Read stories from Duke Raleigh Hospital's Orthopaedioc Center patients.
Carolyn Garriss
After having one knee replacement in 2008, Carolyn Garriss, a patient of Dr. Paul Burroughs at the Bone and Joint Clinic never knew that the Signature system would change her life in such a positive way when a second replacement was needed in July 2009.
The Signature system is a process used in knee replacement surgery that combines computer navigation with custom manufactured surgical equipment. An essential goal in knee replacement surgery is to realign the mechanical axis of the leg (a straight line from the femoral head, through the center of the knee to the ankle) and to correctly restore the rotational axis of the knee.
“Think of a knee replacement like getting new tires,” said Dr. Burroughs. “When they are out of alignment they wear out faster and your car doesn't perform as well. The Signature system uses computer navigation to get the perfect balance and alignment, which makes the knee replacement perform better.”
The system starts with an MRI of a patient's entire leg, and through a sophisticated computer program, a three dimensional replica of a patient's knee is generated in the computer, and exact measurements can be made from this model. This ensures that the perfect mechanical alignment and rotational balance can be achieved. When these factors have been calculated, a custom implant is constructed for the patient that fits directly on to the femur and tibia.
“With this system, each patient has the perfect fit for a knee,” said Dr. Burroughs.
“I have been a patient at the Bone & Joint clinic for 27 years, but for the first time, I know that once I fully recover I will have my life back,” said Garriss. “I am looking forward to being more mobile and vacationing with my husband of 45 years. My experience with Dr. Burroughs’ office was great, and the overall time and care I received was super.”
Angela Mullins
When high school freshman Angela Mullins planned to try-out for her school's cheerleading squad, she never thought she'd be sidelined by a routine appointment for scoliosis.
In August 2005, a week before her first week of high school, Angela Mullins went to see Dr. Lloyd Hey of The Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery for a check-up for her scoliosis. The x-rays from the examination showed that Angela's condition had gotten worse, and without surgery her back problems would not improve.
Angela Mullins"When I found out I had to have surgery, immediately I was frightened, but Dr. Hey was comforting and encouraging," says Angela. "After talking to him I felt relieved that it wasn't anything to stress over, and knew I could get through it!"
Immediately Angela was scheduled for a three-and-a-half hour surgery at Duke Raleigh Hospital to correct her S-shaped spine. Rods were placed in Angela's back to straighten her spine. She recovered quickly from the procedure and only missed four days of school.
"I had my surgery on Tuesday, and on Friday I was having lunch with my friends," says Angela. "After two months, I was able to do back flips and all of my regular activities."
Since the surgery, Angela has had no back problems and has been cheerleading for the past three years. She also participated in track and field for a year.
As Angela starts her senior year of high school, she is excited about cheerleading and applying to college to study interior design.
"My experience at Duke Raleigh Hospital and with Dr. Hey was incredible," says Angela. "Everyone was helpful, and they were there when I needed them."
