he was a candidate for a total knee replacement and researched the options available.

After consulting with Dr. Murray, Andruskiewicz chose to proceed with the latest technology available for total knee replacement, making him the first Connecticut patient to have a total knee replacement in this manner.

"We are proud to be among the first to use this innovative technology," said Dr. Stuart Markowitz, president of Hartford Hospital.  "It is part of our commitment to the community to provide the most technologically advanced care as the leaders in musculoskeletal procedures." 

About the Bone & Joint Institute

The all-new Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital is New England's only orthopedic specialty hospital. The facility has been designed with patients' needs in mind — coordinating all aspects of musculoskeletal care, from prevention to surgery and recovery. It features an inpatient building with 48 private inpatients beds, eight operating rooms, outpatient rehabilitation and wellness areas, and easy access to diagnostic and other services; plus an ambulatory and medical facility with unique rehab, training and education space.

Learn more at https://hartfordhospital.org/services/bone-joint-institute.

About Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital's major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women's health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state's only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.

Video - https://youtu.be/kKHOAPCRUnM 

SOURCE Hartford HealthCare

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