When patients undergo hip replacement surgery, success often comes down to precision. Every measurement matters, from implant positioning to restoring proper leg length and joint alignment.
To support that level of precision, Mitchell County Regional Health Center orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Rattay is excited to bring new technology into the operating room.
Rattay is now using OrthAlign® navigation technology during total hip replacement surgery, giving him access to real-time measurements and data throughout the procedure. The handheld system provides instant feedback on implant positioning, alignment, and leg length restoration, helping support accuracy at every stage of surgery.
Often compared to a GPS for surgery, OrthAlign delivers live measurements while the procedure is underway. Rather than relying solely on visual estimation, the technology helps surgeons make data-informed decisions tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. Unlike larger robotic systems, the handheld device easily integrates into existing surgical workflows.
For Rattay, the addition of OrthAlign to hip replacement surgery is a natural progression. He has used the technology extensively during knee replacement procedures and has witnessed firsthand the value of having additional information available in the operating room.
“I’ve used OrthAlign technology extensively in knee replacement surgery and have seen how real-time measurements can help guide decision-making in the operating room,” said Rattay.”
“Being able to use that same technology during hip replacement surgery gives immediate feedback on factors such as implant positioning, alignment, and leg length restoration, helping achieve precise results.”
Rattay is among a select few surgeons in Iowa using OrthAlign navigation technology, making MCRHC one of a limited number of hospitals in the state offering the advanced surgical tool.
For patients, advances such as OrthAlign are part of a broader evolution in joint replacement surgery. Hip replacement remains one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in the United States, helping thousands of people each year find relief from chronic pain caused by arthritis, injury, or joint deterioration. According to the American College of Rheumatology, approximately 544,000 hip replacements and 790,000 knee replacements are performed annually nationwide.
While the technology itself is impressive, Rattay says the ultimate goal remains unchanged.
“It’s about giving patients the best possible outcome,” he said. “When people come to us for a hip replacement, they want to get back to walking comfortably, enjoying activities they love, and living without constant pain. Technology that gives us additional information during surgery helps support that goal.”
