The only regret Burna, Kentucky, resident Jean Rittenberry has regarding her recent knee replacement surgery is that she did not do it sooner. Like more than 70 million other Americans, Rittenberry’s quality of life had been greatly altered by debilitating knee pain caused by arthritis. Pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation of motion interfered significantly with her daily activities, limiting what Rittenberry could do at both work and home. New technology at Western Baptist Hospital, however, provided an answer to Rittenberry’s pain, allowing orthopedic surgeons to perform “arthroplasty,” or knee replacement procedures, with the aid of computer- assisted technology. As a result, both patients and physicians are experiencing tremendous benefits.

Minimally Invasive Approach
The approach consists of minimally invasive computer-assisted surgery technology that provides surgeons with a three-dimensional view of the knee joint and precise data to help them more accurately align implants during knee replacement surgeries, regardless of the size of the incision.

Dr. Frank Kolb, orthopedic surgeon at Western Baptist Hospital, explains that the new technology provides surgeons like him with a navigational tool in mapping out the entire surgery.

“Using its integrated components, including software, hardware, and instruments, surgeons can view each step of the surgical procedure in realtime in three dimensions that mirror the individual patient’s anatomy,” says Dr. Kolb.

A New Lease on Life
Rittenberry was Dr. Kolb’s first patient to benefit from the new technology and is a testament to its effectiveness. “The difference between my life prior to the surgery and my life now is tremendous,” says Rittenberry. “Before, I was unable to do little things like grocery shop. It was so painful that I could not navigate a cart throughout the store. Now, I can shop and walk pain free throughout the store.”

Rittenberry says her recovery was very quick and her postoperative pain minimal. She has resumed an active lifestyle, working as the manager of the cafeteria at Burna’s elementary school.

“Last year, it took all of my strength to hobble throughout the building. Now, I’m back on my feet and back at work,” says Rittenberry.

Dr. Kolb says that many patients like Rittenberry suffer needlessly from significant arthritis pain. Today’s aging population and rising obesity rates are also factors in the growing need for total knee replacement operations. “By implementing technology such as this, we’re best equipped to meet the growing need for orthopedic procedures,” says Dr. Kolb. “Patients can now be assured that the most accurate and precise technology possible is guiding us in alleviating their pain.”