With a nod toward the future, Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington recently began using an innovative computer assisted orthopedic surgery technology, developed by PLUS Orthopedics USA, Inc. The PiGalileo^TM Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery system improves surgical outcomes, said Thomas Niccolai, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, 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., Thurs., March 15, Waterford Public Library, lower level conference room, 101 N. River St., Waterford. To register, please call 1-800-870-6919 or click here.

"The medical studies clearly show the clinical benefits of computer-assisted surgery,'' said Dr. Niccolai. "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 PiGalileo Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery System provides instant feedback to physicians during the surgery. Dr. Niccolai 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.

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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Contact: Andy Johnson (262-767-6267)