Robot helps with knee replacement at Union Memorial Hospital

A surgeon at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital called in a robot for a total knee replacement this week.
Using robotic arm technology called MAKOplasty, Dr. Henry Boucher performed the replacement of a woman’s left knee on Thursday, according to the hospital.
MAKOplasty was recently approved for total knee replacement by the FDA, and MedStar says it is the first hospital in Maryland to offer the robotic option for the procedure. It was previously used for partial knee and hip replacements.

Surgeons map out the plan for each patient in 3D prior to the surgery, then operate the robotic arm during the procedure. Adjustments can be made during the procedure, if necessary
Robot-assisted surgery is being used to operate on other areas of the body, too. The next advance could be hands-free surgery. Hopkins is on it.