BALTIMORE—(February 7, 2017) —MedStar Union Memorial Hospital became the first and only hospital in Maryland to use robotic arm-
assisted technology to perform a total knee replacement, when Dr. Henry Boucher replaced the left knee of a 57-year old Elkridge woman today. It’s the most advanced joint replacement technology available, ensuring a less invasive approach with the precise and customized placement of hip and knee implants.
Robotic arm technology, known as MAKOplasty, has been available for partial knee and total hip replacement surgeries for years, but the Food and Drug Administration only recently approved its use for total knee replacement. No other hospital in Maryland offers the technology to replace the total knee.
“We’re happy to be leading the new direction of joint replacement surgery,” said attending orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Boucher. “I am confident that the features of the robotic approach will lead to better patient outcomes and a better patient experience. This is just another part of our ongoing commitment to provide our community with outstanding healthcare.”
The technology allows surgeons to create a patient-specific 3D plan and perform joint replacement surgery using a surgeon controlled robotic-arm that helps the surgeon execute the procedure with a high degree of accuracy. During surgery, the surgeon can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments, while the robotic-arm then allows the surgeon to execute that plan with a high level of accuracy and predictability. The implant placement is customized to a patient’s anatomy, for a more precise fit and a better functioning knee.
“We are proud to be the first in the Baltimore region to use this innovative technology. Best of all, at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MAKOplasty is just one of the advanced treatment options we offer, so if you’re suffering from joint pain, you deserve to be treated here and only here.” said Brian Cawley, vice president of MedStar Orthopaedics.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit medstarunionortho.org or call 877-37-ORTHO.
About MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, 223-bed acute care teaching hospital with a strong emphasis on cardiac care, orthopaedics and sports medicine. With roots stemming back to 1854, MedStar Union Memorial has provided high-quality care for 160 years. As one of the region's top specialty hospitals, MedStar Union Memorial is home to: The Curtis National Hand Center, the only hand center designated by Congress as The National Center for the Treatment of Hand and Upper Extremity; MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, a premier cardiovascular program in the mid-Atlantic, aligned with Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, the nation’s #1 heart program; and MedStar Union Memorial Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the oldest hospital based Sports Medicine Program in Maryland (founded in 1979). In addition, MedStar Union Memorial offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services including oncology, diabetes and endocrinology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery and palliative care.
MedStar Union Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC). It is the first hospital in Baltimore to receive spine certification by TJC, and the first in the state of Maryland to receive advanced certification for palliative care. MedStar Union Memorial is also TJC-certified in hip and knee replacement and CARF-accredited in Curtis Work Rehabilitation Services, and has been designated as a Primary Stroke Center and the Hand Trauma Center for Maryland.
MedStar Union Memorial is a proud member of MedStar Health, a non-profit, regional health care system with 10 hospitals and more than 20 other health-related services in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., area.
For more information, visit MedStarUnionMemorial.org.
About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to caring for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. MedStar’s 30,000 associates, 6,000 affiliated physicians, 10 hospitals, ambulatory care and urgent care centers, and the MedStar Health Research Institute are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar trains more than 1,100 medical residents annually. MedStar Health’s patient-first philosophy combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visit MedStarHealth.org.