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. Edward Blocker, Kevin Jones and Leland Stoddard.
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.
“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 ”
Both 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.
For more information about our doctors or the Beaufort Memorial Orthopedics Care Center, call toll free 1-888-522-5585.
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