LITTLE ROCK - August 14, 2020 – Surgeons at OrthoArkansas in Little Rock, Ark., performed the state’s first robotic-assisted knee replacement with ROSA (robotic surgical assistant) technology in an outpatient surgery center on Aug. 6, 2020. Surgery assisted with ROSA technology is unique because the robot accurately uses data collected before, during, and after surgery to inform the surgeon of the many details related to a patient’s unique anatomy. “Our OrthoArkansas knee replacement surgeons have been specially trained to use the ROSA Knee system in order to personalize a customized surgical approach for each patient,” said Levi Bauer, CEO. “Our goal is to achieve the optimal outcome for our patients. Patients are going to love the enhanced experience.” 
The ROSA Knee system collects pre-, intra and post-operative data gathered through an application to help uncover clinical insights throughout the episode of care. Data provided by the knee system assists with complex decision making and enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility during procedures. 
Pre-surgery, a series of patient images are made to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of the knee anatomy. This 3D model enables the surgeon to plan many specifics of the specific knee replacement prior to surgery. 
The robot does not operate on its own. The surgeon is in the operating room the entire time and is making all of the decisions throughout the surgery. During the procedure, ROSA Knee utilizes a camera and optical trackers attached to the patient’s leg to know exactly where the knee is in space, much like a detailed global positioning system. If the leg moves even a fraction of an inch, the robot can tell and adjusts accordingly. This helps ensure that the plan the surgeon put into place is executed as intended with precision and accuracy. The data provided to the surgeon throughout the surgery, combined with the surgeon’s skill, help the surgeon position the implant with laser precision. 
OrthoArkansas performs close to 2300 knee replacements each year. By having total joint replacements done in outpatient surgery centers, it allows patients to have surgery in a more convenient environment and recover in the comfort of their own homes that evening.