See photos and a demonstration of the Mako Stryker robot here.
CHARLOTTE, NC – Novant Health orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Homesley reached a milestone in total joint replacement with the completion of his 1,000th robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, and his patient couldn’t be more excited to return to an active lifestyle.
The robotic-assisted orthopedic procedure combines clinical expertise with technical innovation to produce life-changing results.
While the first knee replacement procedure was completed in 1968, there’s no question that the advancement of research and new technology have led to improved patient outcomes over the years. Homesley, chair of the orthopedic department at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, has long served as an outspoken proponent for bringing the very latest in advanced treatment technology, including the use of robotics, to his patients. In fact, he successfully performed his 1,000th robotic-assisted knee replacement procedure on Friday, June 30. In recent years, the use of robotics for knee replacement procedures has emerged as a differentiator for Novant Health, especially in the Charlotte market where robotic-assisted technology is not available everywhere.
To be clear, the Mako surgical system otherwise referred to as “the robot,” does not perform the procedure. Homesley still does that, but he does rely on the new technology to generate an interactive 3D virtual model of the patient’s knee before surgery. This allows him to assess the bone joint from all angles and determine the precise size and orientation of the implant he’ll need. It also allows him to map out the entire procedure before making the first incision. Homesley then guides the robotic arm, which provides real-time feedback to ensure accuracy, as he removes damaged bone and cartilage and paces the implant.
It’s an approach that has produced success and gained him, and Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital, the only orthopedic hospital in the region, nationwide recognition. The hospital was the first in North Carolina to be selected by Carrum Health, a California-based digital health company that links employers to medical care, as its orthopedic surgery partner—a designation earned by only the top 10% of providers. Since becoming a Carrum Health Center of Excellence, Homesley has seen a steady increase in patients that are traveling from across the state to receive care.
"One of the things my training drove home to me is that it's hard to be good at everything, and doing the same thing over and over again, you just get better and better at it," Homesley said.
For his 1,000th robotic-assisted knee replacement, Homesley operated on James Armstrong, a 62-year-old father of four and grandfather of six from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Homesley replaced Armstrong’s right knee at the beginning of this year, and now Armstrong is excited about getting the same kind of pain relief and mobility for his other knee.
“My wife and I have taken our grandkids to Disney World three times now,” Armstrong said. “But I didn't go on the last trip. I was tired of slowing everyone down, being the one left to watch the strollers.” Now he is looking forward to returning to pain-free days back on his feet.
For Homesley, reaching the 1,000-procedure milestone not only demonstrates the commitment of Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital to provide the latest in advanced treatment options, but it also demonstrates the reliability of the robotic-assisted procedure itself.
While Dr. Homesley is based in Charlotte, Novant Health offers robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery across the region it serves, which also includes Winston-Salem and Wilmington. To learn more, visit NovantHealth.org/OrthoNow.
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