Medical Reports: New Knee

WSVN -- A few months ago, Richard Pupard had a hard time taking a simple walk.

Richard Pupard: "My knees have been bothering me for many, many years and it was just getting worse and worse and worse."

He had arthritis in both of his knees.

Richard Pupard: "Frustrating because I'm a person that's on the go all the time and I don't like being held back."

Richard needed double knee replacement. The good news, new technology could help doctors at Broward Health Imperial Point Medical Center are now using computer assisted robotic knee replacement.

Richard Pupard: "You're gaining the accuracy of a computer, and the precision of a robot."

Dr. Michael Reilly says the standard surgery left some guesswork on the operating table.

Dr. Michael Reilly: "The traditional technique used long metal rods which you would have to drill into the thigh bone and leg bone in order to get your alignment."

But he says the new procedure offers perfect placement. Here's how it works: Motion sensors send information about the knee to a computer through infrared technology. The computer then provides a 3D image of the knee and the robot tells the surgeon exactly where to make the cuts.

Dr. Michael Reilly: "It not only assists you in getting that perfect alignment, but also the positioning and sizing of the knee replacement."

For patients that means smaller incisions, less risk of blood clots and the implant should last much longer.

Dr. Michael Reilly: "If we're getting the accuracy of the alignment, these implants should last 18 to 20 years."

That's great news to Richard now he's out of pain and back on the road.

Richard Pupard: "I have no pain whatsoever now, getting healthier, I'm very happy."

Diana Diaz: "Doctors also say the recovery time is faster with the new procedure."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Broward Health Imperial Point Medical Center

www.BrowardHealth.org

(954) 759-7400