The world’s first computer-assisted, minimally invasive hip replacement has been performed at Hadassah-University Hospital on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus, The Jerusalem Post reported.During the past few days, four Hadassah patients received hip replacements using the technique, which has the benefits of smaller incisions, no cutting of muscles or tendons, optimally accurate preparation and insertion, reduced pain and speedier discharge from the hospital. The first three have already been discharged.
The expertise of Hadassah’s orthopedists in computer-assisted surgery – including the removal of shrapnel from the bodies of terror victims – was the major reason that Zimmer and Medtronics, two giant foreign companies, chose the hospital to pioneer the use of its hardware and software. “We are proud that world leaders such as [Zimmer and Medtronics] chose Hadassah as a site for these special machines,” said Prof. Iri Liebergall, head of Hadassah’s two orthopedics departments.
In Zimmer’s annual report to stockholders this week, the head of Zimmer specifically mentioned the first use of this advanced technology in Israel. Hadassah came out ahead of medical centers in England and Germany.
The technology will later be sent to a handful of prestigious centers in the United States and Europe.
