In March of 2022, Barbara Kirby (pictured above, right) was the very first patient to undergo a knee replacement surgery utilizing the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
The newly introduced VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution offers a unique opportunity for orthopedic surgeons to perform knee replacement surgery with improved patient outcomes. Plus, this technology provides a speedier recovery for patients compared to a traditional knee replacement surgery.
“Instead of following the same standardized approach, we are finding that it is better to understand each person’s unique anatomy and then work within the soft tissue envelope of that individual,” Colin Mudrick, MD (pictured above, left) of Bon Secours – Tuckahoe Orthopedics who performed Barbara’s surgery, explains. “The beauty of this approach lies in the fact that we can leave more of the native tissue undisturbed and can perform surgery in a less invasive manner. This, in turn, allows for less tissue trauma, less pain and an improved, speedier recovery.”
Barbara was kind enough to answer some questions about her experience with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution. Read her answers below.
What brought you to Bon Secours?
“I chose Bon Secours because as a person of Catholic faith, I was seeking a faith-based hospital. I also had two premature babies born there.”
When Dr. Mudrick suggested a knee replacement, how did the news affect you?
“I had been talking to Dr. Mudrick for a while. I was in pretty bad shape where even just waking up or getting up and down hurt. We initially tried some other forms of treatment that didn’t work. So, the only thing that would help at that point was a knee replacement.”
What did you think about being the first patient to undergo a knee replacement with this new technology?
“Most of all, I trusted Dr. Mudrick and really didn’t think it was a big deal. However, I thought it was pretty cool. I don’t ever remember being a first in anything.”
What was your recovery like?
“Recovery was fantastic. I’m still in physical therapy, but that is coming to an end soon. I can’t say it was easy, but it was successful. The therapist said I was so far ahead of anyone he had seen with a knee replacement.”
What are you able to do now that you were not able to do prior to the procedure?
“I was driving in no time. It was my right knee, so I was cautious, but I love volunteering and bowling. I couldn’t believe I could do that again.”
Learn more about the orthopedics and sports medicine services we offer at Bon Secours.
