Robotic surgical technology transforms lives
Severe knee osteoarthritis had robbed Loraine of her mobility, forcing her to crawl up the stairs in her home. Dr. Shawn Garbedian and a robot named ROSA helped her get her life back.
Loraine couldn’t believe how seriously knee osteoarthritis had impacted her life until her physiotherapist and rheumatologist informed her that she needed a knee replacement. Accustomed to an active life, taking long walks with her dogs, she had begun experiencing pain, stiffness and eventually had great difficulty walking, standing, and climbing stairs. A busy physician specialist, Loraine was finding it difficult to perform basic daily activities including cooking, grocery shopping, and holding her newborn grandchild. Travel for work presentations was increasingly challenging. At the end stages, she was forced to crawl up the stairs in her home.
Loraine’s rheumatologist referred her to North York General Hospital (NYGH) orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Shawn Garbedian. This was the beginning of Loraine’s journey to recovery.
Leading-edge robotic technology
Dr. Garbedian performed Loraine’s knee replacement in January 2024 with assistance from a robotic surgical assistant (ROSA). The ROSA Knee technology provides what Dr. Garbedian describes as a GPS for the knee, including data on the joint’s bony anatomy and soft tissue structures. This allows the surgeon to customize the angle of the knee replacement, giving the patient a better outcome with an improved range of motion, more strength, less pain and a faster recovery.
NYGH, which purchased ROSA in 2021, was one of the first hospitals in Ontario to integrate the robotic technology into its surgery program. NYGH Director of Surgery Mary Chen says ROSA assists four surgeons in 30 to 40 knee replacement procedures a month, adding that NYGH’s highly trained surgeons using leading-edge robotics technology provide the best surgical outcomes for patients. The hospital performed more than 2,000 joint replacement surgeries in 2023-2024, including 1,302 total knee and hip replacements.
Dr. Garbedian credits the generous supporters of the NYGH Foundation for making it possible for the hospital’s knee replacement program to be an early adopter of the robotics technology.
Getting her life back
Before her surgery, Loraine was contacted by NYGH’s hip and knee patient navigator, who reviewed pre-operative and post-operative instructions with her. Describing the navigator as a bridge between her and the surgical team, Loraine felt supported at every stage of her patient journey. Loraine has met thousands of medical professionals globally and she describes Dr. Garbedian as one of the most skilled physicians she has encountered. She speaks highly of his rare combination of advanced technical skill, knowledge, empathic communication, and leadership. She also has high praise for the hospital staff, including the nursing staff and orthopaedic technologist.
Determined to get back on her feet after surgery, Loraine attended physiotherapy sessions three times a week. She was walking and climbing stairs the day after surgery and three days after surgery she was doing things around the house. Soon she could stand for hours and walk long distances. She attributes her excellent recovery to Dr. Garbedian and ROSA. Loraine says that orthopedic surgery is life-altering, as it saves lives by reducing cardiovascular issues and many other health risks, as well as restoring mobility, dignity and function. Loraine is scheduled to have her second knee replaced in August 2024 and her husband will also have his knee replaced by Dr. Garbedian.
I was delighted with the stellar medical care I received. Dr. Garbedian’s work is exemplary. He is a role model for all health-care professionals, with a special combination of skill and gracious kindness towards patients. By restoring my mobility, he transformed my overall health and he saved my life. I will forever be grateful to him, to the hospital and for the robotics technology used during my surgery.
— Loraine, knee-replacement surgery patient
This story was featured in the 2023 – 2024 Year in Review Digital Version.