Robotic surgery breakthrough (Scitech Europa)
Researchers from Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), University of the West of England, UK, have led the development of a ground-breaking robotic surgery system that enables surgeons to put joint fractures back together using a minimally invasive approach.
This robotic surgery system was supported by EPSRC investment and is the first robot-assisted system designed to deal with joint fractures.
Professor Sanja Dogramadzi from the BRL worked alongside Professor Roger Atkins, an orthopaedic surgeon at University Hospital Bristol, UK, and MATOrtho®, a UK leading medical device company. Dogramadzi received funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to refine the system.
How will this technology change surgical procedures?
According to the EPSRC, broken bones that involve joints cause considerable disability and substantial NHS costs. To work properly and avoid painful arthritis, the pieces of the joint must be put back together perfectly.
Currently, surgeons do this by making a large incision to open up the area around the joint to see the broken parts of the bone. These wounds cause pain, scarring, infection...
