The VA Orthopaedic Surgery Joint Service recently added a new robotic surgery option for Birmingham VA Medical Center patients needing knee replacement surgery.

The ROSA Knee System, by Zimmer Biomet, is a surgical robot that assists surgeons and provides enhanced accuracy and efficiency of their current surgical approach and technique – while the surgeon maintains full control of the device.

The fairly new procedure known as robotic joint knee replacement allows a surgical robotic assistant, like the ROSA Knee System, to precisely cut away damaged bone and cartilage to the proper thickness, improving implant placement and reducing bleeding. Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Sameer Naranje, M.D., explains why staying abreast of the latest technological advancements is important.

“Robotic joint replacement surgery improves surgical accuracy and patient outcomes and in the future may become the gold standard,” says Naranje. “As science and technology evolve, future surgeons need to be trained and educated on these new technologies which are beneficial to our patients.”

Naranje says the new device benefits the UAB Orthopaedic Residency Program as it expands the educational experience for orthopaedic surgery residents at UAB.