Longview Regional Medical Center announced today the purchase of a Stryker Navigation System for total knee replacement surgeries. This system 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,” said Dr. Martin Hilton, Orthopedic Physician with Diagnostic Clinic of Longview.  The Stryker 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 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,” stated Jim Kendrick, Chief Executive Office of Longview Regional.

The computer analyzes and displays data on a computer monitor in the form of charts and graphs that supply the surgeon 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 other physicians with the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview.  "With it, we have the opportunity to give a patient a new knee that has increased strength, stability, and range of motion, even in difficult anatomic situations," they added.

One benefit of the Stryker Navigation system is that it eliminates the need for pre-operative X-rays or CT scans.   Experience shows that the system may lead to possible shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, and improved joint stability¹.  The Stryker Navigation system also has applications in hip, trauma, spine, neurosurgery, and ENT, which could possibly be added to the system at a later date.

The Stryker Navigation system will be used in total knee arthoplasty (TKA) surgeries performed at Longview Regional Medical Center each year.  TKA is usually recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by damage to cartilage from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or trauma.

 To learn more about who may benefit from a Stryker Navigation procedure, call Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview 903-753-1778.  For information about the Stryker Navigation System, visit www.longviewregional.com or Stryker’s website www.stryker.com/navigation.

 *Patients should consult their physicians regarding risks associated with Total Knee Replacement Surgery

 1    J.M. Sikorski, S. Chauhan (2003). Aspects of Current Management, Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery: Do We Need CAOS? JBJS(Br) Vol. 85-B, No. 3.