First outpatient partial joint replacement using MAKO robotic arm completed at LMH Health
LMH Health is pleased to mark another advancement; the successful completion of the health system’s first outpatient partial knee replacement using the MAKO robotic arm. Dr. James Huston, an orthopedic surgeon at LMH Health OrthoKansas, performed the surgery earlier this week.
“The opportunity to have joint replacement in an outpatient setting makes it more accessible for some patients. It’s more comfortable to sleep in your own bed the night after surgery and avoid the interruptions that come with a hospital stay,” he said. “For the right patient, it also helps to get the rehab process jumpstarted quicker.”
Dr. Huston performed the surgery with the newest technology, using the MAKO robotic arm, an instrument used to perform partial and total knee replacements, as well as total hip replacements. LMH Health has two MAKO robots to serve patients – one at the Main Campus and another at the West Campus, allowing for outpatient joint replacement surgery at the Lawrence Surgery Center. The MAKO robots, which were funded in part by donor support through the LMH Health Foundation, have been proven to facilitate a shorter hospital stay, typically less pain, and quicker return to function.
“The MAKO system can be more precise than traditional surgical techniques,” Dr. Huston said. “The system allows us to create a personalized plan for each patient. The arm allows us to place the joint more precisely and cause less damage to soft tissues and surrounding structures, which can lead to less pain, less need for pain medication and quicker recovery times.”
MAKO also allows the team to perform both knee and hip replacements, which is something that other robotic surgical systems don’t do. Patients receive the advanced care they deserve with the use of this technology.
“The patient’s surgery went exceptionally well. When I called to check on the patient that evening, they shared they were doing very well and were surprised by how good they felt,” he said.
Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certifications from the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval
The outpatient joint replacement follows another clinical milestone, as LMH Health OrthoKansas earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification.
The certification, in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recognizes the highest standards of care during a total hip and total knee replacement, from pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to intraoperative and post-surgical follow-up care.
“LMH Health OrthoKansas is a regional destination committed to providing patients with superior, comprehensive patient-centered musculoskeletal care,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health President and CEO. “Our team of experts in orthopedic and sports medicine care provide innovative treatments for patients of all ages and abilities. Patients greatly benefit from the depth and breadth of expertise of our hip and knee replacement specialists – Drs. Adam Goodyear, James Huston and Richard Wendt.”
Dr. Goodyear, who is also the LMH Health Chief of Surgery, shared his appreciation for the hard work it took to earn the achievement.
“As an accredited Total Joint Replacement program, patients can feel confident that they are treated with the most up to date, evidence-based practices that result in superior outcomes. Dr. Huston, Dr. Wendt and myself could not be more proud to be part of LMH Health OrthoKansas.”
LMH Health and OrthoKansas have the clinicians, technology and facilities to provide healthcare that’s not only exceptional for a community hospital—it’s among the best anywhere. Patients benefit from our home at the LMH Health West Campus, with access to convenient, collaborative and innovative care all under one roof. Our multidisciplinary approach gives us the ability to treat most orthopedic injuries and conditions in house, closer to where our patients live and play.
“It is such a privilege to work with outstanding physicians and staff dedicated to keeping LMH Health at the forefront of care, quality and safety,” Johnson said. “This certification reflects their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic services for our patients and communities.”
LMH Health is a community, not-for-profit hospital that serves the health care needs of the community regardless of an individual's ability to pay. The organization serves as the largest safety net provider in the community, supporting thousands of patients and providing more than $25 million in charitable care each year.
The Joint Commission certification for our orthopedic services follows the recent Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation earned by the LMH Health Cancer Center. This accreditation is a testament to the high-quality care that LMH Health offers our cancer patients as a regional destination for progressive, integrated hematology and oncology care. They are both further evidence of our commitment to clinical excellence.
