FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospitals

CONTACT:Mary Poole      
Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospitals
Beaumont & Orange
(409) 212-6145/Mobile (409) 291-3731

Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital, has applied to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the prestigious designation of Magnet.

BEAUMONT – (March 19, 2007) – Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital announced today the purchase of a Stryker Navigation System for total knee replacement surgeries.  This system offers a technology option that may help facilitate accurate implant alignment and proper ligament balancing, which are the most important prerequisites for the artificial knee joint stability, durability and sufficient range of motion.

“Navigated total knee replacement is an extremely successful way to treat qualifying patients with severe knee pain,” stated Wagdy Rizk, MD at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital.  “The new surgical navigation technology that is now in place greatly enhances the ability to restore range of motion, overall function and return patients to normal activity.” 

The Stryker Navigation system uses an infrared camera and instruments along with unique tracking software to continually monitor the position and alignment of the implant components in relation to the patient’s anatomy.  Wireless instruments send data pertaining to the movements to the computer. 

The computer analyzes and displays data on a computer monitor in the form of charts and graphs that supply the surgeon with the angles, lines, and measurements needed to accurately align the prosthetic knee with the patient.  “It is like having a GPS Navigation System in the operating room,” stated Dr. Rizk.  “With this equipment, we have the opportunity to give a patient a new knee that has increased strength, stability, and range of motion, even in difficult anatomic situations.”

A significant benefit of the Stryker Navigation System is that it eliminates the need for pre-operative x-rays or CT scans.  Experience shows that the system may lead to possible shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, and improved joint stability.  The Stryker Navigation System also has application in hip, trauma, spine, neurosurgery, and ENT.

For more information, please call Mary Poole at 291-3731.  We will be featuring this new surgery on Monday, March 19th at approximately noon.  If there is an interest, you will have the opportunity to scrub into the case and speak directly to the physician and/or the Stryker Representatives.  Thank you in advance for your consideration in this feature.