MOHAWK VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS, PC (Dr. Russell Cecil) is proud to offer the latest in customized knee replacement technology - iTotal from ConforMIS. ConforMIS customized knee replacements are designed to match the unique size and shape of each patient’s knee.
In traditional knee replacement surgery, the surgeon selects an "off-the-shelf" implant from a range of standard fixed sizes, and then has to make the necessary adjustments to fit the implant to the patient during the procedure. Because these off-the-shelf knee replacements aren’t designed to your specific anatomy, surgeons have to compromise on implant fit. This compromise may result in having implant overhang (implant hangs over the bone) or underhang (the implant is too small, leaving the bone exposed and uncovered). It could also result in an implant that isn’t aligned properly.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that these compromises on fit can cause residual pain after surgery. ConforMIS designs partial and total knee implants to fit the patient, not the other way around. Proven elements of standard knee replacement are combined with proprietary iFit Image-to-Implant® technology to create customized knee implants and surgical instrumentation that are designed to fit your knee’s natural shape and curves.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is often the last option when non-surgical treatment options fail to relieve osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. As a result, bones rub together resulting in extreme pain. The knee can be divided into three compartments:
- Patellofemoral – the compartment behind the kneecap
- Medial compartment – the compartment on the inside of the knee
- Lateral compartment – the area on the outside of the knee joint
Traditionally, total knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint with a metal implant. This surgery requires a substantial amount of bone removal that may have certain limitations. In a total knee replacement, all the compartments are replaced whereas, in partial knee replacement, only the affected compartment is replaced.
What is ConforMIS® Knee Implant?
ConforMIS® has developed personalized knee resurfacing implants with unique advantages against traditional knee replacement options. To design a personalized implant for every individual, the surgeon will perform the CT scan of the affected knee of the patient. A 3D image of a patient’s knee is created from CT scans and an implant is designed to conform exactly to individual size and shape.
Advantages
The advantages of ConforMIS® knee implant include:
- Offers superior fit to individual size and shape
- Requires fewer bone cuts and preserves most of the existing bone and thereby has a better prognosis
- Restores your knee’s normal range of motion
- Less traumatic procedure
- Results in faster recovery
- Decreased postoperative pain
Following surgery, you will be able to bear the weight and walk with assistance. You can return to your daily activities within 6 weeks.
