IS KNEE PAIN INTERFERING WITH YOUR LIFE? 

HENDERSONVILLE MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS THE LATEST IN TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

HENDERSONVILLE, TN (March 14, 2007) - Total knee replacement surgery has been performed for the past 30 years in the United States and the procedure has typically utilized an extensive, 8 to 12 inch incision on the front of the knee. A total knee replacement is common, but newer, smaller instruments accompanied with computer technology are making the surgery more beneficial to some patients.  Access to the latest advancements in minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery is now available right in your own neighborhood at Hendersonville Medical Center.

When surgeons do a total knee replacement, they usually make an incision that's 8 to 12 inches long or longer, but with Hendersonville Medical Center’s new minimally invasive knee instruments, surgeons are now able to make an incision that's just 4 to 5 inches long.

Dr. Robert Landsberg, orthopaedic surgeon at Hendersonville Medical Center says, "These patients are getting rid of their crutches, canes and walkers and going back to shopping and golfing sooner, and they're happy about that."

The advantages of this approach are many, including reduced pain, earlier return of knee motion, and a faster recovery for the patient. The length of stay in the hospital has often been reduced. These improvements have also made knee replacement surgery available to many patients with health problems severe enough to preclude the traditional procedure. Because the exposure is less extensive, minimally invasive knee surgery is not applicable to all patients, especially those with very stiff knees or large legs.

Hendersonville Medical Center also offers a technology option that may help facilitate accurate implant alignment and proper ligament balancing, which are the most important prerequisites for the artificial knee joint stability, durability and sufficient range of motion.

“Navigated total knee replacement is an extremely successful way to treat qualifying patients with severe knee pain,” Landsberg says.  “The new surgical navigation technology that we have in place greatly enhances our ability to restore range of motion, overall function and return patients to normal activity.”

The new navigation system uses an infrared camera and instruments along with unique tracking software to continually monitor the position and alignment of the implant components in relation to the patient’s anatomy.  Smart Active wireless instruments send data pertaining to the kinematics (movement) to the computer.

The computer analyzes and displays data on a computer monitor in the form of charts and graphs that supply Dr. Landsberg with the angles, lines, and measurements needed to accurately align the prosthetic knee with the patient. 

“It’s like having a GPS System in the operating room,” said Landsberg.  "With it, we have the opportunity to give a patient a new knee that has increased stability and range of motion, even in difficult anatomic situations.  Knees implanted with the computer navigation system consistently give better anatomic alignment that increases the longevity of the knee."

Learning more about knee replacement can help reduce your pain and restore your mobility. Hendersonville Medical Center is offering a Knee Replacement Surgery seminar on March 22 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. offering the latest details about computer-assisted knee surgery and minimally invasive knee surgery with orthopedic surgeon Robert Landsberg, MD, of Rivergate Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.  For more information or to register for this class, call TriStar MedLine at 342-1919 or 1-800-242-5662.  Space is limited, and reservations required.

Hendersonville Medical Center, part of the TriStar Health System, is a 110-bed community-based medical center with comprehensive medical and surgical programs including Obstetrics, Cardiology, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery services.  Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hendersonville Medical Center remains the only Accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County.  Portland Medical Center, a facility of Hendersonville Medical Center, joined the TriStar Health System in April 2006 and together, we are proudly serving the healthcare needs of Sumner County.

For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted by Hendersonville Medical Center, Portland Medical Center or TriStar Health System, call MedLine at 342-1919, toll-free outside of Nashville at 1-800-242-5662, or visit the website at TriStarHealth.com.