Dr Damian Smith from InMotion Orthopaedics enjoys keeping up with the ever-changing technology in the world of orthopaedic surgery. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Sport has always been a huge part of Dr Damian Smith’s life. It was during his teenage years, training and competing as a gymnast at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra he first discovered his interest in orthopaedics.
After attaining his medical degree from the University of Sydney in 1997, and completing his orthopaedic training with the Australian Orthopaedic Association in 2008, Dr Smith trained in hip and knee joint replacement surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery and paediatric orthopaedics in the UK.
He later returned home to Canberra, working in a group practice before going solo and starting his own practice, InMotion Orthopaedic, in Woden in 2019.
He opened a second clinic in Belconnen in August 2020.
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Former Australian Institute of Sport athlete and life-long Canberran Dr Damian Smith and his dedicated InMotion Orthopaedics & Physiotherapy staff love helping people regain their mobility and quality of life. They've overcome hurdles like COVID and are moving towards the future of robotic technology in orthopaedic care.
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Specialising in lower-limb surgery, Dr Smith says getting people back on the sports field or returning to work after an injury brings him great satisfaction.
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“Replacing a knee or hip joint and getting people moving again is very rewarding,” he says.
“Sport was a big part of my life growing up and was very important to me. I understand how important it is for others to get back to doing an activity they love.”
Dr Smith still makes time to keep himself fit and enjoys walking his dog, martial arts and cycling with his three children, as well as being part of their weekend sporting activities.
However, what keeps him on his toes the most is the ever-changing technology in the world of orthopaedic surgery.
“Like all specialists, I’m always learning and keeping up with developments in technology to optimise results and outcomes for our patients,” he says.
Robotics has seen massive advances in recent years, and Dr Smith is leading the way in Canberra, performing hip replacements using the world-leading Mako robotic-arm surgical support system.
Dr Smith is leading the way in Canberra performing hip replacements using a robotic-arm surgical support system. Photo: Inmotion.
He says early data being published shows improvements in the accuracy and placement of joint replacements with robotic technology.
With Mako, surgeons can provide each patient with a personalised surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.
“Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room,” says Dr Smith.
“During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements.”
Dr Smith is trauma-trained and, until this year, was on the on-call roster covering orthopaedic trauma and fracture management at Canberra Hospital for 12 years.
He maintains a commitment to the public health system with regular operating lists and outpatient clinics.
Dr Smith continues to train and mentor up-and-coming medical students and surgical trainees, and says it’s crucial to be up-to-date with the latest technology when working with young doctors.
He works alongside physiotherapist Kristen Steele to offer end-to-end personalised treatment, including pre- and post-operative care, at InMotion Orthopaedics.
To find out more, visit InMotion Orthopaedics
Original Article published by Katrina Condie on The RiotACT.
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