Sumner Regional Medical Center recently acquired Ci™ Computer Assisted Knee Replacement equipment that will enable patients in our community to experience the first totally integrated, customizable, computer-assisted surgical package for total knee replacement.

Developed last year after DePuy, Inc. launched Intelligent Orthopaedics™, the Ci™ System is the company’s landmark product offering breakthrough technology designed to enhance and extend the orthopaedic surgeon’s existing skills and experience.

The Ci™ System provides an unobstructed view of the patient’s knee joint on screen to give the surgeon a 3D rendering of each step of the surgery, which assists in providing proper alignment of the implants. This is especially critical technology as more patients opt for minimal incision surgery—a surgery, which, by its nature, restricts the surgeon’s ability to see the operative area.

Born of a unique collaboration between DePuy, Inc., and BrainLAB, the world leader in computer-guided surgery operating room information technologies, the Ci™ System provides surgeons with accurate, quantitative visual data that allows them to view the consequences of surgical decisions before they are made—not later, when a post-operative X-ray can only provide a retrospective assessment. This increased level of informed, intra-operative decision-making can assist in providing successful implant alignment.

Addressing the issue of knee alignment, the Ci™ System will also help surgeons employ the most minimally invasive techniques in total knee reconstruction, potentially allowing for reduced incision size, and associated scarring and soft tissue disruption. Fine-tuning of dedicated Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) instruments enables the surgeon to make adjustments within one millimeter and one degree of accuracy, guided by on-screen imaging.

>> View Video: Sensors Create 3D Model

It links a freehand probe, instrument handle and cutting guides, tracked by a passive marker sensor system to virtual computer image space on an individual 3D model of the patient’s bone which is generated through acquiring multiple landmarks on the bone surface. The system aids the surgeon in accurately navigating a knee prosthesis to the intraoperatively planned position. Ligament balancing and measurements of bone alignment are also provided.

To operate this revolutionary equipment, surgeons must undergo intense training by the manufacturer. Dr. Thomas Gautsch, the leading orthopedic surgeon facilitating this new technology at SRMC, is currently performing the knee replacements. Currently, he is the only SRMC physician and one of only a handful of surgeons statewide certified to use the new Ci™ System. For referral or other information regarding the new Ci™ Computer Assisted Knee Replacement System, contact Dr. Thomas Gautsch at his Gallatin office by calling (615) 452-3320.