What is Patient Specific Knee Replacement
Patient Specific Knee Replacement is a newer technology in total knee replacement surgery. It is an advanced procedure utilizing a custom knee implant for the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The implants are designed specifically to match the natural shape of the patient’s knee joint, based upon a pre-operative CT scan.
Procedure
Prior to surgery, x-rays and a CT scan are needed to understand the specific anatomy of the affected joint. These images are then sent off to manufacture custom implants to be inserted during knee replacement. The company also sends cutting jigs, to guide the bone removal process during surgery. This customized cut theoretically provides better implantation, more reliable alignment, and removal of less of bone.
Benefits
There are several proposed advantages to patient specific knee replacement, which include:
- No compromise on the size of the implant, as it is custom to each patient
- Better fit of the implant as the implant conforms to the patient’s unique joint shape
- Preserves more natural bone