LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Robots are changing the medical field. Norton Orthopedic Institute now offers robotic assisted shoulder replacement surgery—the first such robot in Kentucky. 

What You Need To Know

  • After years of shoulder pain James Boone received robotic assisted shoulder replacement surgery

  • Robotic assisted shoulder replacement allows surgeons to provide accuracy and better results for patients

  • Norton Orthopedic Institute is one of the first five places in the world to have this technology available for shoulder replacement

Retired master electrician James Boone said he loves the outdoors. He used to be an active hunter, backpacker and horseback rider. But in the last couple of years, his left shoulder started giving him issues.

“I’ve had several shots, steroid shots and, shoulder. I don’t know, it seems like every time I had to have it only helped it for a little while, and then it would get worse,” said Boone.

While trying to do everything he can to help the pain in his shoulder, daily tasks became more difficult.

“You don’t realize how much that left hand assist everything you do getting your pants on the right way, But putting a shirt on, brushing your hair, showing me that I gotta have it better than it’s been, that’s for sure,” said Boone.

Boone already had robotic knee surgery replacement on both knees.

When he discovered he could also have the same results with his shoulder, he knew it was what he needed.

“If there’s a medical procedure to fix this, hey, I’m ready for it. Let’s go,” said Boone.

Shoulder and elbow surgeon at Norton Orthopedic Institute Dr. Justin Givens said robotic surgery is getting bigger and better, providing accuracy and better results for patients. 

“Getting our patients moving sooner, using less pain medicine and getting them back to life sooner,” said Dr. Givens.

Givens explained that, unlike typical shoulder replacements, the key difference lies in the precise alignment of the 3D surgical plan with the actual procedure.

“I can trace and take minute, like less than a millimeter at a time, areas of bone away and that’s where the real accuracy comes in,” said Givens.

Less than two weeks after his surgery, Boone is already doing things he couldn’t do before.

“That’s the reason why the robot fired me up. That’s an improvement to the best as far as I’m concerned,” said Boone.

Boone finally has hope for the future and is looking forward to get back to living his life again. Even building his family cabin.

Norton Orthopedic Institute is one of the first five places in the world to have this technology available for shoulder replacement.

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