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| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023
Moblity is so
important
we have learned over the years that getting patients who are recovering from surgery or injury
up and moving
is essential - Dr. Paul B. Murray
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK)
By Cori Urban
determine the most precise location Special To The Republican for the implant. We used to plan Dr. Paul B. Murray, a board-certi- for surgery using plain radiographs fied, fellowship-trained orthopedic and rulers. This is incredibly precise (tool) and has revolutionized the surgeon specializing in the treatment of conditions involving the hip entire process.” Patients are “thrilled” to learn that and knee, has been using robotics in he is utilizing the latest technologies his practice for nearly a decade; he said he was the first surgeon in Con- to ensure the best outcomes, he said. necticut to perform a robotic-assist- “Many ask if I am still performing the surgery and are happy to hear ed total knee replacement. “I use Mako SmartRobotics® that I only use the robotic technology to assist with the operative plan.” technology, which is an innovative Every patient can benefit from 3D CT-based software to plan and create a personalized joint replace- this technology. But, like any ment surgical plan,” explained the surgery, joint replacement surgery doctor at The Orthopedic Center of has risks that include — but are not Connecticut, a practice he shares limited to — pain, infection, fracture with Dr. Michael Aron. or implant failure.
Dr. Paul B. Murray (PHOTO COURTESY OF
He performs more than 500 surgeries every year and sees approximately 100 patients per week in his three offices — Farmington, Enfield and Glastonbury. Though he does have a physician assistant that works with him, he personally sees every patient. “I believe that sets me apart. I know that my patients come to me for my expertise, and they each deserve my time and attention,” he said. “We truly believe that every patient is different. From the time a patient is seen in our office until and through their recovery, we are there every step of the way. We customize a plan that works to achieve their desired outcome,” he added.
Patients are “thrilled” to learn that he is using the latest technologies to ensure the best outcomes.
NATE BLAIS / THE REPUBLICAN)
Commenting on the benefits of using the Mako technology, Murray said, “The preoperative CT-scan planning allows for greater precision. There is better balancing of the soft tissue areas in the joint, and this allows for better alignment of the joint.” He performs the surgery, but the Mako’s robotic arm assists during surgery to position the implant. According to Murray, robotics has revolutionized his surgeries: “We obtain a preoperative CT scan to assess the anatomy of the joint. Then the Mako SmartRobotics® technology uses 3D CT-based software to
“Mobility is so important. We have learned over the years that getting patients who are recovering from surgery or an injury up and moving is essential,” said Murray, who has 30 years of orthopedic surgery experience in the greater Hartford area. Activities within tolerance and guided by a skilled physical therapist will ensure the best outcome. “We used to delay joint replacement surgery until patients had lost much of their mobility, but we now work with each patient to time surgery and formulate a treatment plan that works to keep them living their active lifestyle,” Murray added.
Follow-up care depends on the patient. Post-surgical patients receive multiple office visits and physical therapy sessions. The trend is to have shorter hospital stays and move patients toward a recovery in the comfort of their own home. “Outcomes are improved when patients are mobile and getting back to their daily routines as soon as possible,” Dr. Murray said.
For more information, go to murrayjointmd.com. Above: Interior photos of the Orthopedic Center of Connecticut. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATE BLAIS / THE REPUBLICAN)