Freeman News

Dr. Todd Twiss First in Missouri to Use Groundbreaking Technology for Shoulder Replacement Surgeries

November 26, 2018

Advancement in Technology Provides Orthopaedic Surgeons with Real-time Visual Guidance and Alignment data

Orthopaedic surgeon Todd Twiss, MD is now using a new technology for total shoulder replacements in the Four States area. ExactechGPS® Guided Personalized Surgery is the latest advancement in technology that provides surgeons with real-time visual guidance and alignment data in shoulder replacement surgery. Freeman Hospital is the first facility in the state to utilize ExactechGPS.

Similar to a navigation device in your car, this advanced platform provides a visual map of the patient’s joint on a screen, allowing surgeons to combine preoperative planning with intraoperative computer-assisted technology, to perform implant alignment relative to the patient’s needs.

“This innovative technology allows me to plan the operation before entering the operating room,” said Dr. Twiss. “Using ExactechGPS, I now have the confidence to precisely execute my surgical plan, with a goal of improving implant longevity and, ultimately, patient outcomes.”

The technology’s preoperative planning tool allows surgeons to plan their cases in advance of the surgery through a virtual simulation. Surgeons can then execute their plan in real time during the surgery based on a 3-D anatomical model of the patient’s shoulder, making adjustments as needed.

With the help of ExactechGPS, a surgeon can see important parts of the shoulder anatomy that are normally difficult to view during surgery. With this comprehensive visual, the surgeon can verify precisely where to remove damaged bone and place the implant.

“Freeman is proud to invest in this exciting technology, furthering our commitment to providing the latest in technology with a goal of advancing patient care,” said Paula F. Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System.

Combined with the Equinoxe® Shoulder System which has demonstrated excellent biomechanics and outcomes in its more than 10 years of use1, surgeons are able to have the best of both worlds – a proven implant foundation1 with today’s most modern surgical technologies.

For more information about ExactechGPS or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Twiss, call his office at 417.347.5400 or visit freemanhealth.com/ortho.

Additional information about the technology can be found at ExactechGPS.com.

Todd Twiss, MD – Orthopaedic Surgeon

Todd Twiss, MD is board certified in orthopaedic surgery.  He provides expert care to patients needing hip and knee replacement, as well as corrective surgery on shoulders, elbows, ankles and feet.

Dr. Twiss earned his medical degree and received residency training in orthopaedic surgery at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He completed a shoulder and elbow fellowship at St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Georgia; focusing on the treatment of shoulder, elbow and sports-related injuries. During his medical training, he presented research to fellow physicians at numerous medical conferences.

While earning a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia, Dr. Twiss received special acknowledgement for his contribution to nationally-published biochemistry research. Prior to earning his undergraduate degree, he studied chemistry and competed on the varsity swimming team at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

About ExactechGPS

ExactechGPS® is a compact, surgeon controlled, computer assisted surgical technology that delivers reproducibility in total joint replacement surgery. Merging powerful software and innovative instrumentation, ExactechGPS offers a real-time, patient-specific solution that is designed to improve patients’ quality of life.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. For 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2018 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Data on file at Exactech, Inc.