Dr Limbers was the first surgeon in NSW to use the very latest technology for knee and hip replacements using the cutting edge MAKO robot.
And he is one of three surgeons now using the technology at Gosford Private Hospital, the first hospital on the coast to offer the ground-breaking surgery.
The $1.7M system allows surgeons to create a personalised plan for each surgery, using CT-based 3D modelling of the patient’s bone anatomy.
They can finetune implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy.
And during surgery, the surgeon can make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute the plan.
Dr Limbers said the technology had transformed the way total knee, partial knee and hip replacements are performed, delivering better outcomes for patients.
He began using it at The San at Wahroonga a couple of years ago, after being one of the first Australian surgeons accredited in its use.
“I could see this was going to be a great thing and started training both here and overseas before it was released in Australia,” he said.
“While long-term benefits have yet to be proven, the surgery is a lot less invasive and painful due to less tissue stripping than previous surgeries and my patients have been very happy with the results and are doing very well.
“It really takes surgery to another level which wasn’t possible before – no matter how talented a surgeon is, he can never judge as accurately as technology just what is required for each patient.”
There are fewer than 25 surgeons using the technology statewide, but Dr Limbers is convinced it is the way of the future.
For Dr Limbers, being an orthopaedic surgeon was a path he chose very early in life, not because of his name as some wags have suggested, but because of the inspiration of his own father.
Dr Limbers, his wife and five children lived for around six years at Avoca and although they now live at Wahroonga, the family still spends around one third of each year on the coast, with Dr Limbers alternating his operating schedule between The San and Gosford Private.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer this technology right here on the Central Coast for total knee, hip and partial knee replacements,” he said.
Health Care Regional Manager and Gosford Private CEO, Matt Kelly, said the hospital was proud to be the first to offer the highly advanced robotic technology on the Central Coast.
The replacement procedure is designed to restore function and relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis.
With around 50,000 Australians undergoing knee replacement surgery annually, studies have shown that approximately 30 per cent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery.
“The new system enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy when compared to manual techniques,” Mr Kelly said.
More than 700 joint replacements are undertaken at Gosford Private Hospital each year, with that number sure to rise given the high number of elderly residents on the coast.
