“ Our initial goal was to complete 500 cases in five years , but thanks to the commitment of our team of administrators , nurses , therapists , operating staff , and surgeons , we eclipsed this milestone in just three years ,” said Matthew Bullock , DO , Marshall Health orthopaedic surgeon and associate professor at the Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine .
Unlike traditional knee and hip replacement , the Mako system enables surgeons to use a robotic-assisted arm that allows more customization and precision . Newly designed cementless implants are also used to allow the patient ’ s bone to grow into the implant forming a natural bond and shortening surgeries . Implants can be placed within 1 millimeter and 1 degree of the intended position .
Bullock and his Marshall Health colleague Alexander T . Caughran , MD , have also been among the first in the country to utilize the Mako robotic system for revision total knee replacements . Their research focuses on the integration and standardization of applying the Mako system for revision knee replacements .
In addition to Bullock and Caughran , Marshall Orthopaedics ’ joint replacement team includes Ali Oliashirazi , MD , chair and professor , and Felix H . Cheung , MD , associate professor .
For more information or appointments , call 304-691-1262 or visit marshallhealth . org / mako .
Image : Marshall Orthopaedics ’ joint replacement team includes board-certified orthopaedic surgeons Alexander Caughran , MD ; Ali Oliashirazi , MD ; Felix Cheung , MD ; and Matthew Bullock , DO .
West Virginia Medical Journal • March 2023 • 15