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Darling Downs Health patients requiring joint replacements will benefit from the arrival of the MAKO robot that uses 3D CT-based surgical planning to help orthopaedic surgeons complete joint replacements in a more accurate and precise manner.
Toowoomba Hospital’s Director of Orthopaedics, Dr Chris Wall said the inclusion of the MAKO robot in the operating theatre is an exciting milestone for public healthcare on the Downs.
“The MAKO robot assists us to accurately perform hip and knee replacements in several ways.
“Prior to the surgery, the patient undergoes a CT scan of the affected joint. The scan is loaded into the robot’s software, and we use this to create a personalised surgical plan.
“During the surgery, the robot allows us to adjust the operative plan based on the patient’s anatomy.
“Finally, the robot assists us in executing the plan, facilitating very accurate placement of the patient’s joint replacement.
“There are several benefits to using this state-of-the-art piece of equipment, including quicker rehabilitation, shorter hospital stays, and a decreased need for revision surgery.
Toowoomba Hospital’s Director of Orthopaedics, Dr Chris Wall
“Not only will having this robot improve patient outcomes, but it will also assist with training orthopaedic registrars, and attracting and retaining orthopaedic surgeons in our region.
“On behalf of the Orthopaedic Department, a big thank you must go to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. It was with their support that the purchase of the MAKO robot was possible,” Dr Wall said.
Annette Stiles was the first Darling Downs Health patient to be operated on using the MAKO robot at Toowoomba Hospital and is recovering well.
“I can’t fault the staff here at the hospital who’ve been involved in my care, a big thank you to them all, they’ve been excellent,” Mrs Stiles said.
The MAKO robot was purchased by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Alison Kennedy said this is the largest single equipment donation in the charity’s history.
"We're incredibly proud to donate the MAKO robot, this technology will transform patient care and surgical outcomes in our community.
"This donation wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Every contribution, whether it’s a coffee from Wellbean Co, parking fees at the hospital car park, or a donation, has helped make this a reality.
“Your ongoing support is not only improving patient experiences and health outcomes but also ensuring everyone in our community has access to the best possible care in our public hospital system,” Ms Kennedy said.