Robotics Teaching Lab at Columbia—Dr. Geller teaches surgeons from around the world about robotic surgery
Dr. Geller has been doing robotic knee replacement surgery since approximately 2016. Robotic surgery may include either full knee replacement or partial knee replacement. In general, Dr. Geller uses robotic navigation for full knee replacements more often.
Robotic knee replacement involves building a virtual image of the patient's existing knee anatomy into the computer. This patient-specific model helps the surgeon know what to expect and allows Dr. Geller to make a customized plan before doing any work on the patient's knee. In contrast to manual surgery, in robotic knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeon (aided by a computer) guides the programmed robotic burr. In this manner, the surgeon is able to accurately and precisely place the new knee implant to best fit a patient's individual anatomy. In addition to perfect placement of the new knee implant, one of the major benefits of robotic knee surgery is the ability to take into account a patient's soft tissues, as well. Soft tissues include the ligaments, muscles and tendons. This helps the new knee replacement “feel” more like a patient's own knee.
Dr. Geller has participated in the Robotics Teaching Lab at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, New York. At this state-of-the-art facility, he helps teach orthopedic surgeons from all over the world how to do robotic knee surgery (see photo of the lab to the right).
Dr. Geller is part of many different research studies evaluating the benefits of robotic knee replacement, as well as other technologies that may prove to help make the patient recovery and the outcome better.