"Orthopedics is all about restoring anatomy, and the better I can see
anatomy, the better I can repair it," says Dr. Morgan, who adds that 4K
imaging provides better resolution, brighter light and a wider spectrum
of color, which lets him visualize anatomy and joint structure more
clearly and operate with more precision and accuracy.
Marshall Medical Centers in Guntersville and Boaz, Ala., recently
added 4K imaging to its facilities' ORs. Orthopedic surgeon Joseph
Kendra, MD, says the technology helps him discern between scar tis-
sue and healthy tissue during shoulder and knee repairs. The brighter,
more detailed imaging also allows for a safer and more efficient dis-
section, and lets him assess the integrity of tendons when deciding if
they need to be repaired or removed. He says 4K imaging is most use-
ful when he's operating in the shoulder joint, which contains various
structures and textures.
Ultra high-def imaging helps Dr. Morgan see exactly where ACL bun-
dles attach to the femur and insert into the tibia, so he can place guide
pins more accurately when repairing the ligament bundles. It also lets
him clearly see the amount of native tissue that remains on the femur
and tibia where the ACL tore away from the bones.
The improved visualization and lighting provided by 4K imaging help
Dr. Morgan diagnose Ramp lesions of the medial meniscus and Kim's
lesion, which is an incomplete labral tear in the shoulder that appears
as a slight surface crack between the bony glenoid and the labrum.
"The superficial crack isn't as obvious with standard high-defini-
tion," says Dr. Morgan. "If you don't see it, you won't probe the area
and can miss the injury entirely."
3. Improved instrumentation
Arthroscopy is being used for more applications as surgeons' skills
improve and instrumentation, which is being designed for more pre-
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