Clinch Valley Health's Surgical Milestone

Walid Azzo, M.D., Ph.D., FAAOS Achieves Robotic Surgery Milestone

Clinch Valley Health is celebrating the accomplishments of one of its physicians. Walid Azzo, M.D., Ph. D., FAAOS, an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Clinch Valley Health in Richlands, Virginia since 2021, has performed 100 robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgeries.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is a significant addition to the technology we have in Clinch Valley Health’s operating room. The robot makes difficult surgeries easier with better functional outcomes,” Dr. Azzo said. Patients may experience many benefits from robotic surgeries, Dr. Azzo noted, including smaller incisions and faster recovery times. 

The robot connects to all the tools at the operating table, and the surgeon controls all those tools at a console just steps away from the patient. There are many more tools than he can hold in their two hands. The robotic instruments have an extra dimension of movement beyond the capability of the human hand. 

With the minimally invasive techniques, recovery time can be significantly reduced. “This means there’s an increased possibility we can get the patient back to their normal activities much faster,” Dr. Azzo said.  

In celebration of completing 100 robotic-assisted total knee replacements, Clinch Valley Health will be hosting a demonstration of the ROSA Knee System by Zimmer Biomet Solutions. The ROSA semi-trailer will be on-site at Clinch Valley Medical Center on Wednesday, August 16 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with activities in the main hospital lobby. The semi-trailer will be on-site at Clinch Valley Family & Specialty Care of Bluefield on Thursday, August 17 beginning at 3:00 p.m. There will be complementary refreshments, giveaways, and educational information at both events.

To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery or speak to a robotically trained surgeon go to ClinchValleyHealth.com or call 800.424.DOCS.