Zimmer South Africa conducts NexGen Instructional Course from coast to coast

ZIMMER SOUTH AFRICA, keeping up their track record of commitment to continuous education, hosted a Nexgen Instructional Course in five centres around the country in the week of 3 to 7 November 2008.

Advances in materials, implants and surgical techniques as they relate to Zimmer arthroplasty procedures continue to provide surgeons with exciting new treatment options. This course was designed for surgeons interested in learning about the latest Zimmer materials for use in the management of total knee replacement.

In the five meetings, the faculty of Dr Howard Ware (FRCS) of Wellington Hospital, London, and Chase Farm and Nuffield Hospitals, and Dr Allan van Zyl (MMed (Orthop), FCS (Orth) SA) of Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic presented a series of talks based on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and related issues.

The talks included the following topics: the evolution of the Nexgen knee and future designs in TKA; the gender concept; the valgus knee and TKA; balancing of TKA; revision knee and bone loss management with the use of Trabecular Metal; and achieving safe high flexion in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

In total, approximately 250 orthopaedic surgeons and registrars were invited to these meetings. Dr Wouters, who attended the Johannesburg session, reflected the view of the vast majority of the attendees when he said, “The course was very well organized and it is a very interesting subject. Zimmer should organize events like this more often, at least twice a year. Total knee arthroplasty is a difficult technique, and balancing takes years to perfect, so it was interesting to see experts discussing it.”

Dr van Zyl, speaking after one of the meetings, concluded that courses such as this are extremely important for local doctors, as they provide exposure to international experts and outside ideas. Dr Ware concurred: “It is important for industry to get involved in organizing courses like this. Without their input, people work separately, in little silos. Events like this bring people together and spread knowledge.” Zimmer South Africa is commited in assisting South African surgeons to receive cutting-edge continuous education.

Durban meeting

Mr Steven Orange and Dr Charl Olivier - Gauteng meeting

Dr Ware, Dr van Zyl, and Dr Olivier - Gauteng meeting

CapeTown meeting

Bloemfontein meeting

Dr Howard Ware - Durban meeting