Advanced Surgical Treatments & Technologies

At the Spine and Orthopedic Institute, patients have access to the latest technology and surgical innovations, such as:

Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery (CAOS) involves the use of computer imaging to more precisely align knee and hip implants. Through 3-D images during surgery, surgeons may achieve more exact placement of the implants by having the ability to make adjustments within a fraction of a degree, helping to ensure the best outcome. Because the alignment mimics an individual's natural anatomy, less wear and tear occurs on the new joint.

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
Advances in medical technology have resulted in less invasive back procedures that allow for minimal tissue disruption, shorter recovery time and a rapid return to normal activity. Louis Keppler, M.D., co-director of The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, is a pioneer in the use of the extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®) procedure. The procedure, which involves approaching the spine from the side of the body, is a less invasive alternative for patients who have had to live with back or leg pain. The XLIF procedure requires less operative time and a reduced hospital stay. Many patients walk the same day after surgery and typically recover within six weeks, compared to six or more months with traditional procedures.

Muscle-Sparing Total Hip Replacement
Restoring muscle function is a key factor in maximizing performance following hip surgery. Utilizing a small (3 ½ inch) skin incision and a second ½ inch puncture, a muscle-preserving approach, known as the PATH technique, is performed, allowing surgeons to minimize soft tissue damage. Using modern implants with advanced bearing materials and modular stem designs allows restoration of proper leg length and muscle tension; optimal performance is achieved. The Institute presently is collaboratively developing a shorter hip stem device to further maximize muscle function (expected FDA approval in Summer 2008).

Uni-Compartmental Knee Arthroplasty, also called Partial Knee Implant Surgery, is an alternative option to total knee replacement for individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Through this procedure, surgeons remove only the most damaged areas of cartilage and replace one of the knee's three compartments with an artificial implant.

Quad-Sparing TKA uses the same clinically proven implants as traditional surgery, but uses a less invasive manner. With Quad-Sparing TKA, the surgeon makes a 3- to 5-inch incision and uses adapted surgical techniques and special instruments to avoid cutting through those key tissues. The muscles that allow knee bending are less disturbed, permitting early motion.

Lateral TKA, while not a minimally invasive procedure, is performed through an incision on the lateral aspect of the knee. The result is a decrease in soft tissue restriction in the back of the knee.

The Spine and Orthopedic Institute at
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center - Science in Motion
Questions/Appointments: 877.98.SPINE