Saint Thomas Hospital Performing Only Image Guided Hip Resurfacing and Hip Replacement Procedures in Region

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (Jan. 29, 2008) - Orthopedic surgeons David DeBoer, M.D., Michael Christie, M.D., and Craig Morrison, M.D., at Saint Thomas Hospital and the Southern Joint Replacement Institute are now performing the region's only imaged guided total hip resurfacing and total hip replacement assisted by technology from BrainLab.

Kolibri, a 'global positioning system for the body,' now allows surgeons to visualize and track the position of their choice of surgical instruments intraoperatively via a touch-screen interface. The system allows the surgeon to position implants and instruments using a CT scan of the patient's pelvis. This is a significant advance over other surgical navigation systems which use a computer generated model of the pelvis instead of the patient's actual anatomy.

"This is state of the art, cutting edge technology that is changing orthopaedic care. Now as a surgeon operates, a screen shows the precise position of his instruments. Most importantly, the surgeon can use this information to more precisely position instruments and implants for a more reproducible surgery and longer lasting hip replacements," said Dr. Michael Christie. "Surgeons can verify the correct position of the implant so it will perform more efficiently."

"With hip resurfacing, computer navigation technology focuses on the problem of implant positioning. Traditional approaches use less reliable instruments to guide the surgeon in implant placement. Many studies have shown us that proper implant position reduces early complications such as fracture and improves the long-term survival of hip resurfacing. This technology gives surgeons the chance to accurately and reproducibly implant hip resurfacings to improve how long a hip resurfacing lasts," said Dr. Craig Morrison.

The Saint Thomas Hospital Joint Replacement Center offers patients state-of-the-art orthopaedic care and rehabilitation.

Saint Thomas Hospital is a member of Saint Thomas Health Services, a faith-based ministry with 8,000 associates serving Middle Tennessee at Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville.

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