Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital Introduces 'QUBIC-Joint', the First Domestic Artificial Joint Surgery Robot

Park Yong-beom, Director of the Joint Center at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital (Professor of Orthopedics), is performing surgery using a joint surgery robot.
[Photo by Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital announced on the 24th that it has introduced the surgical robot 'CUVIS-joint' to assist in artificial joint surgery.

Artificial joint surgery is a treatment method that removes worn cartilage due to arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint, performed to restore joint function damaged by aging. In the early stages of arthritis, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, exercise therapy, weight control, and medication are possible, but if symptoms do not improve and pain persists, artificial joint surgery is necessary.

The most important aspect of artificial joint surgery is accurately cutting the damaged bone according to the surgical plan and balancing the ligaments. Robotic artificial joint surgery allows precise bone resection with minimal error using a robot and enables real-time ligament balance checks during surgery. Recently, with computerized quantified cutting performed through the robot, surgeries have become more accurate and precise, reducing bleeding and minimizing side effects.

The 'CUVIS-joint,' the world's fourth commercialized and first domestically produced artificial joint surgical robot, precisely and automatically cuts the patient's joint bone under the surgeon's supervision and accurately inserts the artificial joint. Through preoperative planning, it is possible to insert the most suitable artificial joint for each patient, enabling customized surgery.

First, computed tomography (CT) data is input to create a 3D model of the patient's knee, and during surgery, a simulation is conducted based on the real-time registered shape of the patient's knee to generate optimized data. Based on this data, robotic surgery is performed to minimize damage to surrounding soft tissues that may occur during surgery, reducing pain and bleeding. It also significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pulmonary embolism, fractures, and infections.

Park Yong-beom, Director of the Joint Center at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, explained, "The artificial joint surgical robot measures movements in real-time during surgery and stops operation even with slight movements, ensuring high accuracy and safety," adding, "Above all, it allows customized surgery for each patient, with less postoperative pain and faster recovery."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.