Bumin Hospital Achieves 5,500 Robotic Artificial Joint Surgeries

Recently, news broke that Bumin Hospital has surpassed 5,500 cumulative robotic artificial joint surgeries. This achievement, accomplished across its three specialized joint centers – Seoul Bumin Hospital, Busan Bumin Hospital, and Haeundae Bumin Hospital – reflects their ongoing commitment to providing safer and more effective surgical options for patients.

The Importance of Robotic Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is more than just replacing a worn-out joint. Because each patient's leg axis, bone structure, and degree of joint deformity vary, the angle and position at which the artificial joint is placed can significantly impact post-operative pain, gait, and recovery. Since introducing the Mako robot in September 2020 through a partnership with Stryker Korea, Bumin Hospital has been enhancing surgical precision using various robotic systems, including the domestic CUVIS robot and Smith & Nephew's CORI system.

Patient-Tailored Robotic Surgery System

At the core of Bumin Hospital's robotic surgery is precise planning and execution, allowing them to tailor surgical plans to each patient's condition. Before surgery, imaging data is used to analyze the patient's bone structure and the extent of joint deformity. During the procedure, the planned bone resection and the position of the artificial joint are monitored in real-time. This system supports the surgeon's judgment and technique with enhanced accuracy.

• Benefits of Robotic Surgery: Reduces unnecessary bone resection and damage to surrounding tissues.
• Recovery Speed: Varies depending on factors such as age, muscle strength, underlying conditions, and the degree of joint deformity.
• Personalized Treatment: The most suitable robotic platform is selected based on the patient's condition.

Precise Surgery, Safe Recovery

Bumin Hospital is expanding its robotic surgery applications beyond knee replacements to include total hip arthroplasty (THA). In hip surgery, the angle and position of the artificial joint are crucial for preventing dislocation, managing leg length discrepancies, and ensuring gait stability, making precise surgical planning essential. However, robotic surgery is not suitable for all patients, and consultation with medical professionals based on individual conditions is paramount.

Global Collaboration and Continuous Research

Bumin Hospital is collaborating with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a leading orthopedic hospital in the United States, to continuously research and improve the standardization and accuracy of robotic artificial joint surgery. The annual 'Robotic Artificial Joint Symposium' brings together orthopedic specialists from various countries, including the US, Japan, India, and Singapore, to share the latest clinical experiences and surgical know-how.

The '5th Symposium of the Korean Society of Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery,' scheduled for May 30th at the Paradise City Hotel in Incheon, is part of these research efforts. It will focus on discussing the latest clinical experiences in knee and hip robotic surgery and how robots can be utilized in complex cases.

Director Jeong Heung-tae emphasized, "When the surgeon's skilled technique is combined with the precision of robotics, we can provide better outcomes for patients." He added, "The 5,500 cases represent not just a number, but the accumulated trust and expectations of patients hoping for a safer and faster return to their daily lives."