First Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement in South Carolina

Mount Pleasant, SC: January 22, 2018 – East Cooper Medical Center performs South Carolina’s first Mako Total Knee Replacement surgery. The breakthrough surgery was completed using a robotic-arm assisted technology for the placement of the knee implant. East Cooper Medical Center is the only hospital in the state to offer this technology.

"Mako Total Knee Replacement allows us to treat patients with greater precision,” said Patrick Downes, CEO of East Cooper Medical Center.  “The goal is for patients to have relief from their pain, gain back their knee motion, and return to the things they love to do.”

Mako Total Knee surgery is a treatment option for adults living with mid to late stage osteoarthritis of the knee.  The process begins with a CT scan of the patient’s knee that generates a 3D virtual anatomy model.  This is then loaded into a software system that allows the physician to make a personalized pre-operative plan.  In the operating room, the Mako technology allows the surgeon to place and align the components with extreme precision.  Dr. Del Schutte, Comprehensive Joint Program Director at East Cooper Medical Center, was the first surgeon in the state of South Carolina to perform a Makoplasty Total Knee Replacement surgery.

“When a single degree in any direction can make a difference on the performance of the new joint, being able to make alignments to within a millimeter is critical.  Surgeons at East Cooper can now do that in real time in the operating room,” said Dr. Del Schutte.  “Having this technology available at East Cooper allows us to be our patient’s partner for the full continuum of their orthopedic needs with the goal of helping to resolve pain long-term and get them back out doing what they love.”

East Cooper’s Comprehensive Joint Program is designed to provide individualized care to all patients. The program offers multidisciplinary care in an environment where patients come first. As part of its commitment to provide the most up-to-date treatment options for patients, East Cooper will also be the first hospital in South Carolina planning to launch Mako for hip replacement surgery this year.

To learn more about Mako Total Knee Replacement, please visit https://www.eastcoopermedctr.com/our-services/orthopedics.