Hip and knee replacement surgeries just became more precise with the help of a smart robotics machine that assists surgeon Anthony Parker, DO, at Harnett Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
“The key word is precision. It’s a game-changer for our community,” Dr. Parker said.
Dr. Parker is the only doctor in the Cape Fear Valley Health System who uses Stryker’s Mako SmartRobotics machine for total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements.
He is one of two physicians at Harnett Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Dunn, which opened in September 2023.
Practice manager Colby Warren said that this technology is unique to the region.
“When Dr. Parker talks about it, his patients respond and their eyes light up. We are also finding that clients are specifically looking for this service,” Warren said.
Dr. Parker said the new technology eliminates the guesswork that comes with traditional surgery techniques and allows the patient to preserve their soft tissue and bone.
“It’s cutting-edge technology,” Dr. Parker said. “In traditional surgery, you could be off by a few millimeters, but this eliminates even that small of an error. This robot-assisted surgery makes it very precise, reducing a margin to one degree or a half of a millimeter.”
With the SmartRobotics technology, the doctor can take a CT scan of either the knee or hip, which creates a 3D model of the bone.
“We can use that model before we even begin the surgery to map out a plan and check for alignment and tension of the knee or hip. The robot gives very objective data. Then as I hold the robot, it is working with the exact plan we’ve created,” said Dr. Parker.
After the procedure, the doctor can also check the work through the robot and get confirmation that with a hip replacement, the leg length is the same, or with a knee replacement the range of motion and alignment is correct.
“This helps make for a more precise final outcome. We are doing what we set out to achieve beforehand. It also helps for a faster recovery,” said Dr. Parker.
Another feature Dr. Parker is offering is knee revisions, which is unique to the area in their practice.
“If a patient had a knee replacement 15 years ago, but needs an adjustment or is experiencing pain, Dr. Parker can add to the replacement. Not every doctor will do those surgeries,” said Warren.
Non-surgical services
Warren said Benjamin Petty, MD, the other physician in the practice, also offers exclusive services to the area and in orthopedics in general.
“Dr. Petty offers nonsurgical alternatives for candidates who might not be ready for surgery,” Warren said. “For instance, if a patient has a high body mass index (BMI), it can cause too much risk in several ways. He can go in and perform a genicular nerve ablation, which essentially burns nerves in the knee, and give a patient six to eight months of relief while they are working toward their goal of weight loss.”
He continued that the nonsurgical procedure can also help a patient who needs a bilateral knee replacement, allowing them to rest until the next one is needed or with a patient who is busy with life and doesn’t have the time for recovery.
A North Carolina native, Dr. Petty’s background as a student-athlete playing basketball for North Carolina State University and running track in high school helped prepare him to become a doctor specializing in sports medicine.
“My love for sports was amplified by being a high-level athlete. Now I’m helping others get back to the game of life,” said Dr. Petty.
Warren said the best part about the practice is the synergy that has aligned with the hiring of Dr. Parker and Dr. Petty.
“Every doctor complements each other as a group, which makes it fantastic for patient care. We are expanding orthopedic services and treating patients on a much larger scale. I think we are all excited to see how it increases in the next 5 to 10 years,” said Warren.
One of the greatest benefits that Dr. Parker sees is that patients do not have to travel to get state-of-the-art services.
“This technology is outstanding for patient care and it’s great for our community,” said Dr. Parker.
Dr. Parker said the number of patients looking for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is growing.
“They are looking for it and finding it here,” Dr. Parker said.
Harnett Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has two locations in Lillington and Dunn. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. To learn more, visit myharnetthealth.org/ortho.