NEWARK - A team at Saint Michael's Medical Center, led by Dr. Richard Boiardo, chief of Orthopedics, has performed the state's first robotically assisted total knee replacement, an advance that creates a better fit for the new joint and minimizes trauma to surrounding bone and tissue.

"This technology is a game changer," said Dr. Boiardo. "The system is highly accurate, creating a more precise alignment and fit that will feel better and last longer. That's important, now that baby boomers are getting joint replacements at even younger ages."

The iBlock cutting guide, part of the Praxim System, is a computer-assisted technology that positions a bone-cutting device in the exact spot necessary, creating optimal alignment between the knee implant and surrounding bones.
When a joint is replaced, even a minute misalignment between the implant and the bones can harm joint performance and longevity. The robotic system enables superior surgical accuracy and alignment.

In addition, most total knee replacements require surgeons to temporarily drive a rod into the bone to serve as an anchor for the cutting devices. The Praxim system eliminates the need for the rod, reducing trauma to the surrounding tissue and bone, and reducing the formation of potentially dangerous emboli. Dr. Boiardo said the advance makes the procedure safer. Another benefit, he said, is that patients using the system do not need additional MRI or CT scans, minimizing exposure to radiation as well as reducing time and costs.

The first New Jersey patient to receive a total knee replacement with the Praxim system arrived at Dr. Boiardo's office in a wheelchair, unable to walk or to straighten the knee.

"We obtained a full range of motion on the operative table," Dr. Boiardo said. "The patient is now rehabbing aggressively and will be able to walk."

Dr. Boiardo has pioneered other advances in the field of joint replacement, including the first MAKOplasty procedure, a robotically assisted partial knee replacement using technology developed by MAKO Surgical Corporation. Using the Praxim system, Saint Michael's Medical Center can now also offer a robotically assisted solution to patients requiring a total knee replacement.

"We congratulate Dr. Boiardo and his team on pioneering this innovative treatment in New Jersey," said David Ricci, president and CEO of Saint Michael's Medical Center. "No hospital in the state offers patients access to more advanced technology in the field of joint replacement."

Dr. Boiardo is founder of Operation Walk - Newark, a non-profit medical mission that provides free joint replacement for poor and disenfranchised patients in the Greater Newark area. He received the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame for his work with Operation Walk.

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