Prof. Iri Liebergall, Head of Hadassah’s Orthopedic Departments, and Dr. Yoav Matan, Director of the Joint Replacement Center at Hadassah University Hospital-Mt. Scopus, who performed the world’s first computer-guided hip replacement operation two years ago, have further refined their groundbreaking surgery by replacing electro-optics with electro-magnetic technology that provide for enhanced precision. This new technology may shorten the patient’s recovery period and hospital stay.
Computer navigation systems provide surgeons with an accurate three-dimensional virtual picture of the surgical area. The image is continuously transmitted to a computer screen as they operate.
This complex procedure is conducted through a minimal incision of two inches.
The electro-optic technology requires surgeons to maintain a continuous line of vision between the computer and the site of the patient’s surgery, forcing them to change their location during the operation thus prolonging the procedure. The new electro-magnetic technology enables surgeons to operate without constantly considering the computer’s location. “This new technology ensures that Hadassah will maintain its position as a world leader in computer-guided orthopedic surgery,” notes Prof. Liebergall, whose 12-person team performs about 600 joint replacements a year; 230 of them are knee replacement surgeries.
The new electro-magnetic technology has already been used in five operations. “We are proud,” said Prof. Liebergal, “that these giant American corporations such as Zimmer and Medtronics that developed these technologies, chose Hadassah in Jerusalem as the medical center to install the latest refinement of their sophisticated computer navigation system.”