[PittsburghPatty]

Hi all:
I’m looking to move back to CT and find myself needing a knee replacement.

From everything I’m reading, robotic arm assisted surgery is the way to go with more precise procedures, less recovery time and fewer complications. Stryker Mako, a prominent robotic assisted surgery manufacturer has a “find a surgeon” web site that locates doctors who utilize and are trained in this technology. I was surprised that I couldn’t find one Yale orthopedic surgeon when I searched the site. There is also no mention of robotic assisted surgery on the Yale orthopedic dept. web site. CT surgeons were listed but most were in the central Ct area and I’m hoping to relocate to a shoreline town.

I wanted to benefit from Yale’s excellent reputation in healthcare in moving back but now I’m wondering if I should explore other options.

Has anyone had any experience with robotic arm assisted knee replacement surgery in CT? Am I missing Yale doctors who perform this type of surgery in my search and if so, what doctor(s) should I look into?
Any recommendation for excellent knee surgeons are welcome.
Thanks!

[JGBigGreen]

If you want the best possible ortho treatment, I’d recommend looking at HSS in NY.

[PittsburghPatty]

Originally Posted by JGBigGreen

If you want the best possible ortho treatment, I’d recommend looking at HSS in NY.

Excellent recommendation. HSS is #1 in orthopedic care and pioneers in joint replacement.
I'm just surprised Yale isn't on the robotic bandwagon.

If I went to HSS, I'd have to figure out the logistics of commuting to Manhattan, rehab, etc.
I was hoping for a specialist who did this type of surgery right in CT.

Thanks for your suggestion---I'm going to look into it.

[brownedbits]

Originally Posted by PittsburghPatty

Hi all:
There is also no mention of robotic assisted surgery on the Yale orthopedic dept. web site. CT surgeons were listed but most were in the central Ct area and I’m hoping to relocate to a shoreline town.

Connecticut is a small state. Traveling from the shoreline to central CT for surgery isn’t a big undertaking. If the surgeon you want is at Middlesex or Hartford Hospital, it really isn’t a major undertaking to get there from New Haven. We are talking a 30-40 minute travel event with minimal traffic.

[PittsburghPatty]

Thanks, Brownedbits. I lived in the Hartford area previously so I know it's not terribly far from the shoreline towns. I was just hoping to take advantage of the Yale New Haven Hospital care that is rated highly in CT. Plus for follow-up visits, it would be more convenient.

I appreciate your help!

[hvexpatinct]

I am guessing by your user name that you are familiar with the two main hospital systems in Pittsburgh. It’s a little different in CT. You might go to UPMC or Allegheny for everything in Pittsburgh. In CT people tend to go to Yale (or Boston or NY) for specialty care in certain conditions - like oncology, or a high risk pregnancy, or a rare disease. On the other hand, many other hospitals have great reputations in other specialties, like orthopedics, and you should not hesitate to pick the doctor or practice that works best for you regardless of affiliation.

[JGBigGreen]

HSS is in Stamford too which might be more convenient. I understand the concern on logistics. I’m flying to NYC from VT to have my hips done at HSS. A little inconvenient but I’m sold on the level of care I’ll receive which makes it worth it.

Originally Posted by PittsburghPatty

Excellent recommendation. HSS is #1 in orthopedic care and pioneers in joint replacement.
I'm just surprised Yale isn't on the robotic bandwagon.

If I went to HSS, I'd have to figure out the logistics of commuting to Manhattan, rehab, etc.
I was hoping for a specialist who did this type of surgery right in CT.

Thanks for your suggestion---I'm going to look into it.

[PittsburghPatty]

Originally Posted by JGBigGreen

If you want the best possible ortho treatment, I’d recommend looking at HSS in NY.

Originally Posted by brownedbits

Connecticut is a small state. Traveling from the shoreline to central CT for surgery isn’t a big undertaking. If the surgeon you want is at Middlesex or Hartford Hospital, it really isn’t a major undertaking to get there from New Haven. We are talking a 30-40 minute travel event with minimal traffic.

Originally Posted by JGBigGreen

HSS is in Stamford too which might be more convenient. I understand the concern on logistics. I’m flying to NYC from VT to have my hips done at HSS. A little inconvenient but I’m sold on the level of care I’ll receive which makes it worth it.

Thanks...I agree with you that the level of care/expertise is superior at HSS.
I called them this afternoon and talked to a rep at one of the knee surgeon's offices.
I would be going for an evaluation the first time, pre-op testing a second time, the surgery date and a follow-up appointment so many weeks after surgery. Given that my insurance (medicare) Part B provider considers HSS, "out of network", I'd have to either pay out of pocket while continuing to live in Pittsburgh OR move to CT and buy insurance that is covered by HSS. They gave me a list of Medicare Part B insurances that HSS takes.
So you see, logistically for me--its a plane ride, a move, new insurance and then the logistics of traveling in to the city a few times. I'm planning on moving back to CT in time anyway so this moves it up but it seems overwhelming to relocate and then have major surgery. I guess I thought Yale would be closer for the medical appointments but if I do decide to come back to CT for surgery, I might as well go to HSS.
Maybe staying in Pittsburgh and seeing a UPMC surgeon is best and less stress.

A lot to think about.

[JGBigGreen]

UPMC has a very good orthopedic department. Though rankings aren’t the be all, end all, UPMC ortho is ranked higher than Yale ortho. They have some very good knee doctors.

Originally Posted by PittsburghPatty

Thanks...I agree with you that the level of care/expertise is superior at HSS.
I called them this afternoon and talked to a rep at one of the knee surgeon's offices.
I would be going for an evaluation the first time, pre-op testing a second time, the surgery date and a follow-up appointment so many weeks after surgery. Given that my insurance (medicare) Part B provider considers HSS, "out of network", I'd have to either pay out of pocket while continuing to live in Pittsburgh OR move to CT and buy insurance that is covered by HSS. They gave me a list of Medicare Part B insurances that HSS takes.
So you see, logistically for me--its a plane ride, a move, new insurance and then the logistics of traveling in to the city a few times. I'm planning on moving back to CT in time anyway so this moves it up but it seems overwhelming to relocate and then have major surgery. I guess I thought Yale would be closer for the medical appointments but if I do decide to come back to CT for surgery, I might as well go to HSS.
Maybe staying in Pittsburgh and seeing a UPMC surgeon is best and less stress.

A lot to think about.

[JayCT]

There are a number of robotic surgery manufacturers and you are just looking at one. Just because Yale does not use that particular manufacturer does not mean they don’t have it. It just means they don’t use that one. According to the US News & World Report rankings of hospitals, Yale New Haven ranks No. 50 in the country for adult orthopedics. I’d say that’s pretty impressive and good enough to make me consider them.

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospi...cs/connecticut

The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York ranks No. 1 in the nation. NYU Langone ranks No. 4; New York Presbyterian ranks No. 6 and Mass General ranks No. 8. That’s the great thing about Connecticut, not only does it have its own highly ranked hospital, you are close to some of the very best hospitals in the country. Of course it’s your decision which is best for you. Good luck, Jay

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospi...gs/orthopedics