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definitely critical when you're flipping and moving the patient.
And the range of motion it provides is helpful with kyphotic
patients, anterior artificial discs and lateral procedures. Another
nice safety feature is that the table free-floats, but the moment
you let go, it stops and stays in place. Even if you accidentally
pull the wrong pins, the table won't collapse.
There's 360-degree radiolucency. There are disposable pad covers
that wick away moisture during surgery to help prevent skin shearing.
There are both sling and flat-top options. And in an emergency, you
can push a button and unlock all 4 wheels at the same time. That's a
time-saver if you need to get a patient out of the room quickly.
BioMet
Vanguard XP
Closing the satisfaction gap in total knee replacements was a big
topic at the show, and this company is betting that it can advance
the ball with an implant that's designed to preserve anterior cruciate
ligaments.
A physician affiliated with the company explained the theory, point-
ing out that a higher percentage of total-hip patients than total-knee
patients tend to be completely satisfied with the results of their proce-
dures. The theory behind this approach is that when the ACL is
removed, so are nerve fibers that give the brain proprioceptive feed-
back. As a result, even patients who are relieved of arthritis and pain
say their knees just don't feel right. The hope is that by preserving the
ACL, the patient will retain normal kinematics and experience the
total satisfaction that has been so elusive for 20% or 30% of total-knee
patients.
Could this be the Holy Grail of total knees? Time will tell. It
sounds like an idea with potential, and there's a fair amount of
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