ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – Avera St. Luke’s is the first hospital in Aberdeen and Northeastern South Dakota to offer Mako SmartRobotics™. This advancement in joint replacement surgery transforms the way total knee replacements are performed.
With the new service, Avera welcomes Dr. Seth Christensen.
Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase 189% by 2030. Yet studies have shown that approximately 20% of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery. Mako Total Knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically successful Triathlon Total Knee System, which enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy.
Mako SmartRobotics™ consists of three unique components – 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop™
haptic technology and insightful data analytics. In clinical studies, Mako Total Knee demonstrated the potential for patients to experience less pain, less need for opiate analgesics, less need for inpatient physical therapy, reduction in length of hospital stay, improved knee flexion and soft tissue protection in comparison to manual techniques.
“Robotics allows me to know more about my patients than ever before, and the added precision often results in reduced tissue damage and less post-operative pain,” Dr. Christensen said.
“Mako’s 3D CT allows me to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy all before entering the operating room,” he said. “During surgery, I can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements.”
“We are proud to be the first hospital to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area,” said Todd Forkel, Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. “Dr. Christensen joins a skilled team of orthopedic doctors that will continue to offer quality care to area patients.
Adding robotics to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide
the community with outstanding healthcare.”
Dr. Christensen will provide expert care in:
• Robotic hip and knee surgery
• Direct anterior total hip replacement
• Total knee replacement
• Total shoulder replacement
• Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee
To schedule an appointment, call Avera Orthopedics Aberdeen at 605-622-2570. Dr. Christensen
will also see patients in Faulkton and Huron.