First Computer-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery Performed in Jesup

May 11, 2006 – Dr. J. Lex Kenerly, III, Orthopaedic Surgeon, performed a new electromagnetic computer-assisted knee replacement surgery last month at Wayne Memorial Hospital.   It was the seventh EM computer-assisted knee replacement surgery performed in the state and the first one outside the Atlanta area.

“This system provides the surgeon with the ability to navigate the knee with incredible precision,” says Dr. Kenerly.  “This new technology allows the surgeon to align the patient’s bone and joint implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye.   The computerized system provides the surgeon with a three-dimensional view of the knee joint and precise data is used to more accurately align implants during knee replacement procedures.  In contrast to the previously available optical computer navigation systems the EM(electromagnetic) technology is much less cumbersome in the operation room and does not require separate incisions in the thigh and lower leg.   It is amazing technology that I believe will be the standard of care within the next few years.”

The world’s first total knee replacement using this new, minimally invasive electromagnetic navigation system was performed in Houston, Texas at The Methodist Hospital last year.  Dr. Kenerly and Wayne Memorial Hospital Administrators are excited that it has now successfully been performed in Jesup.

“We are ecstatic with the timely manner in which this state-of-the art computerized knee replacement surgery was implemented at Wayne Memorial.    Because of the interest of Dr. Kenerly, the necessary training was completed and equipment obtained to make Wayne Memorial join the ranks of much larger hospitals in effectively offering this surgery as an option to our knee-replacement patients.    Our congratulations are extended to all our staff who worked diligently to make this possible,” says Charles Morgan, Wayne Memorial Hospital C.E.O.
Computer-assisted surgery is similar to the satellite navigation systems used today.   In this new procedure, mini electromagnetic reference trackers are attached to the the patient’s bones and to the surgical instruments.  These mini-trackers then feed data to the computer which displays three-dimensional real-time images for the surgeon to see during the procedure.

Dr. Kenerly says there are many benefits for the patient.  “Knee replacement patients will have smaller incisions, less tissue trauma, less scarring, faster and less painful rehabilitation, and shorter hospital stays with this new computer-assisted surgery.”  “Of course, this new technology will not replace the surgeon in the operating room.   It will just improve what the surgeon is already doing.”  In addition, according to Dr. Kenerly, the improved alignment will increase the longevity of the replacement and decrease the chance that the patient will need revision surgery in the future.

This computer-assisted system was developed by companies Zimmer and Medtronic and is considered to be the most technologically advanced breakthrough in total knee replacement surgery available today.