The 5 Dos and Don’ts of Managing Joint Health

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center is no stranger to using robotics in surgery yet a new system has catapulted its robotic capabilities to the next level.

Wellstar Cobb is the first hospital in the health system to offer a first-of-its-kind surgical technology through the new Da Vinci 5 robot (DV5), with surgeons Dr. Julie Chang and Dr. Stephen Odom performing the hospital’s inaugural procedures using the DV5 for gynecologic and general surgery.

The DV5 robot allows physicians to sense how much push-or-pull force they apply during surgeries, giving them greater control and data as they delicately maneuver the tips of the instrument. Wellstar Cobb is among the first hospitals in the metro Atlanta area with this innovative technology.

“The ability to sense hard and soft tissue during robotic surgeries is a game changer,” said Dr. Chang, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and the first surgeon to use the new DV5 robot at Wellstar Cobb. “Surgeries will be even more precise and efficient with this tool, which will further reduce post-operative pain and make recovery time faster.”

Surgeons can apply up to 43% less force on tissue by relying on the robot’s Force Feedback technology, according to preclinical data from Intuitive, the maker of the DV5 system. When using DV5, surgeons also benefit from improved dexterity and ergonomics, better 3D images and a wider range of motion compared to prior models.

This increase in precision and flexibility will help patients experience less blood loss and scarring, have lower risks of complications and spend less time in the hospital.

“We are committed to providing the highest standard of care—not only by building strong teams, but also by embracing cutting-edge technology,” said Eliese Bernard, president of Wellstar Cobb. “We are thrilled to offer this latest advancement to our patients and be among the first hospitals in the state to do so.”

The new system will primarily benefit general surgery, urology and gynecology patients. DV5 will assist with procedures ranging from repairing a hernia to more complex surgeries.

Wellstar Cobb has performed over 10,000 robotic surgeries, with 1,500 of those procedures occurring last year alone. With the help of various Da Vinci models, the hospital’s 30 robotic surgeons apply their expertise to general surgery, gynecology, urology, colorectal and bariatrics.

Their skill with robotic technology offers patients better outcomes, including during laparoscopies—during which surgeons insert a camera through a small incision, limiting the procedure's invasiveness. For instance, only 0.2% of Dr. Chang’s laparoscopies for benign hysterectomies have escalated to open surgeries, which require larger incisions and longer recovery times. By committing to high surgical standards, Wellstar Cobb physicians minimize patient complications and readmissions.

“Wellstar Cobb continues to lead the way in robotic surgeries,” said Dr. Jody Hughes, chief medical officer at Wellstar Cobb. “Not only do we offer best-in-class services through technology like the DV5, but we also support other communities by helping train the next generation of elite robotic surgeons.”

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has also acquired its own Da Vinci 5 Robot.

Learn more about robotic surgery at Wellstar.

There are more than 1 million hip and knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States each year, primarily for patients experiencing debilitating arthritis pain in those joints. That number is expected to grow considerably as the population ages and looks to maintain an active lifestyle. However, despite being one of the most common elective orthopedic procedures performed today, many patients whose quality of life could benefit from such a surgery are often hesitant because they know friends or family members who have had a total joint replacement with a poor outcome. That is why helping patients understand what to expect during and after surgery, and how to optimize their health prior to the surgery, is crucial to any successful joint replacement procedure.

Before undergoing total joint replacement surgery, it is vital for a patient to be as medically optimized and strong as possible. This means working on range of motion exercises for the affected joint and doing light strengthening exercises on a consistent basis in order to increase joint and muscle movement, reduce stiffness and pain, and maintain flexibility. In addition, encouraging patients to practice good diabetic control, stop the use of nicotine products and optimize their weight by making healthy lifestyle choices also helps to reduce the risk of infection after surgery and improve patient satisfaction and recovery. These are incredibly important factors for patients to discuss with their surgeon when considering joint replacement surgery in order to increase the likelihood of having a complication-free surgery.

Prior to surgery, patients should be able to meet with their surgeon and care team to discuss the procedure in detail and have all their questions answered regarding post-operative complications, mobility, pain management and the impact on their lifestyle and daily activities. Finding a surgeon who prioritizes sitting with patients and taking the time to answer their questions ahead of surgery is imperative. Further, meeting with the anesthesia care team and participating in instructional classes related to hip and knee replacement helps patients feel at ease with undergoing the surgery and managing the recovery process.

Patients are often concerned about the hospital stay, including what will happen the day of surgery and after the surgery. Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, many hip and knee replacement surgeries can now be performed as outpatient procedures. This allows patients to go home on the same day as their surgery, often with the support of home health and physical therapy services. For those who have more complex medical problems, an overnight stay is typically recommended.

