New computer assisted surgery assists surgeons in total knee replacement procedures

With a nod toward the future, Memorial Hospital of Burlington recently began using an innovative computer assisted orthopedic surgery technology, developed by PLUS Orthopedics USA, Inc. The PiGalileo™ Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery system improves surgical outcomes, said Michael Dussault, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, Aurora Burlington Clinic, who is one of a handful of orthopedic surgeons nationwide that use the system.

Learn more about this technology at a free program scheduled for 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. To register, please call 1-800-870-6919 or log onto www.AuroraHealthCare.org.

“The medical studies clearly show the clinical benefits of computer-assisted surgery,’’ said Dr. Dussault. “In the future, this will be the standard of care. All total knee replacement procedures will be done with the assistance of computer technology.’’

Studies indicate that a common cause of implant failure is implant malalignment, even a minor malalignment leads to excessive wear on the new joint, causing it to fail over time.

“The system positions the implant with great precision, reducing the potential for malalignment,’’ said Dr. Dussault.

“With the technology, I can position an implant perfectly and consistently,’’ he said.

The PiGalileo™ Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery System provides instant feedback to physicians during the surgery. Dr. Dussault said that real time feedback is crucial in improving precision.

“From a surgical perspective, that’s a key part of the technology that allows me to improve the positioning of the implant,’’ he said. “Obtaining that feedback during the procedure is phenomenal.’’
Since its international release in 1999, there are over 70 PiGalileo™ systems installed throughout the world, which have supported more than 10,000 surgical procedures.

At this point, Dr. Dussault said the technology is being used for knees, although it can be used in hip replacement procedures. He also uses the system at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn.

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a nationally recognized leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers services at sites in 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

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Andy Johnson (262-767-6267)