Cameras and computers, a familiar sight in our modern world, often extend their applications into the hospital operating room.  St. Anthony Regional Hospital announces the addition of a new surgical technology that offers computer-assisted total knee replacement. St. Anthony is the first hospital of its size, in Iowa, to offer the new technology. Dr. Thomas Dulaney, from Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, said, “I’m excited by the early results of this new technique and am hopeful it will help my patients in the long term, as well.”

 Total joint replacement is a proven procedure that has been successful for decades in helping people live with less pain and greater mobility. Correct placement of the joint implant means better motion, less pain and longer joint life for the patient. “Now, new computer imaging can help position artificial knees precisely so that the implants may last even longer,” said Linda Petersen, Director of Surgery at St. Anthony  With an image of the patient’s knee displayed on a computer screen, the software calculates and guides the surgeon in positioning bone cuts and placing the artificial knee. “Patients benefit because the surgeon can tailor the knee replacement to each individual. That’s where the precision of the new system can really make a difference,” said Petersen.

 With the new technology, which acts much like a GPS navigational system in a car, the surgeon is able to use the computer’s visual mapping capability to help make better decisions before and during the operation, based on calculations performed by the computer. The detailed information help the doctor balance the ligaments and align the bones and joint implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with traditional methods. The computer also help the surgeon make smaller incisions, which offer the potential for faster recovery, less bleeding and less pain for the patient.

 “We are excited about this new technology and what it can mean for our patients,” said Gary Riedmann, President of St. Anthony. “Extending the skills of our surgeons through the use of cameras and computers is a great thing for everyone – the hospital, our surgeons, and most of all, our patients.”

 Information about the new computer assisted total knee replacement surgery is available by calling Linda Petersen, Director of Surgery, at 712-792-8457.