Medartis is one of the leading manufacturers of medical devices for cranio-maxillofacial surgery, hand and plastic surgery as well as orthopaedic trauma surgery.  Medartis is committed to providing surgeons and operating room personnel with innovative titanium implants, instruments and services that represent advances in bone fixation and thus patients’ quality of life.

While in Chicago be sure to visit Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements.  The exhibit will be on display at the Chicago Cultural Center, a short walking distance from the course hotel.

In a tribute to the heroes who have served their countries in wars throughout the world, this exhibition features art celebrating the strength and spirit of injured troops, wounded civilians, and their families, as well as the commitment of the orthopaedic surgeons who assist them on their journey to recovery.
Wounded in Action includes original works of art showing a different side of war — war-related loss of limbs and other musculoskeletal wounds — and the increasingly pivotal role orthopaedic surgeons play in the lives of war-related injury patients. Artists include military personnel who live with orthopaedic injuries, family members who helped them through their recovery process, and orthopaedic surgeons who treat wounded military and civilians.

Here is a sample of the artwork on display.  This is a very nice exhibit of work by your colleagues.  Not to be missed!

If you are looking for something to do in the evening while attending the Chicago Trauma Symposium here is a suggesion for you.

For a special treat, take a Lake Fireworks Cruise on Wednesday and Saturday evenings May 28 through September 3. Enjoy a dramatic Lake Michigan Cruise followed by a front-row seat for the Navy Pier Fireworks display. These 45-minute cruises leave from Shoreline’s dock at the west end of Navy Pier Saturdays at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays.  Click here for more information.

You may also enjoy the firework display while enjoying dinner or the sites of Navy Pier.  Fireworks are displayed every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer.

We are excited to have Eric Heiden, MD as a keynote speaker presenting FROM THERE TO HERE- FIFTY YEARS OF HINDSIGHT.

The Zimmer NCB® Periarticular Locking Plate System combines locking screw technology with periarticular plates to create fixed-angle constructs for use in comminuted fractures or where deficient bone stock or poor bone quality is encountered. The fixed angle plate/screw device can be used in osteopenic bone and other areas where traditional screw fixation may be compromised.

The plates are pre-contoured to create a fit that requires little or no additional bending and helps with metaphyseal/diaphyseal reduction. The anatomical shape of the plates matches the shape of the distal tibia, and locking holes in the plate head allow placement of screws to capture bone fragments. The low profile of the plate also facilitates fixation without impinging on soft tissue while the tapered design allows for a minimally invasive technique.

This Periarticular Locking Plate System is indicated for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures, including comminuted fractures, supracondylar fractures, intra-articular and extra-articular condylar fractures, fractures in osteopenic bone, nonunions and malunions

For more information, click here to access Zimmer surgical technique guide.

If you have some free time in the afternoon Sunday, I suggest the Architectural Boat Tour. The narrated boat trip down the Chicago River is an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes on a summer afternoon.

Visit their website to read all about the tour, how to find them and the cruise schedule.

So I am just realizing I haven’t yet commented on everyone’s favorite Chicago Trauma Symposium speaker. Denis Calthorpe, FRCSI is back again this year from the UK., our friend from overseas who livens up the crowd first thing in the morning and loves to stir up a debate. Mr. Calthorpe will be presenting a keynote on Sunday discussing Healthcare in the UK. Let’s see what he has to say about where we may be heading.

Everyone has an opinion on this matter but since I’m the one writing the blog you get to hear mine. My absolute go to favorite for steak is Gibson’s Steakhouse. Reservations are suggested but waiting or eating in the bar is an option too. If a great steak with a nice glass of wine is your kind of night, this is the place.

I’m not going to write to much about this…try it for yourself. Everything on the menu is superb.