| Knee Arthritis and Knee Replacement |
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| General Introduction |
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Arthritis of the knee is very common, there are more knee replacements done than any other type of joint
replacement. The knee joint consists of three bones that are covered with cartilage and slide over one another:
the end of the femur, the top of the tibia and the underside of the patella. Normally the cartilage is a smooth,
glistening, white surface, which allows bones to move in an almost frictionless fashion. In arthritis the cartilage
becomes worn and degenerates. It attains a roughened, uneven appearance and patches of cartilage flake off
revealing the bony surface underneath. Early symptoms of knee arthritis include swelling, pressure,
and pain after activities such as walking or playing sports. Eventually the disease becomes more severe
and any movement brings on pain. The cartilage wears off the ends of the bone allowing the bones to grind
together with every step. Patients are unable to get up from a chair or walk around the house without pain.
When medical management and injection therapy fail, total knee replacement is the recommended treatment to
cure arthritis of the knee.
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| Mini Incision Knee Replacement |
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| Traditionally, knee replacement surgery involved large incisions, significant peri-operative pain, extended hospitalization and recovery time. Patients did well with surgery; however, they experienced significant pain and limitation of activity for the first 3 months after surgery. With the advent of mini-incision or minimally-invasive knee replacement surgery combined with new techniques in pain management and anesthesia, knee replacement surgery has become a more pleasant experience. |
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| The advantages of mini-incision knee replacement are: |
- Smaller incision approximately 5” versus 10”, more cosmetic
- No violation of the quadriceps muscle with the quad-sparing approach
- Shorter hospital stays (2-4 days vs. 1 week)
- Shorter recovery and return to usual activities in 4-6 weeks
- Less blood loss and need for transfusions
- Lower rates of complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, infection and stiffness
- Less pain and less need for pain medications
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| Materials |
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Our joint replacement surgeons are familiar with the most advanced knee replacement implants available today. The Depuy PFC Sigma Rotating Platform, High Flexion knee system combines proven performance in a mobile bearing design allowing unprecedented knee motion. The Smith and Nephew Genesis II Oxinium and Journey knee systems have a special ceramic coating for maximum longevity.
The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee System uses a high flexion design with modification of the femoral component to more precisely match female anatomy. The gender specific sizing often provides for a better fit with less overhang of the implant.
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| Your surgeon will consider your age, sex, bone quality, and activity level in selecting the optimal implants to suit your needs. |
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| Navigation (Computer assistance) for Knee Replacement |
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| Navigation has been proven to increase surgical accuracy and precision in making bone cuts and placing components. It is expected to yield longer lasting knee replacements with less need for revision or repeat surgery. |
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