Neuroaxial anesthesia is associated with superior perioperative outcomes and fewer deaths as compared to general anesthesia in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement procedures, according to a study published in the May issue of Anesthesiology.

Perth Amboy, N.J.-based Raritan Bay Medical Center announced that it has joined the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Project JOINTS initiative, a program that is designed to speed adoption of surgical site infection prevention methods.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Cape Fear Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Wilmington, N.C., has been named a Blue Distinction Center+ in Knee and Hip Replacements by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, according to an Island Gazette report.

Zimmer Holdings acquired the business assets of West Chester, Pa.-based Knee Creations, the developer of a proprietary joint preservation treatment Subchondroplasty.

The FDA approved the start of a clinical trial for Ampio Pharmaceuticals' biologic Ampion to treat knee osteoarthritis, according to Pharma Biz.

PinnacleHealth System in Harrisburg, Pa., announced that it has been named a Blue Distinction Center for quality care in spine surgery and knee and hip replacement.

Princeton, N.J.-based Regentis Biomaterials received European CE Mark approval for the GelrinC biodegradable orthopedic implant.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi has recognized four hospitals in the state as Blue Distinction Centers of Excellence for knee and hip replacement and spine surgery, according to a Hattiesburg American report.

Freddie Fu, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and the chairman of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The Joint Commission awarded Somerset (N.J.) Medical Center's Joint Surgery Institute with the Gold Seal of Approval for total knee and hip replacement surgery, according to NJ.com.