Pain control techniques have vastly improved in recent years, and surgeons and anesthesiologists now work together to use a variety of methods to treat patients’ pain. These include nerve blocks, medications infiltrated around the actual hip or knee joint and medications administered after surgery that target multiple pain receptors and help keep pain manageable. At Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we ensure that patients are up and walking within a couple of hours of surgery with an assistive device. Most patients no longer require a blood transfusion due to better anesthesia techniques as well as medications that now slow blood loss during surgery, which also contributes to a faster recovery.

After surgery, patients can expect to need a walker for anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Most patients don’t need an assistive device by three to four weeks after surgery, but this does vary. Patients often return to driving around three to four weeks after surgery. In my practice, we typically close the incision with sutures underneath the skin, eliminating the need for patients to return to the office for suture or staple removal. In addition, the bandages we use are waterproof, making it easy for patients to shower after surgery. The total recovery time following joint replacement surgery is usually two to three months. Most patients benefit from attending weekly physical therapy sessions during this time to assist with regaining full joint range of motion, increasing strength throughout the lower extremity and regaining independence with functional activities such as ascending and descending stairs and getting up from a couch.

For those who are interested in doing their homework prior to surgery, there are excellent resources available to patients on both the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons websites. But the most important step for patients as they prepare for joint replacement surgery is to consider choosing a surgeon who has additional fellowship training in hip and knee replacement, is willing to answer their questions and proactively share what to expect, and who they ultimately trust to perform the surgery. Taking the time to find a surgical team that is committed to enhancing patients’ well-being and helping them achieve the best possible outcome will increase the odds of a successful joint replacement.

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good heart health has never been more important. The collaboration between the American Heart Association and the Wellstar Congregational Health Network (CHN) is making meaningful progress in empowering four local churches to prioritize heart health. Wellstar CHN identified these partner churches in Metro Atlanta as facing significant gaps in the tools needed to support the well-being of their congregations. This initiative aims to increase awareness about high blood pressure, provide necessary tools for monitoring heart health, and save lives by ensuring these churches have CPR-trained staff and are equipped with devices like automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Collaborating to achieve community well-being

The American Heart Association has long been at the forefront of cardiovascular health education, advocacy and research. By joining forces with Wellstar, which is dedicated to improving health and wellness in Georgia, the organization is expanding its reach into local communities.

The Wellstar CHN, which works closely with churches and faith-based organizations, has been committed to serving congregants’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for over 20 years. This collaboration represents an impactful move toward offering practical solutions to help address heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Making early detection a priority

A key initiative under this collaboration is the establishment of blood pressure monitoring stations within the churches. These stations are designed to provide easy access for community members to check their blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure if left undiagnosed and untreated.

By placing blood pressure monitoring stations in church spaces, people are encouraged to regularly monitor their health in a familiar, supportive environment. The program also provides educational materials on how to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to act early.

These stations serve as a gateway to better health, helping people detect high blood pressure and seek medical advice sooner.

Providing access to lifesaving tools in churches

Another vital part of this collaboration is the provision of AEDs to participating churches. An AED is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which can be fatal without prompt intervention.

Placing AEDs in churches means congregants and visitors have access to lifesaving tools in a cardiac emergency. These devices are easy to use, with step-by-step instructions, and they can dramatically increase the chances of survival if used quickly.

The goal is to equip churches with not just AEDs, but also the training to use them effectively. The American Heart Association provides training for church staff, volunteers and congregants so they can act confidently in the event of a cardiac emergency. For many people, churches serve as central gathering points within a community, making them ideal locations for AEDs to be readily available.

Building stronger communities through heart health

The American Heart Association and Wellstar CHN partnership is about more than providing tools—it is about building a healthier, more resilient community. By focusing on heart health, these initiatives aim to reduce the risks of heart disease and cardiac emergencies. They also foster a culture of wellness, where faith-based organizations can be hubs for health education and support.

Churches play a significant role in their communities, offering spiritual guidance and physical and emotional support. By embracing these heart health initiatives, they become even more integral in shaping healthy futures for everyone who walks through their doors.

Looking ahead to a healthier future

This joint effort between the American Heart Association and the Wellstar CHN is a shining example of how local groups can work together to make a tangible impact. By providing blood pressure monitoring stations, AEDs, and ongoing health education, the organizations are helping to save lives, prevent heart disease, and empower communities to take proactive steps toward better health.

As heart disease continues to affect millions of individuals each year, collaborations like these are crucial in shifting the narrative from reactive to proactive health care. Together, we can create a healthier future for ourselves, our families and our communities.

A big thank you to the churches below for empowering their members by hosting these heart health educational programs and providing the tools needed to improve their health and well-being. Your work in the community is inspiring.

• Trust the Truth Community Church Marietta
• West Hunter Street Baptist Church Atlanta
• East Point First Baptist East Point
• Crossroads Community Ministries Atlanta