High-Tech Robot and Apple Watch App Are Game Changers for Those Living With Joint Pain and Immobility

Total joint replacement is one of the most commonly performed, elective surgical procedures in the United States. It is also becoming an increasingly popular outpatient procedure at surgery centers across the country, including here at Mount Sinai Medical Center, thanks to a minimally invasive approach with optimal results using ROSA, the Robotic Surgical Assistant.

Mount Sinai is the first and only hospital in Miami-Dade to acquire the device, which is designed to help specially trained surgeons tailor the placement of an implant. Using data collected before and during surgery, surgeons can plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon individual needs and unique anatomy.

The makers of ROSA also created a mymobility™ app on Apple Watch and iPhone to guide patients through pre- and post-op care. The app combines patient-reported feedback with continuous health and activity data from Apple Watch. Patients can use the app to stay on top of their post-procedure therapy and more — which is unprecedented.

Mount Sinai Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeon, Karim Sabeh, MD, regularly performs joint replacements using the ROSA system and encourages patients to take advantage of the Apple Watch app, seeing remarkable results. By using the app, patients can use their own health and activity information to improve their care and outcome.

Where patients used to get a booklet with 70-plus pages of care instructions, the app sends notifications in real time, with instructions for pre-op and post-op care, on the exact day needed.

Having access to data, and the ability to share it with one’s doctor seamlessly, it allows patients to participate in their own care and recovery in a way previously not possible through traditional in-person visits.

Examples include prepping for surgery with the right cleansing soap; pre-habilitation reminders to perform certain exercises; recorded videos of exercise demonstrations; a pain scale to monitor pain levels; physical therapy reminders, tracking, and video demonstrations; heart rate monitoring and notifications; and much more.

To learn more about Dr. Sabeh and our orthopedic program, click here.