(Foley) Sixteen months after performing the first Mako robot-guided joint replacement surgery in Baldwin County, Dr. Gregg Terral marked his 100th surgery this month. The 3D virtual model of a patient’s unique joint offers a revolutionary capability for customized joint replacement making lengthy, painful recovery a long-gone experience.
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center partnered with Bayside Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Rehab Center in launching the robot-arm assisted joint procedure in May, 2018. A significant leading-edge investment for SBRMC, Mako is a $1 million system designed for total hip and total or partial knee replacement.
Terral is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specially trained in the robotic arm. Dr. Jay Savage and Dr. Jason Determann of Bayside Orthopaedic have teamed with Terral to perform 256 of South Baldwin’s 359 surgeries to date.
“It’s been very rewarding to see my patients return to the lives they’ve enjoyed before arthritis so quickly, and with much less pain with the Mako process,” said Terral. “Every knee is different. Until we had the precision of a robot arm and customized model, we would typically make the cut and work with what we had. The unexpected would often made procedures tougher, with more tugging and pulling. The precision now reduces the potential for complications, and we’re in and out quickly – that’s always better for the patient.”
The robotic arm uses CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy to identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on the individual patient’s unique anatomy. The technology is able to help administer microscopic, precise cuts and measurements during surgery and even change the plan mid-procedure, if needed. The robotic arm can position the cutting tool to the exact degree of cut needed, an impossible task with human hands. “We’re in control of the tool at all times, and can stop at any time. It only does what we tell it to do and so far it’s been perfect.”
For more than 40 years, Bayside Orthopaedic Sports Medicine & Rehab Center has provided Baldwin County’s most comprehensive leading-edge orthopaedic care. Our fellowship-trained and board-certified doctors have extensive specialization in joint replacement, fracture care, sports medicine and physical therapy. Founded in Fairhope in 1977, the practice today includes on-site rehabilitative care, a Bone Health Clinic, and additional offices in Foley, Gulf Shores and Brewton. We’re committed to the wellness of body, mind & spirit in restoring patients to active, healthy lives.
