The Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute offers cutting-edge technology and fellowship-trained
physicians. Below right is Michael VanWagner, D.O., who can provide knee surgery using the
ROSA device.
The Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute (MOI), which opened the doors of a new clinic in Traverse City early this fall, is bringing highly individualized care to northern Michigan through fellowship trained surgeons with subspecialty focus, cutting-edge ROSA technology and partnership with a nationally recognized physical rehabilitation network.
“The MOI takes a tailored and holistic approach to helping patients reach full recovery,” said Spencer Derenzy, Munson Healthcare executive director for Surgical Subspecialties and Orthopedics. “Our providers are offering expertise and technology as well as a level of pre- and post-procedure physical therapy that is not currently available anywhere else in northern Michigan.”
Each surgeon at the Munson Orthopedic Institute focuses on their subspecialty. Michael Dubiel, M.D., is fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in shoulder and elbow surgery. Peter McAndrews, D.O., FAOAO, is fellowship trained in sports medicine from the TRIA Orthopedic Center in Minneapolis. Michael VanWagner, D.O., subspecializes in hip and knee replacement with fellowship training from the Mayo Clinic and is the first to use ROSA technology for total knee replacement.
“This is the future of orthopedic surgery,” Dr. VanWagner said. “The level of precision offered by this technology is resulting in less pain for the patient, quicker recovery, greater mobility and overall better outcomes.”
Robot-assisted knee surgery begins with a 3D X-ray of a patient’s damaged knee to generate a digital template of the joint and develop a custom surgical plan. During the procedure, a camera and optical trackers show the surgical team exactly where the joint is located on the operating table’s three-dimensional space, allowing the surgeon to consistently make adjustments in real time for a more accurate joint alignment and to help minimize soft tissue damage.
Data collected during the procedure allows the surgeon to make more informed decisions and plan for and carry out a personalized surgery based upon a patient’s anatomy and their individual needs. ROSA patients are paired with an Apple Watch that uses the “mymobility” application to collect outcome data and patient-reported feedback to enhance care, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
While a treatment plan may often include surgery, this is not always the case. As part of the Munson Healthcare family, patients of the MOI also receive the benefit of working with therapy experts from Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare – whether physical therapy or occupational therapy are the core of the treatment plan or a step along the road to full recovery, including pre-surgery therapy or “prehab”.
“From consultation through rehabilitation, the Munson Orthopedic Institute is designed to provide the highest level of expertise under one roof, through every stage of the continuum of care,” said Dr. Van Wagner.
The Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute is located at 3537 West Front Street in Traverse City. Consultations may be scheduled online at munsonhealthcare.org/moi or by calling 231-935-5880.