St. Luke’s McCall elevates knee replacement care with robotic arm-assisted surgery

St. Luke’s McCall now offers local access to advanced surgical technology, made possible by St. Luke’s Health System and generous contributions to the St. Luke’s McCall Foundation’s Play Harder, Longer campaign.

Patients in need of knee replacement surgery can now benefit from state-of-the-art robotic arm-assisted technology — right in McCall.

It allows surgeons to operate with exceptional precision, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. For patients, this means less pain and bleeding, improved range of motion, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Using a 3D virtual model of the patient’s knee structure, the system creates a personalized surgical plan that guides the robotic arm during the procedure. This ensures precise implant placement, reduces the risk of complications and improves overall joint function and stability.

Dr. Jason Haslam, an orthopedic surgeon, joined the St. Luke’s McCall medical staff earlier this year. Before relocating to McCall, he practiced at St. Luke’s Nampa and ran a private practice, Haslam Orthopedics/Advanced Health Partners, in Nashville, Tenn., for over a decade.

An experienced user of robotic arm-assisted technology for more than six years, Dr. Haslam’s first request upon arriving in McCall was to bring this equipment to the community.

“I take great pride in providing accurate diagnoses and evidence-based treatments, including offering the most current orthopedic care,” said Dr. Haslam. “Knee replacement surgery can truly change a patient’s life — and robotic-assisted surgery makes it even better.

“I love telling my patients that when they have a total knee replacement here in McCall, a part of that knee (in a way) comes from their neighbors. I’m grateful for the support from the foundation and St. Luke’s in acquiring this technology.”

Before the equipment was available in McCall, Dr. Haslam’s patients had to travel to St. Luke’s Boise to receive robotic-assisted surgery.

Kim McFadden was one such patient. She was referred to Dr. Haslam after visiting urgent care for knee pain. An X-ray revealed she had no cartilage left in her knee and total knee replacement was recommended.

“I love my new knee! I can’t believe how much I can do now,” McFadden said. “I’m so happy with the care I received from Dr. Haslam and his team.”

“After living with pain and limping for more than two years, I felt better immediately after the surgery.”

Six weeks post-surgery, McFadden has returned to work without restrictions.

“I was grateful to receive all my post-op care and physical therapy in McCall,” she said. “I’m also excited that the best technology is now available here, so others don’t have to travel to Boise. Traveling for care can be a burden — it also takes Dr. Haslam away from his patients and home.”

Looking ahead, St. Luke’s McCall plans to expand the use of robotic arm-assisted technology to include total hip and shoulder replacements.

The Play Harder, Longer campaign aims to raise $1.5 million. In addition to funding the robotic surgical system, the campaign will support the renovation of a St. Luke’s building at 212 Third St. in McCall.

The first floor will be remodeled to house an expanded outpatient rehabilitation therapy center, offering physical, speech, and occupational therapy services. The renovation will more than double the current space — from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet.