Morton Plant North Bay - First Hospital in Pasco County to use Computer-Aided Surgery Navigator
01/06/2005
Joint Replacements More Accurate and Patient Recovery Time Reduced
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., (November 30, 2004) - Using a computer, infrared camera and wireless instruments, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital is now on the cutting-edge of knee, hip and back surgery. The hospital is the first in Pasco County to use a computer-based system to ensure implants work with the body's natural movement.
"It's so precise," said Richard Katz, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with Morton Plant North Bay Hospital. "I can replace a knee with a prosthetic and know that it is anatomically aligned."
During joint replacement surgery, a computer relays real-time data about the condition, movement and alignment of a patient's knee, hip or back. A small, minimally invasive probe with an infrared camera is placed on the bone. The probe sends a signal to the computer. The computer then calculates exactly where the surgeon needs to make an incision. The analysis provides the surgeon with an understanding of a joint's mechanics before any bone is removed and a prosthetic implanted.
"The navigation system is rapidly becoming the benchmark for joint replacement surgery in the U.S.," said Katz. "It gives us the opportunity to place the knee and hip components in their exact anatomical position. This increases longevity and function of the knee or hip."
In the past, surgeons have used X-rays, specialized instruments and jigs, and experience to place components and correct knee, hip and back alignments.
The navigation system used at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital is called the Stryker(r) Navigation System. It reduces blood loss during surgery and shortens hospital stays. Some patients go home the same day of their surgery.
Established in 1965, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, which is owned by Morton Plant Hospital Association Inc. in Clearwater, is a 122-bed facility dedicated to improving the health of all it serves through community-owned health services that set the standard for high quality, compassionate care. Morton Plant North Bay Hospital is located at 6600 Madison Street, New Port Richey, Fla., (727) 842-8468.
###
Contact: Beth Hardy (727) 298-6199 Phone, Amy Morrow (727) 461-8538 Phone (727) 468-7586 Pager
| 
