NEWS RELEASE
OPELOUSAS GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DEANNA LEJEUNE
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR
(337) 948-5170
337-351-9097
FAX: (337) 942-2968
Opelousas General Health System Adds Computer-Assisted Technology for
Knee Replacement Surgery The latest advancement in orthopaedic surgery that helps more accurately align a knee implant with a patient’s specific anatomy
OPELOUSAS, LA. JUNE 21, 2010 – Opelousas General Health System announced that it has installed a state-of-the-art surgical navigation system manufactured by Stryker. Opelousas General is among the first in the state to use computer-assisted technology in conjunction with total knee replacement surgery.
“Computer-assisted surgery is designed to allow a surgeon to align an artificial joint with greater precision within the leg,” said Dr. David Clause, an orthopedist currently using this technology at Opelousas General. Precise alignment is an important factor that may reduce joint wear, and may extend the life of the implant.1, 2
The computer analyzes and displays data on a computer monitor in the form of graphs that supply the surgeon with the angles, lines, and measurements needed to accurately align the artificial knee with the patient. “It’s like having a GPS System in the operating room,” said Dr. Clause. “With it, we have the opportunity to give a patient a new knee that has improved joint stability and increased range of motion.” 3, 4
As the surgeon moves an instrument within a patient’s joint, special infrared trackers calculate its position and smart wireless instruments instantaneously transfer the data to a computer in the OR. This information is then displayed as an interactive model of the anatomy or “blueprint” that provides the surgeon with a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s unique anatomy. Potential benefits of computer-assisted joint replacement include shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, and improved joint stability.1
- MORE -
Computer-Assisted Technology 2/2
Dr. Clause is currently using computer-assisted technology in knee replacement surgeries. Many surgeons are using it in less invasive techniques that help reduce the size of the incision and disrupt less soft tissue. Minimally invasive surgery has additional potential patient benefits including quicker rehabilitation and a smaller scar.5
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) about 500,000 hip and knee replacement procedures are performed annually in the United States. This figure is expected to increase as the population ages and arthritis affects more people. Currently, more than 70 million Americans suffer from some form of this degenerative disease.*
To learn more about the Stryker Navigation System used in Computer-Assisted surgeries, visit www.stryker.com and www.aboutstryker.com.
# # #
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is right for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will achieve the same post-operative activity level. Sikorski JM, Chauhan S. Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery: Do we need CAOS? J Bone Joint Surg 2003; 85-B:319-23.
Noble PC, Sugano N, Johnston JD, Thompson MT, Conditt MA, Engh CA Sr, Mathis KB. Computer Simulation: How can it help the surgeon optimize implant position? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2003 Dec; (417):242-52.
Widmer KH, Grutzner PA. Joint replacement-total hip replacement with CT-based navigation. Injury. 2004 Jun; 35 Suppl 1:S-A84-9.
Klein GR, Parvizi J, Venkat RR, Mathew AS, Hozack WJ. Evaluation of in vivo knee kinematics by a computerized navigation system during total knee arthroplasty.
J Arthroplasty. 2004 Dec; Vol.19:986-91.
Zanasi, S. Minimally Invasive Computer-assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty through a Subvastus Approach, October 2006. Article from: Orthosupersite.com.
* NIAMS website, Oct. 2007.
[ |