Crain's Cleveland Business named, Bernard Stulberg, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with the Spine & Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, as a Crain's Health Care Hero finalist. The program recognizes some of the most exceptional health care providers in the region.

He was honored at the recent Crain's Health Care Summit event, where Sisters of Charity Health System President & CEO Thomas Strauss also participated in a panel discussion with each of the CEOs from Northeast Ohio’s health care systems about the top issues facing the health care sector.

Following is the text of a Crain's article about his award, which is also available here.

FINALIST: PHYSICIAN/DENTIST - DR. BERNARD STULBERG

A leader in the innovation of total hip and knee replacement and revision surgeries, Dr. Bernard Stulberg has spent his career focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing pain, shortening recovery time, improving mobility and returning patients to active, healthy lives, according to the nomination.

Now head of the Center for Robotic Joint Surgery in the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, he’s been exploring ways to utilize computer-based technologies to improve orthopedic surgery since the 1980s.

Recognizing that most current hip- and knee-replacement failures are due to technical challenges encountered during the procedure, Stulberg partners with leading implant manufacturers and technology companies to ensure precise placement of implants. He also assists with training surgeons across the country on new technologies.

Though robotic technology to assist with orthopedic surgery has existed for some time, the TSolution One (developed by THINK Surgical Inc. in consultation with Dr. Stulberg) is unique in that it prepares the joint cavity for surgery, according to the nomination.

“In contrast to other ‘heptic’ robotic systems that simply guide the surgeon who does the cutting, this active robotic system actually completes the precise cutting, ensuring the implant is properly positioned,” the nomination said. “The system also allows Dr. Stulberg to create an exact 3D computer model of a patient’s hip and knee anatomy prior to surgery, allowing him to develop a customized surgical plan and select the ideal implant size, fit and position for each individual patient.”

According to the nomination, his leadership leads to better results for patients, including shorter recovery time; a faster return to an active, quality life; and meeting patients’ expectations.

“Ultimately, his goal is to not only improve results for his own patients, but patients across the country, allowing them to regain mobility and live an active life,” stated the nomination. “His commitment to research and innovation mark a lasting, positive impact for the millions of Americans who have joint-replacement surgery or revision each year.”