Innovative Technology in Burnsville, Minnesota

Hip Resurfacing Surgery

MVSC’s practice is based on standardized techniques using cutting-edge technology. “Many of the high-demand components we use are designed for younger, more aggressive patients,” explains Dr. Hartman. “Today, we can actually resurface the hip ball and socket instead of replacing the hip. Resurfacing technology has been used in Europe for years; now it’s available in the United Sates. It is a solution that works well for younger patients who still want to run and jump and participate in athletics. Our techniques spare bone, minimize trauma to joints and mobilize patients faster. We use muscle-sparing surgical techniques that allow patients to stand and walk on the day of their operation, or start bending their knees on the same day as their surgery. These techniques also leave more bone in the event that future surgery is necessary.”

MVSC is one of the only local practices to use computer navigation to guide the positioning of components. This provides better alignment of the joint and better wear-characteristics over time.

Robotic Surgery / Computer Assisted Navigation

Computer navigation enables surgeons to map out the center of the hip or knee using devices that send impulses to a GPS satellite in the operating room. That data is transferred to a laptop computer, and visually shows the joint surface and center of the joint, allowing surgeons to manipulate the cutting blocks used for hip­ and knee replacement to within plus or minus half a degree. In hip replacements, surgeons can adjust leg lengths to within a millimeter. Without this technology, judging leg length is considered one of the most difficult parts of doing a hip replacement.

Knee Replacement Surgery

MSVC also utilizes advancements in knee replacement techniques. “The knee has three compartments,” explains Dr. James M. Schaffhausen, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “Today, instead of replacing the entire knee, we can selectively replace only the diseased compartment. This is particularly significant for younger patients who are going to outlive their components. Selective replacement uses less bone. In the future, when they need further replacement, more surgery will be a viable option. Also, recovery is much faster and function is greatly improved.”

MVSC augments patient recovery with a hand-selected home health and nursing service. “This service delivers the same care a patient would get in the hospital, but it is delivered in the patient’s home,” explains Dr. Hartman. “Home care handles intravenous fluids, antibiotics, catheter care and initial physical therapy. Generally, prior to surgery, we arrange to have all patient medications filled and teach patients to use a walker or crutches. Sometimes, patients meet their nurses here in advance of surgery. In other instances, the home health service does an in-home preoperative assessment to assess patient needs for devices like raised toilet seats, handles and grippers. This makes for a smoother transition from the surgery center to home. Our home care service literally meets the patient at their home after surgery. There’s no gap between the time the patient leaves our center and the time they begin their nursing care.