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Saint Michael's Performs State's First Robotically Assisted Total-knee Replacement
The iBlock cutting guide, part of the Praxim System, is a computer-assisted technology that positions a bone-cutting device in the exact spot necessary, creating optimal alignment between the knee implant and surrounding bones. When a joint is replaced, even a minute misalignment between the implant and the bones can harm joint performance and longevity. The robotic system enables superior surgical accuracy and alignment. In addition, most total-knee replacements require surgeons to temporarily drive a rod into the bone to serve as an anchor for the cutting devices. The Praxim system eliminates the need for the rod, reducing trauma to the surrounding tissue and bone, and reducing the formation of potentially dangerous emboli. Another benefit is that patients using the system do not need additional MRI or CT scans, minimizing exposure to radiation as well as reducing time and costs. The first New Jersey patient to receive a total-knee replacement with the Praxim system arrived at Dr. Boiardo's office in a wheelchair, unable to walk or to straighten his knee. "He'll be able to walk now. He now has a full range of motion in his knee," Dr. Boiardo said. Dr. Boiardo has pioneered other advances in the field of joint replacement, including the first MAKOplasty procedure, a robotically assisted partial knee replacement using technology developed by MAKO Surgical Corporation. Using the Praxim system, Saint Michael's Medical Center can now also offer a robotically assisted solution to patients requiring a total-knee replacement. "We congratulate Dr. Boiardo and his team on pioneering this innovative treatment in New Jersey," said David Ricci, president and CEO of Saint Michael's Medical Center. "No other hospital in the state offers patients access to more advanced technology in the field of joint replacement." Dr. Boiardo is founder of Operation Walk - Newark, a non-profit medical mission that provides free joint replacement for poor and uninsured patients in the Greater Newark area. He received the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame. Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health East. Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Catholic Health East is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, with 34 hospitals in 11 states. More information is available at www.smmcnj.org.
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