Dr. Kirt Kimball, orthopedic surgeon, has been invited to participate in a small group of surgeons from Europe and the U.S. in evaluating and applying mini-incision approaches with computer technology in performing partial knee replacements. The intent is to perfect technology to perform partial knee replacement surgery through a four cm incision. This will combine computer assisted and arthroscopic techniques. Dr. Kimball's experience in computer assisted knee replacement combined with his experience in arthroscopic knee surgery make him an ideal candidate to participate in the study. The first phase of the study will include hours of work in a special cadaver lab in Chicago practicing the application of these innovative techniques on cadaver specimens.

Dr. Kirt Kimball also was part of a 12-member USA group of orthopedic surgeons who participated in the annual meeting of the International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery. The meeting was held June 19-22 in Helsinki, Finland. It included scientific discussions, demonstrations and the sharing of experience with approximately 300 surgeons and scientists from Europe and Asia. "The Europeans are currently ahead of the U.S. in effective use of computer assisted advances in technology in knee replacement, hip replacement, trauma and spine surgery," said Dr. Kimball. "New levels of precision and accuracy have been obtained resulting in better, more reliable results for patients."

Computer technology has now been combined with tissue sparing surgical approaches to provide better results through smaller incisions with better clinical outcomes. A number of surgeons have brought this technology to their US patients. American surgeon support for these changes is spreading rapidly as evidenced by US surgeons signing up for courses where they can obtain training in these skills. The equipment for this surgery is expensive and hospitals whose focus is profitability are often reluctant to invest in the technology. Experts in the field believe physician and patient demand for this technology will cause it to become the standard of care in this country over the next few years.

Dr. Kirt Kimball, orthopedic surgeon, recently participated in a course in Indianapolis, Indiana focusing on advanced training in total and partial knee replacement using minimal incision approaches combined with computer technology.

The computer provides the ability to properly align components even though visibility is limited by the small incision. Papers were presented demonstrating a shorter length of hospital stay and a more rapid return to normal activity following total knee replacement using this technology. The combined technology can lead to a one to two day length of stay following total knee replacement and recovery measured in weeks instead of months. This new approach has been applied with less pain, less blood loss and overall lower complication rates. Our patients should benefit significantly from this new technology.

Dr. Kimball is part of Central Utah Clinic's Sports Medicine and Orthopedics group.

Dr. Kirt Kimball, orthopedic surgeon, was the main speaker and instructor at the Southwest Surgeons Panel meeting held on April 29 and 30 in Newport Beach, California. Surgeons who attended specialize in total knee replacement.

Dr. Kimball shared his experience with computer assisted total knee replacement and minimal incision total knee replacement. He also led group discussions sharing technical tips with the surgeons on the panel. The meeting was attended by surgeons from California, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.

Dr. Kimball was the main speaker and instructor at a recent meeting of surgeons who specialize in total knee replacement.

The Southwest Surgeons Panel meeting was held in Newport Beach, California April 29th and 30th.

Dr. Kimball shared his experience with Computer Assisted Total Knee replacement and Minimal Incision Total knee replacement.

Dr. Kimball also led group discussions sharing technical tips with the surgeons on the panel. The meeting was attended by total knee surgeons from California, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.

Dr. Kirt Kimball has been performing Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery (CAOS) since August of 2004. He has performed approximately 100 total knee replacements using this advanced computer technology. CAOS enables the surgeon to perform the operation with a high level of accuracy and, at the same time, with less violation or invasion of the bone.

Minimal Incision Surgery (MIS) has become a sought after goal in many surgical procedures. To perform the same operation through a smaller incision usually means less pain and a faster recovery.

Dr. Kimball brought together these two technologies recently. He used new MIS techniques and special instruments combined with CAOS to perform a total knee replacement through a three and a half inch incision. Traditional surgery usually requires a six to eight inch incision.

"Is a smaller scar that important," said Dr. Kimball? "In total knee replacement surgery, it is far more important than just a smaller scar. The procedure is performed without having to cut many of the ligaments and tendons that are typically cut when a standard total knee replacement is performed." Cutting and repairing less tissue means less pain, swelling, bleeding, scaring and thus a faster, less painful recovery.

"CAOS enables MIS," said Dr. Kimball. By employing advanced computer technology, the surgery can be performed with confidence making sure the alignment and fit of the components are accurate even though the surgery is performed though a tiny incision.

By combining these technologies, Dr. Kimball expects patients to recover faster and with less pain. Patients should be able to return more quickly to normal activities of life without the pain and disability associated from an arthritic knee.

Another 1st in Utah County:

Dr. Kirt Kimball brought Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery (CAOS) to Utah in August of 2004. Since that time, he has performed approximately 100 total knee replacements using this advanced computer technology. This enables the surgeon to perform the operation more accurately and, at the same time, with less violation or invasion of the bone.

MIS or Minimal Incision Surgery has become a sought after goal in many surgical procedures. To perform the same operation through a smaller incision usually means less pain and a faster recovery.

This past week, Dr. Kimball brought together these two technologies. He used new MIS techniques and very special instruments combined with CAOS (Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery) to perform a total knee replacement through a 3 ½ inch incision. Traditional surgery usually requires an incision 6 o 8 inches long.

Is a smaller scar that important? In total knee replacement surgery it is far more important that just a smaller scar. The procedure is performed without having to cut many of the ligaments and tendons that are typically cut when a standard total knee replacement is performed. Cutting and repairing less tissue means less Pain, less Swelling, less Bleeding, less Scaring and thus a faster, less painful recovery.

CAOS enables MIS. By employing advanced computer technology, the surgery can be performed with confidence that the alignment and fit of the components are accurate even though the surgery is performed though a tiny incision.

By combining these technologies Dr. Kimball expects that patients will recover faster and with less pain. They will more quickly return to normal activities of life without the pain and disability they suffered from an arthritic knee.