Peninsula Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Northern Beaches Hospital reveal how advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques enhance patient outcomes
Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is another game-changer, and surgeons are utilising precision robotics to perform minimally invasive procedures with unparalleled accuracy.
Robotic-assisted surgery has significantly advanced the field of hip and knee replacements, providing remarkable precision and efficiency. In Australia, approximately 60,000 knee replacements are performed annually, a number that continues to rise as the population ages and the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases. These surgeries are crucial for alleviating pain, improving quality of life, and correcting joint deformities.
Dr Julian Yu, an Australian-trained board-certified specialist orthopaedic surgeon, emphasises the transformative impact of robotic technology in this area. He highlights that robotic systems enhance the accuracy of surgical procedures by allowing for highly personalised surgery with precise prosthetic placements tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.
As a pioneer in this field, Dr. Yu was the first to perform robotic hip and knee replacements at Northern Beaches Hospital and has since completed nearly 1,000 such procedures. He notes that “robotic surgery potentially reduces complications, accelerates recovery times and enhances post-operative function, including the ability to return to sports”.
Northern Beaches Hospital boasts two state-of-the-art MAKO robots, the most widely used robotic orthopaedic system in Australia.
Northern Beaches Hospital boasts two state-of-the-art MAKO robots, the most widely used robotic orthopaedic system in Australia. “We are very fortunate to have access to this leading technology to provide for our local Northern Beaches community and beyond”.
Dr. Yu uses these robots to perform highly accurate surgeries, aided by 3D digital modelling and templating technologies. This allows him to simulate the surgery virtually, optimizing the surgical plan before performing it in reality. “Performing this ‘virtual surgery’ digitally before operating on the patient allows me to personalise the procedure to the individual shape of the knee. It also enables me to identify and anticipate any potential issues, and develop solutions ahead of the operation,” he adds.
The robot’s live feedback during the operation ensures precise bone preparation and prosthesis placement. Dr. Yu performs both single-sided and bilateral knee replacements, with surgery typically taking around two hours. Recovery times vary, but he strives to mobilise his patients on the same day as the surgery. “Typically, patients are walking with the aid of the physiotherapists on the same day after surgery” he adds.
In addition to joint replacements, Dr. Yu also performs knee arthroscopic surgeries, including meniscus repairs and ligament reconstruction procedures, most commonly ACL reconstructions. These surgeries are designed to help athletes return to sports by restoring knee stability. Unlike joint replacements, which are generally reserved for older patients with advanced joint degeneration, ACL reconstructions are typically performed on younger, active individuals seeking to regain their ability to participate in sports and other high-demand activities.
Looking to the future, the Northern Beaches Hospital and its dedicated orthopaedic surgeons are committed to remaining at the forefront of orthopaedic surgery by continuously advancing technology and enhancing patient outcomes. Dr. Yu states “I hope that we can lead the way in surgical technology by pushing the boundaries of technology and become a Robotic Centre of Excellence for Surgery”.
Dr Julian Yu 02 8045 5688
info@drjulianyu@hotmail.com
drjulianyu.com.au
Dr Sherlock is an expert in minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques with a subspecialty in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Shoulder, elbow and knee replacements revolutionising orthopaedic surgery
A wave of innovation, new implant materials and robotic surgery is transforming the field of orthopedic surgery, particularly in shoulder, elbow, hip and knee replacements.
These are available at Peninsula Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine based at Northern Beaches Hospital, where the independent group of 15 surgeons span subspecialties including hand and wrist, shoulder, foot and ankle, knee, hip, spine, and trauma.
Two of its surgeons, Dr Matthew Sherlock and Dr Julian Yu, tell North Shore Living how this new era of orthopedic surgery is more effective, less invasive, has faster recovery time and provides a higher quality of life.
Dr Sherlock is an expert in minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques with a subspecialty in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and joint replacement surgery of the shoulder.
He treats professional sports stars from the Manly Sea Eagles, Marlins Rugby Union Football Club, the Warringah Rats and upper and lower limb trauma.
“I deal with trauma in all ages, from sports and mountain biking, to rotator cuff repairs, people with arthritis, and joint replacement of the shoulder and elbow,” says Dr Sherlock.
“The Northern Beaches community is pretty fit and active, but people often encounter me through the emergency department. It’s not rocket science, fixing an ankle fracture or tibia.
“These innovations are revolutionising how we approach shoulder replacements”
“Our surgeons are very capable and will fix most fractures, along with complex knee trauma and ligament fraction.”
Peninsula Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine uses state-of- the-art computer navigation and modelling for surgery, including shoulder replacement surgery, and patient-specific instrumentation.
Dr Sherlock says shoulder replacements, traditionally performed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe arthritis or shoulder joint damage, have been significantly enhanced by recent technological developments.
“The introduction of computer navigation and patient-specific modelling allows surgeons to plan and execute these complex procedures with unprecedented accuracy,’ he explains.
“These innovations are revolutionising how we approach shoulder replacements, enhancing precision, improving patient outcomes, and reducing recovery time.”
The practice also trains registrars, and Dr Sherlock says it’s important to train the next generation of surgeons, explaining, “We do a lot of training and teaching on the public side.
“We teach the trainees how to operate so that we invest in the future.”
Dr Matt Sherlock 02 8403 8022
enquiries@shoulderspecialist.com.au
shoulderspecialist.com.au