Freehold, New Jersey Orthopedic Surgeons Drs. Michael Greller and Alan Nasar Use Powerful CAOS Solution with Trabecular Metal Knee Implants; a First in the Tri-State Area

Freehold, NJ, May 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- On January 15, 2008, orthopedic surgeons Drs. Michael J. Greller and Alan S. Nasar of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute of Freehold, New Jersey, performed for the first time in the Tri-State area, total knee replacement surgery using a powerful new navigational computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) solution and fully cementless Zimmer trabecular metal knee replacement implants.

The total knee implant was the preferred joint replacement surgical option for a young active male patient and was performed at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, using the ORTHOsoft Knee 2.2 Universal software for Total Knee Replacement, on the hardware platform of the Navitrack® Sesamoid, known as the ORTHOsoft’s Navitrack® navigation system.

The orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) utilize the latest technology from Zimmer which allows the implants to bond to bone without cement to ensure an excellent outcome for their patients. The shorter incisions of minimally-invasive surgical procedures preferred by these surgeons can limit the visual access needed to position implants precisely. Computer-assisted orthopedic surgery uses computer imaging and tracking to guide the surgeons to place the implant correctly. The correct alignment of the implant with the upper and lower leg is essential for best patient outcomes; fewer post-operative complications, less pain and less pain management medication which assists in a faster recovery time. Implant misalignment, even if only of a few degrees, will mean some patients face additional surgery within a number of years, either to reduce discomfort or to replace the worn implant. For the majority of patients, the most dramatic benefit of a perfect alignment of implant is the return to normal mobility and improved quality of life.

The knee navigation system software that performed so well for Drs.Greller and Nasar provided implant sizing information that allowed them to use a specific implant preferred for that patient. It assisted them to determine the mechanical and rotational axis of the leg, ensuring a more exact placement of the implant.

Both surgeons cannot speak highly enough of their delight in the arrival of such an improved navigational tool. “This is, by far, the best navigation system that I have used to date,” states Dr. Greller. “All previous systems presented multiple technical issues for the surgeon, the result of which was a need for continual adjustment and positioning throughout the case. The eyes of the navigational system often do not see all of the trackers and either the patient or the computer system has to be moved and positions adjusted to proceed with the case. It can be time consuming and very frustrating for the surgeons. We tried an electromagnetic system to solve the problem without success. With this system, once it was set up, it functioned flawlessly throughout the case and required no adjustment or fine tuning. The registration process was simplified. The computer was able to learn the patient's anatomy in fewer steps. The disposable reflectors called “Navitrackers” are proprietary to Orthosoft and replace the cumbersome spheres used on other navigation system instruments we have used. The final result of the case was excellent. The x-rays looked perfect and the alignment exact The knee had great motion and was well balanced. This new computer system allowed us to implant the knee more accurately than before with as few extra steps as possible.” Dr. Greller gives a spontaneous testimonial. “I have experience with many computer systems but have not adopted one for routine use due to the limitations and frustrations mentioned. This is the first computer navigation system that I could see myself using on a routine basis.”

High praise indeed from Dr. Michael J. Greller MD, FAAOS, President of AOSMI, vice-chairman of the department of orthopedics and chairman of credentials at CentraState Medical Center. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in sports medicine. Dr. Greller specializes in advanced, minimally-invasive, shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures, in addition to minimally-invasive computer-assisted hip, knee and shoulder replacements.

He considers this navigational system a significant advancement in the computer assisted surgery field. The patient is making a "remarkable recovery." confirms Dr. Greller.

His colleague, Alan S. Nasar, MD, a fellowship-trained joint replacement orthopedic surgeon from AOSMI, specializes in minimally-invasive joint replacement surgery. He is the Director of The Total Joint Center of New Jersey at CentraState and the Director of Orthopedics at the CareOne Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, New Jersey.

Today, all of the surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute perform minimally-invasive joint replacement surgery. Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute provides advanced medical care in Freehold, NJ, with leading doctors and surgeons, state-of-the-art technology and exceptional Patient-Centered, Patient-Focused Care ™. The seven practicing physicians at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute have a combined 100 years of experience providing exceptional orthopedic care to the New Jersey community.

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