PIONEERS MEDICAL CENTER INVESTS IN HOMEGROWN SURGEON AND NEWEST TECHNOLOGY IN TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Stryker’s Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Application Allows Surgeons to Personalize Procedures

MEEKER, COLO. (Jan. 14, 2019) – Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker, Colo., is one of the first hospitals on the Western Slope to offer Stryker’s robotic-arm assisted total knee, partial knee and total hip replacement application for use with its Mako System. This Mako System uses a 3D model, which allows surgeons to more accurately determine implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to modify the surgical plan during the surgery, if needed, to ensure the best patient outcome.

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Borchard, who has done more than 1,000 joint replacement surgeries, will be the first surgeon to use the Mako System at Pioneers Medical Center. He said, “The Mako System takes what are already very good surgeries and ensures precise implant placement while minimizing soft tissue damage. This is a very powerful tool that has the potential to further elevate our patients’ outcomes.”

Patients using the Mako System will benefit with:
• Smaller incision and less scarring
• Reduced risk of infection
• Minimal hospitalization
• More rapid recovery
• Less risk of implant dislocation, loosening and mechanical problems
• Reduced need for future revision surgery

Dr. Borchard was born and raised in Meeker and chose to return to his hometown after he served as an orthopedic surgeon for nine years in the United States Air Force and completed his Fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, one of the most sought-after programs in the nation, where he performed more than 900 joint replacement surgeries.

“I chose to return to Meeker to practice because the quality of hospitals and healthcare professionals is comparable to a big city. We have stats any large hospital would envy. And growing up here, I want my young family to experience Colorado the same way my wife and I did. I have the honor to work where I want to live and serve the people of this region.”

ABOUT PIONEERS MEDICAL CENTER
Pioneers Medical Center is a community-based healthcare facility based in Meeker, Colo., focused on building life-long partnerships with patients to empower them to achieve optimal health. Established in 1950, the hospital has a long-standing practice of providing Northwest Colorado’s residents, visitors and workforce with skilled and compassionate care. Learn more at pioneershospital.org.