Press Release

Orthopaedic Center of the Virginias Adds Computer Assisted Navigation Technology For Total Knee Replacement
- System helps align implant for stability, movement, and longevity.

July 12, 2005 – The Orthopedic Center of the Virginias announced today that it has installed a Stryker computer assisted navigation system for total knee replacement surgery that could shorten hospital stay, lead to fewer post-operative complications, and improve knee joint stability.

“Total knee replacement is an extremely successful way to treat patients suffering from severe knee pain,” said Dr. Frederick Morgan of the Orthopaedic Center. “The new surgical navigation technology that we have in place greatly enhances our ability to restore range of knee function and return patients to normal activity.”

The Stryker knee surgery navigation system uses an infrared camera and markers along with unique instrument tracking software to continually monitor the position and mechanical alignment of the implant components relative to the patient’s knee anatomy. Smart wireless instruments send data pertaining to the knee kinematics (movement) to a computer.

The computer analyzes and displays kinematic data on a computer monitor in the form of charts and graphs that supply the surgeon with the optimum angles, lines and measurements needed to align the prosthetic knee with the patient.

“It gives us computer assistance in the operating room,” said Dr. Philip Branson. “With it, we can give a patient a new knee that has the best possible stability and range of motion. In turn, that results in a knee replacement that will last longer.”

Total knee replacement is usually recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by damage to cartilage from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or trauma. More than 90 percent of people who undergo total knee replacement experience a dramatic reduction of knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities of daily living.