Surgery, Physical Therapy or Injection? An Orthopedic Evaluation Helps Make the Call

New robotic surgical technology at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center personalizes procedures and makes joint replacement surgery even more precise.

The system uses advanced imaging and data analytics, partnered with the surgeon’s expertise, to tailor care for each patient. Using a 3D model based on a CT scan of the patient’s anatomy, surgeons can plan the implant size, placement and alignment accurately before entering the operating room. During the procedure, the robotic system uses real-time feedback to guide the surgeon’s hand and touch-sensitive boundaries to protect surrounding tissues and bones.

“This robotic technology allows our surgeons to make smaller incisions, improve the implant’s placement and operate more precisely—which all mean a smoother recovery for patients,” said Todd Kennedy, president of Wellstar Paulding. 

The orthopedic surgery team at Wellstar Paulding uses the system in total hip replacements and total and partial knee replacements.

Wellstar Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Sameer Badarudeen, who has a decade of experience in robotic hip and knee replacements, was the first to use the technology at Wellstar Paulding. He said the system allows surgeons to better personalize care for each patient.

“As surgeons, we now have a much deeper understanding of optimal artificial knee placement, moving beyond the older ‘boilerplate knee’ approach that resulted in identical-looking X-rays for all patients,” Dr. Badarudeen said. “It empowers surgeons to thoroughly assess each patient's unique anatomy and then meticulously recreate the artificial knee replacement to be perfectly tailored to that individual's specific anatomy.”

Denise Fortune, whose knee was replaced using the technology, was able to go home the same day as her surgery. She had minimal pain after the procedure and now has increased mobility after several years of knee pain.

Dr. Badarudeen ensured Denise received personalized care and had the support she needed for a smooth recovery.

“I'm feeling great. I'm still going to physical therapy, and they tell me I'm ahead of where I normally would be,” Denise said.

Read more about orthopedic surgery at Wellstar Paulding.

Sports injuries, broken bones and sprains don’t have to interfere with your schedule. Wellstar Ortho-On-Demand in Augusta has you covered with convenient care when you need it. 

Our expert team provides prompt treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, including:

• Bone, joint or muscle injuries
• Ankle sprains or strains
• Knee sprains or strains
• Hand, elbow, wrist or shoulder injuries
• Broken bones without an open wound
• New back pain

Injuries love bad timing. We don’t. When inconvenient injuries happen, we’re here for you. We welcome walk-ins and offer same-day appointments for fast, efficient care.

Ortho-On-Demand treats patients ages 8 and older, providing tailored orthopedic solutions for children, teens and adults. You don’t need a referral for quick, expert care from our orthopedic specialists. You’ll get the care you need right when you need it—without the waits at the emergency department.

“If you're seen in the emergency department, you'll speak with a clinician, get an X-ray and then be told to follow up with your orthopedic provider,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Monte Hunter. “When you come to Ortho-On-Demand, you're seen by a musculoskeletal specialist, and you're immediately part of the Wellstar orthopedic family. You will receive prompt specialized treatment to accelerate your care and recovery.”

If you need follow-up care from another specialist such as a hand surgeon or imaging like a CT scan or MRI, clinicians at other Wellstar locations will be able to access your visit information from Ortho-On-Demand using Wellstar MyChart. With this seamless transition of care, you can continue treatment with Wellstar’s extensive network of specialists and locations to more easily get the care you need.

Ortho-On-Demand's afternoon and evening hours are convenient for the “40-hour-a-week athlete," according to Dr. Hunter—those who balance full-time jobs with staying active and may need care outside the hours of other medical offices. During the fall, extended hours on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM are available.

“If you sprain your ankle at a church league softball game or fall around the house, you don’t have to go to the emergency department to be assessed. You can have immediate access to orthopedic professionals, get a quick orthopedic evaluation and X-ray, and be treated by professionals—all at one site,” Dr. Hunter said.

You can count on Ortho-On-Demand for your kids too. We treat everyone age 8 and older, so if your child falls on the playground or hurts themselves on the ball field, our team will provide compassionate, expert care to help them heal. 

Learn more at wellstar.org/orthoondemand.