Geisinger Jersey Shore completes first Mako-assisted joint replacement surgery

JERSEY SHORE, Pa. - Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital's orthopaedics team recently performed the hospital's first Mako robotic-assisted joint surgery, a first for the Jersey Shore area.

The total knee replacement was done as an outpatient procedure and was performed by James Piper, MD, orthopaedic surgeon. The patient went home to recover and has been doing very well since the surgery, according to the care team.

"Offering Mako at Geisinger Jersey Shore gives patients access to cutting-edge technology in joint replacement surgery in a place that is close to home, not at a giant facility that's hard to navigate," Dr. Piper said. "Patients get awesome technology and attention in a more welcoming and close-knit setting. We're excited about building the total joint program here."

The Mako system assists surgeons in performing total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements and consists of two parts: virtual planning and implementation. The planning feature lets surgeons create each patient's surgical plan before entering the operating room using a virtual 3D model that leads to greater accuracy during surgery.

During surgery, Mako's robotic-assisted device creates a virtual barrier to protect delicate structures. That translates to more stability and precision in the surgery with less soft tissue dissection, resulting in less complications and quicker recovery.

The patient is continuing his post-op care at Geisinger Jersey Shore, returning for physical therapy and follow-up appointments.

"The staff at Jersey Shore was very attentive - everyone there was focused on the patient and making sure his experience was a good one," Dr. Piper said. "The patient was motivated to do well postoperatively, so he progressed really well and was able to leave the same day of surgery."

"Our investment in robotic-assisted total joint surgery brings the latest technologies to offer the highest level of care in the region," said Michael Suk, MD, JD, chair of Geisinger's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Geisinger offers consultations for Mako joint replacement surgery not only at Geisinger Jersey Shore, but also at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Healthplex State College.