Your joints help your body move freely and without pain. But when you have joint damage in your hip or knee, it can affect your quality of life. Several treatment options can help relieve joint pain, but your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery if they are not effective.

Joint replacement is one of the safest and most effective surgeries, and innovations in joint replacement surgery have improved patient care and outcomes even more. At the University of Miami Health, we developed and use the latest technology available for joint replacements to ensure your comfort and safety. Our expert surgeons perform thousands of joint replacement procedures every year, applying knowledge obtained from their own latest research in the field. We offer precise navigation, robotic and virtual technology designed to improve the health and function of your joints.

Robotics in Joint Replacement

Robot-assisted surgery is one of the latest innovations in joint replacement. During robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon is in complete control with the robot as their guide. This technique uses 3D mapping to help your surgeon create a plan for surgery based on your unique anatomy. Most patients who are candidates for joint replacement are also candidates for robotic surgery.

Although robot-assisted surgery is similar to traditional joint replacement surgery, it has several advantages, including:

• Faster recovery
• Greater accuracy and precision
• Increased safety
• Longer replacement life
• Minimal trauma to surrounding tissue
• Smaller incisions

At UHealth, we use the following robotic systems to aid joint replacement surgery:

Mako

Mako SmartRobotics is a robotic-arm-assisted surgery machine. It combines 3D, CT-based imaging planning, data analytics, and haptic technology, which provides tactile feedback to guide the surgeon through surgery.

CORI

The CORI Surgical System uses handheld robotic-assisted technology to help surgeons plan and perform knee replacement surgery. It gives surgeons a 3D view to help finalize and verify a knee implant. Surgeons can use CORI to create a surgery plan without imaging.

ROSA

ROSA is a robotic surgical assistant (ROSA) that allows surgeons to perform knee replacement surgery with greater precision. ROSA is used for patients who have early-to-mid-stage osteoarthritis. It can be done based on X-rays that produce 3D images of the knee or through mapping during surgery, allowing surgeons to create a personalized plan for the procedure.

VELYS

VELYS is a robotic-assisted surgical system that attaches to the operating table and helps guide hip replacement surgery. It provides real-time feedback using AI technology to guide the surgeon to where they should remove bone.

Mixed Reality and Augmented Reality in Surgery

Mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) can help orthopedic surgeons perform complex procedures with improved precision. With AR, your surgeon uses a headset with a see-through eye display to view images of your internal anatomy, including bones. This allows your surgeon to track the movement of their tools and the implant. AR can increase accuracy and reduce operating times.

MR gives your surgeon the ability to interact with virtual and real objects. The surgeon can still see the real world, but MR creates a hologram that the surgeon can manipulate in real time. Your surgeon can keep your medical information in their line of sight as they perform a procedure. UHealth surgeons are pioneers in utilizing mixed and augmented reality for joint replacement surgery. In fact, we are the first surgeons in Florida to use this technology.

Wearable Devices for Rehabilitation

Wearable technology can help measure and support your recovery after joint replacement surgery. These devices collect real-time data, allowing your surgeon to monitor your progress. This is especially important during the first weeks after surgery. Wearable devices also help physical therapists assess mobility and the impact of certain movements after surgery. Your doctor can intervene if the wearable device shows any issues with your recovery.

Complex Revision Surgeries

Although joint replacements are generally successful, they sometimes require a second surgery, called a revision or re-operation. Revision surgery is often more complex than the first surgery. If you need revision surgery, you can trust the experts at UHealth and their approach to these challenging procedures as we are one of the only centers in south florida that specialist in this type of procedures, becoming a referral center from other institutions.

Learn more

If you would like more information about how UHealth performs safe and advanced joint replacement, contact us today. Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Call 305-243-5512 to learn more.

Why Choose UHealth?

Innovating hip replacement surgery. UHealth is the first hospital in Florida to use mixed reality and augmented reality for hip replacement surgery. This innovative technology reduces operation time and increases accuracy for a smooth recovery.

Specialized joint replacement care. When you receive a joint replacement at the University of Miami Health System, your surgeon is an expert in the field who dedicates their time to performing joint replacement procedures exclusively. Our experienced physicians perform thousands of primary and complex joint replacements each year, using the latest advances in technology like minimally invasive hip replacement techniques and patient-specific knee replacements. You can rely on their skills to relieve your joint pain and get you back to activities you love.