Minimally invasive total knee replacement with computer-assisted surgical technique now performed at Abbott Northwestern Hospital

For the increasing number of people needing joint replacement surgery, the device offers patients hope of less pain and a shortened recovery time after surgery. "Image-guided knee replacement is a natural transition from minimally-invasive procedures", stated Tilok Ghose, MD. "The system provides improved accuracy, which is especially important since the average age of patients requiring knee replacements is getting younger."

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 379.000 total knee replacement surgeries were performed in the United States in 2001. The number of total joint replacements is expected to rise each year as baby boomers age and expect to typically remain active later in life.

Abbott Northwestern's Orthopaedic Institute provides an integrated, quality care approach to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of orthopaedic conditions. The Institute offers patients specialized surgeons, nurses and staff and rehabilitation services in partnership with Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services.

The VectorVision system was developed by BrainLAB. More news about VectorVision can be found in this VMW issue's article Improved treatment of bone fractures with BrainLAB's image-guided VectorVision trauma.