May 23, 2024

Dr. Todd Smith is used to strategic planning and research in his role as superintendent. He took the same approach to orthopedic care for his hip. Having put off treatment for his deteriorating hip, Todd knew one thing: he would have a hip replacement with Washington University Orthopedics. Further research led him to an interest in robotic assisted surgery and expert in that robotic technology, Andrew Schneider, MD. 

The Institution 

The legacy of good health care is what Washington University School of Medicine is known for. In the orthopedic department, our team has always been made up of the best in the field. Todd and his family became acquainted with our care when his mother needed a knee replacement years ago. Rick Wright, MD, a former WashU Ortho hip and knee legend, and family friend, operated on Mrs. Smith; she had tremendous success. Although the Smith family isn't local to St. Louis, Todd knew WashU Ortho and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital was the top choice for his care. "The entire process and routine is so well orchestrated here," Todd shared. 

The Technology

As Todd researched hip replacement surgery, his attention quickly gravitated towards the latest technology in joint replacement procedures, robotic assistance. As medical advances should, the robotic assistance WashU Ortho surgeons are using maximizes benefit for patients. The technology allows surgeons to place implants with extreme accuracy and precision, down to 1/4 of a millimeter based on each patient's unique anatomy.

Dr. Schneider often consults with patients on the benefit of the ground-breaking technology. "Robotic surgery allows us to take a minimally invasive approach to the joint, which means less cutting of skin and tissues, and less trauma to recover from. It's important to understand the robot is just a surgical tool, just like a scalpel. I am still performing every aspect of the surgery; the robot is simply used as another tool to help me execute my surgical plan. I am in complete control of every aspect of a patient's surgery."

When patients elect to have robotic assisted joint replacements, like Todd, the preparation for their specific surgery starts with a CT scan and X-rays. Those images allow the team to create an exact 3D model of a patient's unique anatomy. They can also see how the patient's pelvis moves in space, which is different in every patient, another unique factor in their surgical plan. Gathering all the information imaging and 3D replicas provide, surgeons can tailor the positioning of implants to maximize benefit and minimize the risk of complications for every patient. 

The Surgeon

Todd was attracted to Dr. Schneider because of his expertise and enthusiasm in robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Schneider, along with his WashU Ortho colleagues, are proud to be one of very few practices offering robotic assisted joint replacements in the Midwest. In 2023, over 700 patients had a knee or hip replaced with the pioneers of this technology.

"Hip and knee replacement is an amazing field. I've always found the technology available to aid joint replacement interesting," Dr. Schneider explains. "The best part of my job is that hip and knee replacements are very successful surgeries, and the patients are happy - consistently improving patients' quality of life is extremely rewarding." 

The Impact

Like many other patients, Todd was thrilled with the results of his robotic assisted hip replacement. Quick to sing praises for Dr. Schneider and the Barnes Jewish West County Hospital staff, his experience was phenomenal every step of the way. At a follow up appointment, Todd and Dr. Schneider were discussing the success and improvements to Todd's life, when his wife Candie asked Dr. Schneider if he does robotic assisted knee replacements, too. She was in luck because he sure does! Candie had a robotic assisted knee replacement with Dr. Schneider and had a seasoned professional caretaker in Todd. Now, the couple has recovered well, and they look forward to enjoying many adventures together with capable joints. 

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.