Distinctly Montana Magazine

55 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m Robotic Knee Surgery at Benefis Health System is 'Story of Joy' Q&A with Dr. Jace Bullard Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jace Bullard answers questions to help patients, especially those who need a second knee replacement, understand what ROSA assistance can offer. What does ROSA do? During surgery, the robot uses a camera and optical trackers for incredibly detailed tracking of the patient's knee, similar to the way a car's GPS works, but down to a fraction of an inch. This helps ensure the surgery plan is executed precisely as the surgeon intends. Throughout the surgery, the robot sends the surgeon data about the knee, which helps inform them how to position the implant based on each person's unique anatomy. ROSA acts primarily as a tool and guide for the surgeon. It does not actually perform any part of the procedure on the patient. Why does that matter to a patient? With patients living longer and getting total joint replacements younger, it's even more important to have as perfect an alignment as possible for the greatest prosthesis longevity. Problems with alignment and inaccurate bone cuts can lead to failure of a knee replacement and the need for revision surgery. ROSA helps improve accuracy and allows surgeons to tailor the knee replacement in a way that may feel more natural and satisfying to patients. The expectation is that over time, using ROSA will mean fewer revisions, improved pain levels, superior functional results, and, ultimately, happier patients. What other benefits are there to robot-assisted surgery? Unlike some robotic platforms, ROSA does not require a pre-operative CT scan or MRI, which reduces expenses and exposure to radiation. Historically, previously implanted hardware sometimes presented a problem for patients undergoing knee replacement. In certain situations, using ROSA allows surgeons to leave previous hardware in place, eliminating the need for additional or more complex procedures. How does ROSA change surgery from your perspective? What's it like to use? I love it. It gives me objective information I can use to plan and carry out a knee replacement with a high degree of accuracy and personalization for the patient. We've never had so much measurable information available in real time during surgery. It is truly an exciting technology with the potential to significantly improve upon a procedure that affects millions across the nation. The route back to the Bob Marshall Wilderness goes through a Benefis Health System operating room for Randy Gray, a longtime Great Falls attorney and former mayor. Randy recently became the first patient at Benefis to have his knee replaced by a surgeon using the new ROSA knee robot, which brings increased precision and personalization to joint replacement. "This is an investment in the next 20 years," he said. "This is about quality of life and extending our wellness into much later decades. This is my story of joy. I'm astounded how well this has worked out, right here in our town." Benefis is the first location in Montana to use ROSA, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jace Bullard praises the precision, customization, and depth of information the robot provides him. A tradition of advanced care. Learn more at Benefis.org/ROSA

• Cover