August 5, 2022 – Total joint replacement is one of the most commonly performed, elective surgical procedures in the United States. It is also becoming an increasingly popular outpatient procedure at surgery centers across the country, including here at Mount Sinai Medical Center, thanks to a minimally invasive approach with optimal results using the ROSA, Robotic Surgical Assistant.
Mount Sinai is the first and only hospital in Miami Dade to acquire the device, which is designed to help specially trained surgeons tailor the placement of an implant. Using data collected before and during surgery, surgeons are able to plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon individual needs and unique anatomy.
The makers of ROSA also created a mymobility™ app on Apple Watch and iPhone to guide patients through pre- and post-op care. The app combines patient-reported feedback with continuous health and activity data from Apple Watch. Patients can use the app to stay on top of their post-procedure therapy and more—which is unprecedented.
Mount Sinai Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr, Karim Sabeh recently performed a knee replacement using the ROSA robotic system on 75-year-old patient and Miami resident Clifford Kleinhample, who has seen remarkable results. By using the app, Kleinhample can use his own health and activity information to improve his care and outcome.
Having access to his own data and the ability to share it with Dr. Sabeh seamlessly, allows Clifford to participate in his care and recovery in a way not previously possible through traditional in-person visits.
Essentially, he is connected to his doctor continuously, before and after surgery.
Where patients used to get a booklet with 70-plus pages of care instructions, the app sends notifications in real time, with instructions for pre-op and post-op care, on the exact day needed.
Examples include prepping for surgery with the right cleansing soap; pre-habilitation reminders to perform certain exercises; recorded videos of exercise demonstrations; a pain scale to monitor pain levels; physical therapy reminders, tracking and video demonstrations; heart rate monitoring and notifications, and much more.
If patients don’t have an apple watch, Apple is willing to loan the patient a watch for four months. One month pre-surgery and then one month post-surgery at no charge to the patient. If the patient then wants to purchase, they can do so at a discount: about $100-150 off.
Kleinhample says the technology has done wonders for his recovery and feels that he has more mobility in his leg than ever has before. He feels that having the easy-to-use app on his Apple Watch has helped him stay on top of his physical therapy and has led to amazing results.
“I’ve taken advantage of it and enjoy it very much,” says Kleinhample.
To learn more about Dr. Sabeh and our orthopedic program, click here.
