Latest news with #kneeReplacement
RNZ News
04-08-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
The ‘postcode lottery' for hip and knee replacements is still strongly in force
Lynette Wall Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Lynette Wall is waiting to find out if she will get a knee replacement Reforms were supposed to eliminate the 'postcode lottery' for healthcare. But new data shows access to care for people needing a hip or knee replacement still varies massively across the country. Lynette Wall did not think her retirement would be like this. She dreamed of freedom, travel and ticking off her bucket list. "I'm too scared to go anywhere," she says. She can't tackle the bucket list or do anything much, "apart from looking through a window". Three months before she was due to retire, she discovered she had severe osteoarthritis in her knee. She now walks with a cane and takes a self-prescribed combination of panadol and ibuprofen each day to manage the pain. Her world has shrunk. The long walks she loved are now short and full of fear her knee will either lock up, or give way. Social outings to places with stairs make her apprehensive, she sticks to territory she knows. She suspects she needs a knee replacement, but has no idea when this might happen. She has not even had a first specialist appointment at Middlemore Hospital which would assess whether she can join the surgery waitlist. A letter she received tells her the average wait time for the specialist appointment at Middlemore's Super Clinic is 47 weeks. "I would like to stop things getting worse, I would like to stay out of a wheelchair if I can," Wall says. Data obtained by RNZ shows that at the end of January 2025 Middlemore Hospital had 654 people on the waitlist for knee surgery - the biggest hospital waitlist in the country - with an average waiting time of 223 days. While Wall's likely wait for surgery may seem long, she may be one of the lucky ones. She is more likely to get onto a surgery waitlist than people in places like Wairarapa, Taranaki or Southland, and her wait for surgery will likely be shorter. If Wall lived in Invercargill, her time spent gazing out a window instead of enjoying life before she could get surgery would likely be three times as long - a whopping 721 days, despite a smaller waitlist of 190 according to the same data. A few hours drive north, at Christchurch Hospital, the average wait time for the very same surgery is 107 days, the lowest in the country. New Zealanders needing hip or knee replacement surgery face a double-whammy postcode lottery. The bar to entering a waitlist differs across the country, as does the time it takes to get surgery once you are accepted to a waitlist. Based on average wait times at the end of January, Southland hospital is the worst place to be if you need a knee replacement with 721 days, followed by Grey Hospital at 443 days. Christchurch hospital (107 days) is the only hospital meeting the target of treating patients on the knee surgery waitlist within four months. Patients needing hip replacements can also face long waits. Grey Hospital on the South Island's west coast is the worst for hips. The shortest waiting time was 128 days for Hawke's Bay Hospital, but this still exceeds the target of four months. Southland's average wait for 2025 was missing from data supplied to RNZ, but in 2024 it was 454 days. Average waiting times at different hospitals has changed over time, with some hospitals, such as Dunedin, experiencing several years with long wait times before improving. While wait times tell one part of the persistent postcode lottery story for hip and knee surgery, it is not the only factor. Patients in some areas need to be in a far worse way to even make it onto a waiting list than patients in other parts of the country. By the time many patients make it to Southland hospital's operating theatre for a hip replacement, their hip ball has practically imploded, according to Invercargill surgeon Chuck Luecker. "The ball has gone from being round, to not just having spurs," Luecker says. "Sometimes cysts form in the bone and sometimes you can collapse the wall of the cyst and the ball becomes deformed." Leuker estimates 40 percent of the patients who make it to surgery fall into this category. "They're not getting surgery in less than six months." Patients in other locations get seen before they are in such a bad way. In Southland, patients have to have a score of 70 in a prioritisation tool to get surgery. In Canterbury, they only need a score of 50 and in Tairawhiti, just 20. People in Wairarapa have the toughest time making it onto a waiting list, with a score of 80 required. Luecker says this postcode lottery of surgery comes down to Southland Hospital's capacity. "According to the Ministry, you're not supposed to offer anybody surgery that you can't provide in a timely way." Health New Zealand is working to standardise the bar to waitlist entry across the country. So far, this has been completed for cataract surgery but is yet to be put in place for orthopaedics such as hip and knee replacements. A report into the inequities in planned care published by the Office of the Auditor General noted standardising some treatments would incur additional costs for districts already under pressure. Luecker believes a one-off population decline is behind the hospital's current predicament. The decline was incorrectly taken as a sign Southland's population would continue to fall and when a new hospital was built the number of beds was reduced from 198 to 166. Of those 166 beds, only 157 were fully staffed. But, instead of decreasing, the population grew from 82,000 to 135,000. The hospital opened in the middle of the ski and flu season and immediately elective surgeries were cancelled due to a lack of staffed beds, he says. "We were turning away people who were truly disabled, out of work, on a cane or a crutch, and struggling." Health New Zealand national chief medical officer Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard says work is underway to standardise the score for acceptance onto waitlists across the country, but she says there are challenges to do this over 20 separate districts. "In some areas it's workforce challenges," she says. This means more staff are needed to increase the number of surgeries which can be completed and lower the acceptance score. In other districts, the number of people already on the waiting list needs to be reduced before the score can be lowered. "In some areas there's been disagreement as to what the standard should be," she says. Stokes-Lampard is unable to give a timeline for when entry criteria to surgical waitlists will be equitable no matter where someone lives. The current focus is on reducing the number of people waiting for surgery, and a funding boost to outsource procedures will tackle this, she says. In the 2024/2025 financial year, 990 hip replacements and 1061 knee replacements were outsourced to the private sector. Data at the end of January shows in total 4600 people were waiting on the public hospital lists for hip replacements and 3300 for knee replacements There is concern the push to outsourcing could have perverse results long term. "Outsourcing in the short term is undoubtedly very helpful for our waiting lists. In the longer term, you need to get the balance right of using the private sector so that you don't destabilise the public sector," she says. "That would be quite an own goal." Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Muholland Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR Chair of advocacy group Patient Voice Aotearoa Malcolm Mulholland sees the sense in outsourcing elective procedures to private hospitals as a short term method to get through a backlog of surgeries, but he's against it as a long term plan. "We're basically paying twice. We pay tax, it goes into the public health system. Then the government finds they have a shortage of workers, and therefore they contract out at a higher rate to the private sector." A lack of staff is the biggest issue he sees, but says he is yet to see a workforce plan. Wages need to be increased to match other countries, such as Australia, to make New Zealand an attractive option. He is against the idea of 10-year-long contracts with the private sector. "It's a move to privatisation," he says. "We're saying that no longer do we trust or have faith in the capability within the public health system, so rather than try and fix the public health system all we're going to do is outsource to private and they will charge a higher price." Since Mulholland started advocating for patients, he says he's seen a little less of the postcode lottery, but it's not because things are improving. He believes access for people in all areas of the country is worse, with a widening divide between rural and urban access to help. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly For Lynette Wall, who may be waiting months to find out if she is eligible for surgery, daily life consists of cautious shuffling around her home. She's determined to not need a wheelchair. "I want to stay independent, not need home help, which would cost the government money." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zimmer to buy robotics firm Monogram for about $177M
This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter. Zimmer Biomet said Monday that it plans to buy Monogram Technologies, an orthopedics company with a robot for knee replacement procedures, for about $177 million. Monogram's mBôS robot received Food and Drug Administration clearance in March for total knee replacement surgeries. The system uses CT scans and AI navigation for orthopedic procedures. Monogram's robot will be sold with Zimmer implants in early 2027, the companies said in the announcement. They expect the merger to close later this year, if approved by regulators and Monogram's shareholders. The Monogram acquisition is expected to give surgeons more options and grow Zimmer's orthopedic robotics portfolio. Currently, Zimmer sells its Rosa robot, which is designed for imageless surgeries, or can use 2D X-rays to help with surgical planning. Monogram's robot, by contrast, uses CT imaging and offers predictive navigation. Monogram is working on a fully autonomous version of the robot and securing additional applications beyond total knee surgery. Zimmer CEO Ivan Tornos said the acquisition will give Zimmer 'the most comprehensive and flexible technology ecosystem' to support surgeons' varying preferences, and the combined firm will have 'the potential to become the first company to deliver fully autonomous capabilities and redefine both the standard of care and the future of orthopedic surgery." Zimmer will buy all of Monogram's outstanding shares for $4.04 per share in cash upfront, for a total equity value of about $177 million and an enterprise value of approximately $168 million. Monogram's shareholders will also be able to receive up to $12.37 per share in common stock if certain development, regulatory and revenue milestones are met through 2030. Both companies' boards have approved the deal. Monogram's shares increased by more than 75% to $5.78 in Monday morning trading. Zimmer has been working to grow its robotics business through new indications and acquisitions. Last year, Zimmer received 510(k) clearance for its Rosa shoulder system and partnered with Think Surgical, which makes a wireless handheld robotic knee surgery device. Zimmer expects the Monogram purchase will contribute to revenue growth starting in 2027 and be neutral to earnings per share in the first three years. The deal is expected to be accretive to earnings starting in 2028. The Monogram deal follows Zimmer's proposal to acquire Paragon 28 for $1.1 billion, which closed in April. Recommended Reading Monogram robot wins FDA OK; Vicarious hit by supplier woes Sign in to access your portfolio
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Ontario calling for more private clinics to handle hip and knee surgeries
Physiotherapist Ellen Newbold, right, and occupational therapist Mary Van Impe help Tim Heenan walk up some steps as he prepares for his release following day surgery for a hip replacement at Hospital, in Toronto on Tuesday, May 23, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young) The Ontario government says it would like to see up to 20,000 more orthopedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, performed at private community surgical centres around the province over the next two years and is providing $125 million to make it happen. In a statement, Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the move is aimed at delivering 'even more connected and convenient care for people, when and where they need it.' A call for applications to open the new community surgical centres opens today. 