Smith & Nephew's computer-assisted surgery system to allow precise knee implants

This launch is part of a five-year exclusive business relationship between Smith & Nephew and ORTHOsoft Inc. a company specializing in software development for computer-assisted surgery. "We are pleased with this arrangement and the technology it brings surgeons and their patients", stated Scott Flora, senior vice president and general manager of Smith & Nephew Reconstructive Division. "AchieveCAS is the most compact and most user-friendly orthopaedic computer-assisted surgery system available."

AchieveCAS has all computer and touch screen functions self-contained in a small unit that sits neatly with its camera on a thin metal stand, thereby occupying little space in an operating room. It also features a "touchless" capability allowing the surgeon to operate the computer directly from the sterile field. The system allows for the more accurate alignment and placement of a Smith & Nephew implant and may extend the implant's lifespan by reducing uneven wear, thus preventing future corrective surgeries. In addition, precise implant placement may help reduce the risk of post-operative dislocation and contributes to long-term implant stability and increased range of motion.

"AchieveCAS is a great system. With the systems' enhanced guidance and visualization capabilities I am able to more precisely implant the knee during minimally invasive surgery", stated Dr. Robert Thornberry, an orthopaedic surgeon in Tallahassee, Florida.

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global expert in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing global orthopaedics companies.

The company is dedicated to helping improve people's lives and prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional health care customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has over 8500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual sales of $2,3 billion. More company news is available in the VMW December 2004 article Smith & Nephew signs Quadrant Visual Solutions subsidiary as European digital O.R. partner.