Leading the Way in Joint Replacement Innovation, Dr. Nathan Cafferky of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery Spearheads Study on Robotic Total Knee Replacements
VAIL, COLORADO, March 17, 2021 - Dr. Nathan Cafferky of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) recently published a case series highlighting the benefits of robotic surgical assistants for knee replacement patients in a series of unique total knee arthroplasty cases.
Conducted with the assistance of the Vail-Summit Orthopaedic Foundation (VSOF), Dr. Cafferky’s publication emphasizes the ability of robotic systems to provide a more personalized and accurate total knee replacement.
“While conventional total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful surgeries available, we are always looking for innovations that improve patient outcomes, improve the quality of the procedure, and reduce the percentage of patient dissatisfaction,” Dr. Cafferky said.
About the Study
Dr. Cafferky’s case study presents five total knee replacement surgeries in which a robotic surgical assistant was used. Key takeaways from this study include:
Robotic technology allowed for precise knee implant positioning.
Robotic systems use anatomical landmarks to provide the surgeon with a patient-specific roadmap for bone removal, implant placement, and joint alignment.
Robotic surgical assistants provide real-time data during surgery that allows the surgeon to understand the soft tissue and bony anatomy around an arthritic knee, with the robotic system guiding the accuracy of the surgeon’s soft tissue releases, balancing, and bone cuts.
Robotic systems allow surgeons to take a more scientific approach to restoring limb alignment, range of movement, and range of motion.
Published in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal, Case Reports in Orthopedics, Dr. Cafferky’s study demonstrates how robotic surgical assistants turn subjective data into objective data, allowing for more precise surgical decisions in real-time.
Focusing on Innovation in Orthopaedics
Working alongside the VSOF, Dr. Cafferky conducts medical research to help patients and medical providers make the best treatment choice for them, their injury or condition, and their unique anatomy.
Dr. Cafferky’s Case Series, which discusses his patients' unique knee conditions, emphasizes how innovations in technology - when used in tandem with a surgeon's skill and training - help lead orthopaedics towards a more personalized approach to patient care.
“Dr. Cafferky strives to provide the highest quality care to all of his patients,” said Jared Heinze, Research Program Coordinator at VSOF. “As a physician-scientist, he collaborates closely with the research team at the Foundation to conduct clinical studies that help to identify how new and innovative surgical techniques can be implemented to improve patient outcomes.”
While further research is needed to determine the long-term benefits and outcomes of robotic-assisted total knee replacements, each case in Dr. Cafferky’s study highlights the power of robotic knee arthroplasty - both to the patient and the surgeon.
“Robotic-assisted total knee replacements have the potential to make knee replacement surgery more scientific,” said Dr. Cafferky. “While conventional total knee replacement is the gold standard, and has an excellent track record, robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery may allow for more personalized and more reproducible surgical experiences for patients.”
“Robotic technologies potentially have the opportunities to improve patient outcomes and satisfactions, and help move medicine forward into the future. Although more research still needs to be performed to evaluate this topic, VSON and our foundation (VSOF) are actively researching the scientific benefits that robotic technologies may play in total joint replacement surgeries.”
View the full-length article in the link below to read about how Dr. Cafferky’s use of robotic systems can improve surgical precision by using real-time, objective data.
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About Dr. Nathan Caffery, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Nathan Cafferky is a Board Certified, Fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee total joint replacements, joint replacement revisions, and orthopaedic trauma. Practicing in Eagle and Summit County, Colorado, Dr. Cafferk is a partner at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery and a physician for the U.S. Ski Team. Dr. Cafferky’s philosophy of care involves working closely with his patients to establish treatment goals that help them get back to doing the activities they love.
About Vail-Summit Orthopaedic Foundation
Vail-Summit Orthopaedic Foundation (VSOF) is a nonprofit organization based in Vail, Colorado, dedicated to conducting and supporting research that advances the field of orthopaedics. Engaging conversation, and advancing outcomes, VSOF is driving innovation in orthopaedic education to empower patients, physicians, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to make the best treatment decisions for patients’ health and well-being.
About Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is a world-renowned orthopaedic clinic in Eagle and Summit County. Serving one of the country's most active sports populations, VSON doctors and staff provide top-level care to professional athletes, weekend warriors, visitors, and residents alike. Committed to compassionate care, VSON is dedicated to keeping its patients active, healthy, and happy.