'This expansion in services will reduce wait times for orthopedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, ensuring that 90 per cent of Ontario patients receive care within clinically recommended timeframes,' the province said in a news release. The new surgical centres will be accredited by Accreditation Canada, the same body that establishes quality standards for hospitals, the province said. The province also pointed out that no centre can refuse an insured service to a patient who chooses not to purchase uninsured 'upgrades' and no patient can pay to receive insured services faster than others. Canadian wait times for key surgeries – including knee and hip replacements – have been sluggish to rebound since the pandemic, according to data released last month by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). The institute cited an ageing population and a shortage of health-care workers as contributing factors to the problem. Ontario completed 82 per cent of hip replacement surgeries and 79 per cent of knee replacement surgeries within benchmark wait times in 2024, according to data compiled by CIHI. The province claims its surgical wait times are the shortest in Canada. Most of the 900 private community surgical and diagnostic centres already operating around Ontario currently provide imaging services. The province announced last week that it would spend $155 million over the next two years to create 57 new centres for MRI and CT scans and gastrointestinal endoscopy services. The call for applications for the new orthopedic centres will run from July 2 to Aug. 27, though questions about the process are only being accepted until July 16. The first new licences are expected to be issued in early 2026. With files from CTV News and The Canadian Press
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New robotic technology launched in Glasgow hospital for knee replacements
A Glasgow-based private hospital has launched new robotic technology for knee replacement surgery. Ross Hall Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, is said to be the only private hospital in Scotland to offer the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution. Developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the system is designed to improve patient outcomes with shorter hospital stays and greater post-surgery mobility. Mhairi Jefferies, executive director of Ross Hall Hospital, said: "We are delighted to be working with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to deploy the VELYS system at Ross Hall Hospital. Read more: Vile rapist sentenced after preying on two young girls "We know our patients are looking for faster recovery times and an improved quality of life post-surgery. "The arrival of this system promises to offer our patients the latest and best technology on their doorstep." The VELYS system works exclusively with the ATTUNE Knee System and is designed to improve post-operative stability and movement by preserving soft tissue around the knee joint. It uses CT-free technology to assist surgeons in placing implants more accurately, aiming for more predictable outcomes and a quicker return to mobility. The first procedure using the new technology was carried out on April 23.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Clemenceau Medical Center hospital Dubai celebrates over 1000 advanced robotic knee and hip surgeries
UAE Leads Region in Robotic Knee Surgery with Over 1000 Cases at Clemenceau Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In a groundbreaking achievement that reaffirms the UAE's leadership in medical innovation, Clemenceau Medical Center hospital Dubai celebrated a major milestone: successfully performing over 1000 robotic joint replacement surgeries using the second-generation CORI robotic system — with an outstanding success rate of 99.5%. This advancement places the UAE as the second country in the world after the United States to implement this cutting-edge surgical technology. The achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership in embracing and promoting global medical innovations. A special ceremony was held at the hospital's auditorium to mark the occasion, during which Dr. Ali Al Balooshi, Consultant Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, was honored for his outstanding contributions and for leading one of the most advanced robotic surgery programs in the region. Dr. Al Balooshi, who has been practicing in Dubai since 2008, stated: "In 2018, we were among the pioneers to adopt robotic surgery for knee replacement procedures. We contributed to the development of first-generation robotic systems, leading up to the second generation launched in the U.S. at the end of 2020. We successfully implemented it in the UAE by January 2021, making our country one of the first in the world to apply this technology practically." He emphasized that robotic-assisted surgery has now become the preferred method for all knee replacement operations at Clemenceau Medical Center due to its unmatched precision and nearly zero margin of error — a significant improvement over traditional surgery methods, which carry up to a 20% error rate. 'The advantages of robotics go beyond precision,' added Dr. Al Balooshi. 'Patients recover much faster. Most are discharged for no more than 3 days, compared to a week or more with traditional surgery. The cost is also the same, making this advanced option accessible to a wider group of patients.' He explained that robotic surgery allows for the prosthetic joint to be fitted with a level of precision similar to that used in dental implants, significantly enhancing patient comfort and eliminating unnecessary strain on ligaments and muscles. To date, Dr. Al Balooshi and his team have performed more than 1,950 robotic surgeries since 2018, including nearly 1000 cases at Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai using the second-generation system — one of the highest figures in the region. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Al Balooshi has also played a key role in training dozens of surgeons from across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and New Zealand through educational programs held in Dubai. This effort further strengthens the UAE's position as a global hub for advanced medical training and healthcare excellence. This milestone is a reflection of the UAE's long-standing vision to lead in medical excellence. The nation has consistently been at the forefront of adopting state-of-the-art technologies, a journey crowned by the recognition of Dr. Al Balooshi by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his pivotal role in advancing robotic surgery as a cornerstone of the UAE's healthcare achievements.
