| One of the latest advancements in Orthopaedics is | | | | the ligaments and tendons surrounding the knee, such |
| the development of "Customizable" Knee | | | | as the posterior cruciate ligament. Less disruption of |
| Replacements. What makes this knee replacement | | | | these tissues will allow for quicker recovery time, less |
| different from the more traditional approaches? The | | | | scar tissue and less post-operative soreness. |
| knee to be replaced will be scanned by MRI or CT to | | | | · These surgeries require fewer surgical instruments |
| chart the exact dimensions of the knee. Using a | | | | than traditional replacements. That translates into |
| special software program, the mapped dimensions of | | | | fewer patient infections caused by using surgical |
| the knee, in its current arthritic state, are translated | | | | instruments which may have been exposed to |
| into a 3-D model of the knee. The "custom" part of | | | | bacteria in the operating room. |
| the knee replacement is the creation of custom | | | | What are the drawbacks? |
| cutting guides used for the patient's surgery. These | | | | Some surgeons believe that using a customizable |
| guides replicate the original anatomy of the knee by | | | | knee is less reliable and will provide less stability for |
| correcting deformities caused by arthritis or trauma | | | | patients in the long run. Other surgeons believe that |
| and allow the surgeon to more precisely prepare the | | | | customizable knee replacements will have to be |
| patient's bone for implantation. The surgeon can also | | | | revised (replaced again) more quickly than other |
| more closely determine which size implant is | | | | traditional knee replacements. Again, more long-term |
| appropriate for the patient. The guides also aid in the | | | | data is required to provide a definitive answer. |
| placement of the implant so that the knee more | | | | How Do I Decide What Implant is Right For Me? |
| closely approximates the patient's natural leg | | | | Based on the available data and studies, several |
| alignment. | | | | surgeons at Orthopaedic and Spine Center have |
| What are the benefits of Customizable Knee | | | | chosen to provide the Customizable Knee |
| Implants? | | | | Replacement as a service to our patients, because |
| Because this is a relatively new technology, there are | | | | they feel it is a good option for successful joint |
| no long-term studies showing comparing the recovery | | | | replacement. Our surgeons also offer the traditional |
| times or outcomes for patients who receive a | | | | approach to knee replacement for our patients. The |
| Customizable Knee Implant with traditional knee | | | | bottom line: Do your research and discuss all options |
| replacements. However, there are several expected | | | | with your physician. He or she will best be able to |
| benefits from use of this technology: | | | | help you decide which knee replacement option will |
| · Patient satisfaction is expected to be greater as | | | | work for you, based on: |
| the implant will more closely replicate their own | | | | · Your age |
| anatomy. As a result, the patient will become | | | | · Your overall health |
| accustomed to their implant more quickly, possibly | | | | · Your weight |
| rehabilitate from surgery more quickly and have a | | | | · Any existing medical conditions |
| quicker return to their daily activities. | | | | If you have any questions, regarding this or any |
| · Because of the technology used to create the | | | | other procedure, our physicians and staff will be |
| custom knee implants, the surgeon is more easily able | | | | happy to provide the answers you need to make |
| to perform the knee replacement without disturbing | | | | the best decision for you. |