Longstreet Clinic Drs. David Woodbury and Chris Linberg are expert orthopedic surgeons. They are the steady hands who have just about seen it all in their years of service to patients.
So, when they start talking excitedly about what robotic-assisted orthopedic surgeries offer and the differences these developments make to every part of their care, it’s hard not to take notice.
Their commitment to these advancements is why, after 11 years of performing hip replacement surgeries, Dr. Woodbury became the only orthopedic surgeon in northeast Georgia to offer anterior approach robotic hip replacement. It’s also why Dr. Woodbury and Dr. Linberg both perform robotic-assisted knee replacement at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
“Robotically-assisted surgeries allow us as surgeons to be incredibly precise, and it’s making a difference for the patients’ recovery times and long-term benefits,” Dr. Woodbury said. “Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery is relatively new in north Georgia, but the results speak for themselves, and patient demand for these types of procedures is there.”
Dr. Linberg adds that robotic assisted procedures set an extraordinarily high standard of care.
“It’s exciting; the robotic assisted surgeries allow us to be as precise as possible in all phases of the procedure; we have so much data to use before we start, and even live during the procedure,” Dr. Linberg said. “Longstreet Clinic providers have performed many of these procedures, and we’re going to continue to be at the forefront of this.”
The anterior approach robotic hip replacement shows just how Longstreet practitioners are leading the way in north Georgia.
Prior to surgery, patients undergo a CT scan to obtain a complete and detailed picture of the patient’s anatomy. This data is programmed into a robotic system, which is part of an array of devices that the surgeon controls during each step of the operation.
During the procedure, robots help determine the exact size of the replacement structure to be implanted, exactly how much original tissue is to be removed, and where surgical tools should be most precisely aimed and utilized.
That means that in-operation robotic analysis helps confirm that the patient’s leg is in the best position so that the alignment of the hip is optimal and that exact tension and stability are achieved. The results are meticulous reconstruction and reduced chances of hip displacement post-operation.
“I’ve been performing these procedures for several months now, and I’m seeing more precision with limb lengths and tissue balance,” Dr. Woodbury said. “It really is a step forward in care.”
The same goes for robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery, also known as the Mako knee replacement.
Prior to this procedure, patients receive a pre-op CT scan that details anatomy. This information helps doctors and the robotic system to ensure sub-millimeter-precise saw placement – which is necessary to remove tissues above and below the original joint. Live data supplied by robotic assistants also helps ensure the most accurate placement of the implant.
This option makes cementless implants a more viable option for patients (cement may offer a weak point post-surgery). The results are more stability post-surgery and increased mobility in the immediacy of the procedure.
“I’ve had robotic knee replacement patients climbing stairs in just four weeks,” Dr. Woodbury said.
Both doctors are believers in this advanced form of care and believe these types of procedures will become the norm for orthopedic surgeons.
“It really is fantastic what robotic-assisted surgery can do,” Dr. Linberg said. “I really see these procedures becoming the majority of joint replacement procedures in the United States in the next 10 years – and there’s more types of these procedures on the way.”
Future innovations could include procedures that address the shoulder and even knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament.
“We’ve seen the difference in our patients, and we’re pleased that we can offer the robotic procedures at Northeast Georgia Medical Center,” Dr. Woodbury said. “It’s a team effort and the leadership here at Longstreet Clinic is serious about making sure we can offer our patients the best care right here in north Georgia.”
If you would like to learn more about the robotic assisted orthopedic surgeries performed by Dr. Woodbury and Dr. Linberg, or are suffering from recurring hip or knee pain, please contact Longstreet Clinic’s Neuroscience and Orthopedic Center at 678-207-4100 or fill out our contact form.
