What is personalized total knee arthroplasty?
Personalized total knee arthroplasty is a knee replacement surgery custom-made to fit each patient individually.
In personalized total knee arthroplasty, specially designed femoral and tibial guides are used, which are created according to the unique anatomy of each patient. This is done with the help of technology and a three-dimensional MRI scan of the affected limb. In contrast, in traditional arthroplasty, the surgeon plans the procedure based on X-rays.
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What is the preoperative process for personalized total knee arthroplasty?
Preoperatively, the only difference for the patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty is that a three-dimensional CT scan is required. The advantage over a simple X-ray is the creation of a detailed, 3D representation of the knee anatomy, which allows the surgeon to pre-plan the operation.
Next, in specialized labs and with special software programs, custom guides are designed and manufactured to be used during surgery for the correct preparation and placement of the implants.
The CT scan takes about 20 minutes and is performed on the hip, knee, and ankle of the limb to be operated on.
How is the surgical personalized total knee arthroplasty performed?
The surgical procedure for personalized total knee arthroplasty is similar to the typical arthroplasty, with some differences.
During a typical knee replacement surgery, multiple tools are used to position guides and remove the damaged bone and cartilage. Tools are also placed inside the femur and tibia for the placement and alignment of the implants.
In personalized total knee arthroplasty, the guides, which have been custom-made for the patient’s unique anatomy, are placed on the femur and tibia. During the surgery, besides the personalized guides, special instruments are used for the correct placement and alignment of the implants, and there is no need for tools inserted inside the bone canal. This allows for personalized placement of the total knee arthroplasty and improves surgical efficiency, contributing to a less invasive procedure with potentially less blood loss and fewer postoperative complications.
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What are the advantages of personalized total knee arthroplasty?
- Less damage to soft tissues
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster mobilization
- Quicker recovery and return to daily activities
- Reduced blood loss
- Fewer postoperative complications