This week, Crittenton Hospital’s Chief of Orthopedics and Surgery will replace a patient’s knee.
But it’s certainly not the first time Jeffrey DeClaire, M.D., of DeClaire LaMacchia Orthopaedic Institute has done this procedure.
In fact, DeClaire was the first surgeon in the world to perform a bicruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty with a Vanguard XP-Total Knee System. And according to the press release, DeClaire currently holds the record when it comes to these surgeries—with 130 on his resume.
So it comes as no surprise that DeClaire, working with a team of six other surgeons, has been selected to conduct the surgery for a global audience this Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
The procedure will be recorded via video and used as a teaching tool for fellow surgeons and medical professionals through Biomet Surgeon Network, an online community aimed at education through membership. Medical staff can register at www.biometnetwork.com.
For the past four years, DeClaire and his team have had their eyes on filming their operation as a teaching tool.
The procedure is a total knee replacement, but “is unlike any other total knee replacements in the world,” DeClaire said.
The team’s new knee design preserves important tissue and the ACL (or anterior cruciate ligament, one of the four ligaments found in the knee) and has helped patients feel much closer to having normal function returned to their knee.
“Retaining the ACL is a key thing because it maintains the soft-tissue envelope that controls movement or the natural feel of the knee,” he said.
The team’s new design was just officially introduced and showcased last month at the annual Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons conference, or what DeClaire fondly calls the ‘auto show of orthopedics.’
The project was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last March.
As with all things, there have been successes and some challenges along the way, he said. But, “the initial patient response has been very positive.”
The team has already trained 20 surgeons internationally and is excited to share their procedure with an even wider medical audience.
“Dr. DeClaire and his practice are tremendous partners to Crittenton and we are fortunate to have them on staff,” said Brian Birney, director of marketing and communications for Crittenton.
“Dr. DeClaire is extremely passionate, innovative and driven and this shows in all of his successes,” Birney said. “We applaud Dr. DeClaire for this latest success and look forward to many more in the future.
To learn more, visit www.biometnetwork.com.
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