Implant Monitoring System Helps Patients Regain Mobility

Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR; Montreal, Canada) has added a Dynamic stereo radiography (SR) system to its orthopedic offerings.

The Dynamic SR system, provided by Halifax Biomedical (Nova Scotia, Canada), is a new technology that improves the monitoring of patients undergoing joint reconstruction of the hip and knee, and does provides an accurate assessment of the performance of new joint replacement implants. Using a proprietary bead inserter, tiny biomarker balls are inserted into the bone, indicating the relative position of the implant. In case of pain, an SR image helps target the problem and allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate treatment, since it becomes possible to accurately assess if the implant has moved (even slightly).

Also known as Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA), the analysis can provide information that is 20 times more accurate than computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new tool also aids better preoperative diagnosis when problems are encountered after initial implant surgery, thus facilitating proper assessment of postoperative outcome. Ultimately, the goal of HMR is to reduce the costs associated with replacement of the hip or knee by reducing the number of revision surgeries.

The new technology was acquired with the support of the Foundation de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (FHMR; Montreal, Canada), a partner of HMR since 1978 in the strategic development of projects aimed at the continuous improvement of care for patients, enhanced educational development, and growth of research. The Foundation enlists financial support from individuals, private foundations, and corporate partners to assist HMR, its 5,500 employees and physicians, and 500 volunteers in their work with the large population of Eastern Montreal.

“The HMR can count on a dynamic team of orthopedic surgeons who have at heart the welfare of patients,” said Manon Boily, executive director of the HMR. “The whole service is constantly on the lookout for new technologies that could improve the quality of care. With the assistance of the Foundation, we are pleased to inaugurate this equipment.”

Related Links:
Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
Foundation de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
Halifax Biomedical