BMH Orthopedics Program
Technology: BMH advances in the latest treatments for knees
Beaufort Memorial is fortunate to have orthopedic surgeons who are quick to adopt the latest innovations in joint replacement. Because of their constant interest in making improvements to the services they provide to their patients, and the generosity of the community to the Foundation, BMH was one of the first adopters of computerized navigation to place joints more accurately.
Now, three orthopedic surgeons at BMH are among the first in South Carolina and Georgia to offer the latest generation in computer navigation to “custom fit” knee replacement. They are Drs. Ralph Moore, Kevin Jones, and Edward Blocker.
Not only does this new technique result in a better fit for the patient, but it also results in less time in surgery and a faster recovery.
Prior to the surgery, patients have an MRI of their hip, knee and leg. Special computer software uses the image from the MRI to build a 3-D model of the arthritic knee. It then virtually corrects the deformity caused by the arthritis to restore the knee back to normal. Models for the placement of the knee implant are made from the MRI, and sent to the surgeon to use during the surgery.
“The alignment is customized for each patient,” explains Dr. Moore, as he shows how simplified the new procedure is. “We only use one or two trays of instruments versus maybe eight or ten in the past, and the individual patient models show the surgeon exactly where to make the cuts. The result is a new knee joint that functions more like the way the old one did before the patient needed surgery.”
Dr. Moore goes on to explain that the old computer navigation system was good, but it took a lot of time in the Operating Room making sure the implant was lined up correctly. Having the information on the patient in advance also helps the surgeon choose which implant will fit best.
“With this new method, the surgeon can use the models to see what needs to be done and the best way to do it,” says Kevin Jones, MD, medical director of BMH’s Total Joint Program. “Essentially, the surgeon develops a plan before actually entering the Operating Room. As a result, the surgery takes a lot less time. And the less time an incision is left open, the less chance there is for infection. It results in better quality for the patient.”
All three surgeons agree that the procedure takes much less time in the O.R., and the patients can get up and walking sooner. Most patients who have the procedure earlier in the day will be up and walking on the new joint that afternoon.
“This technique holds tremendous potential to be a significant advancement for this procedure,” says Edward Blocker, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Lowcountry Medical Group. New technology allows more planning time and accuracy for the surgeon, and better outcomes for the patient.
While not every patient may be a candidate for this procedure, it is great to know that once again, BMH can simply point to the great rankings from HealthGrades for orthopedic procedures to show that innovations result in our doctors offering more options to their patients.
For more information about our doctors or the Beaufort Memorial Orthopedics Care Center, call toll free 1-888-522-5585.
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