Surgeon at CMH Trains Others in Computer-Assisted Joint Surgery

Hip Resurfacing Device Is Designed for Patients with Active Lifestyles

Lenoir (June 6, 2007) — Caldwell Memorial Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the United States where surgeons train others in Computer-Assisted Joint Surgery, a new option for patients suffering from hip and knee pain who do not want to give up their active lifestyle. Caldwell Memorial Hospital's Dr. Jeffrey Keverline was selected to be the first trainer in the Southeast. Dr. Keverline practices at Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists.
''The skills necessary for performing Computer-Assisted Surgery are very specialized and different than those needed for traditional joint replacement,'' says Dr. Keverline. ''For that reason, surgeons must be properly trained and I am proud to offer that training so that patients can have access to the benefits of this exciting procedure.''
The procedure, developed by global medical device maker Smith & Nephew, combines fluoroscopic images and a proprietary computer and camera system to track the precise locations of bones relative to the instruments used during surgery. The application enables surgeons to make computer-guided cuts to within 1mm and 1-degree of perfect alignment, a rarity in joint replacement surgery. During a traditional procedure, the surgeon relies upon cutting blocks, personal estimates of proper joint alignment, and the general feel of the joint in the determination of implant placement.
“Implant alignment during joint replacement surgery is vital,” explains Dr. Keverline. “This procedure not only enables a higher degree of accuracy, but by eliminating certain steps required in traditional joint surgery, it is also a much less invasive technique.” In addition, real time images of the instruments and the implant itself can be superimposed over the patient’s bones on the computer screen. Surgeons using the software can therefore determine the fit and alignment of the new implants before ever making the first cut.
Benefits to the patient via the new technique:

• Smaller incision
  
• For the hip, the alignment of cup and stem is optimized, which helps prevent dislocations and near-term revisions. And leg length is controlled, reducing the potential for leg-length discrepancies
  
• For the knee, the elimination of a rod inserted into the canal of the femur to assess alignment of the implant, thereby reducing the risk of fat embolism and taking the guesswork out of joint alignment
  
• The opportunity for a surgeon to “see” how the implant will fit prior to cutting the bones
  
• Using the computer system, surgeons can make very precise adjustments to the ligaments.
  

For more information please contact Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists at 758-7091.

About Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Caldwell Memorial Hospital (CMH) is the private, not-for-profit, community hospital in Lenoir, North Carolina.  A part of the Caldwell County family since 1951, the mission of Caldwell Memorial Hospital is to provide safe, effective, compassionate care and to promote healthy lifestyles to our community.             
Divisions of Caldwell Memorial Hospital include: The Allene Broyhill Stevens Heilman Radiation Oncology Center; The Ambulatory Infusion Center; The Alvin W. Daughtridge Arthritis Clinic; Caldwell FamilyCare Center; Caldwell Internal Medicine & Acute Care Specialists; Caldwell Urology Associates; The Caldwell Vascular Center; The Center for Breast Health; The Center for Diabetes Health; The Center for Joint Care; The Falls Medical Park; Foothills Lymphedema Treatment Center; The George M. Hancock Surgery Center; Main Street Medical Park; Mulberry Pediatrics; The Pain Management Center; Quest4Life Rehabilitation Services; The Quest4Life Wellness Center; Southfork Medical Park; Westpointe Medical Practice; and The William E. Stevens, Jr. Cancer Care Center. Hallmark Family Physicians is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caldwell Memorial Hospital.