Williamson Medical Center and several of the area’s top orthopaedic surgeons will host an event at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, in the medical center lobby to introduce and explain the advantages of the newest WMC surgical assistant, the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopaedic System.
Cory Calendine, M.D., Colin Looney, M.D., Brian Perkinson, M.D., Christopher Stark, M.D., and Paul Thomas, M.D., each specialize in knee and hip replacements and are the only surgeons credentialed to use this robotic technology at Williamson Medical Center, which is the only facility in Middle Tennessee offering the RIO® System operated by joint fellowship-trained surgeons.
Earlier this year, WMC began utilizing this cutting-edge, new technology that offers a minimally invasive procedure for early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that allows for quicker recovery and more natural-feeling joints after surgery.
“This technology allows us to do specialized images of the joint before we start a surgery and that means we can plan surgeries better than ever before,” said orthopaedic surgeon Paul Thomas, M.D. “It enables the surgeon to do a more thorough pre-operative evaluation, plan the most effective procedure and then execute it more precisely than ever.”
In addition to pre-operative planning, during surgery, RIO® provides real-time information and images during surgery that allow the surgeon to control accurate implant placement, which is more difficult using manual techniques.
Benefits of robotic-assisted partial knee and total hip replacements include a smaller incision, less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, improved range of motion and the ability to return to normal everyday activities much sooner than with traditional knee replacement surgery.
“We have a very successful orthopaedic surgery program here, so having a piece of technology like this will help solidify Williamson Medical Center as the place to come for these types of surgeries,” said Don Webb, CEO of WMC. “Being the first in the area to offer this level of precision speaks volumes about our commitment to orthopaedics.”
Williamson Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Bone and Joint Clinic orthopaedic surgeons who will be using the RIO® robotic system exclusively at WMC will be hosting a free Q&A session in the main lobby of the medical center Wed., April 22.
The event will begin with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short program at 6 p.m. The RIO® robotic system will be on display and surgeons will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the technology or the surgical procedures. We invite you to come with questions and bring a friend. For more information about the event or to register to attend, visit www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org/rio or call 615-435-6780.
More Health StoriesAbout Williamson Medical Center
Williamson Medical Center, a 185-bed hospital fully accredited by The Joint Commission, provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care including emergency services, with credentialed physicians in 53 specialties and sub-specialties. The community-focused hospital offers a wide range of wellness services, screenings and classes and in the summer of 2015 will open the doors to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center. For more information visit www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org.
