Custom knee replacement utilizes a 3D computer model of the patient’s individual knee to precisely guide patient specific instrumentation for surgical.
introduction
Since its introduction to the United States more than fifty years ago, knee replacement surgery has evolved in ways that afford for greater precision and accuracy than ever before. Innovative surgical approaches and implant manufacturing techniques have led to implants that take the individual’s unique anatomy into account and potentially provide benefits that exceed those of traditional knee replacements.
Dr. O’Keefe utilizes Smith and Nephew Visionaire Patient Specific Technology. Based on pre-operative advanced imaging and templating, surgical instrumentation is created specific to the patient. This instrumentation is unique to each patient and used for only one patient. This added customization leads to improved surgical precision and improved alignment of components, potentially giving patients a more natural feeling knee requiring a shorter recovery.
- Knee Surgery in Minnesota
- ACL/Meniscus Injury
- Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
- Custom Knee Replacement (Visionaire)
Knee Replacement Surgery: Traditional Total Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is traditionally performed through the removal of a diseased or damaged knee and replacing it with an orthopedic implant. This implant is meant to imitate the original knee’s function and mobility to restore range of motion and alleviate pain.
To perform the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision, approximately 8-12 inches in length, and displaces the kneecap to reveal the knee joint. The surgeon will make cuts to the femur, or thighbone, and the tibia, or shinbone, in order to remove the damaged joint and set the knee implant in place. Once the replacement knee is fitted, the components are fixed in place either by cement or by bony ingrowth.
Post-operative recovery for total knee replacement surgery lasts several weeks, and may include physical therapy and occupational therapy, temporary immobilization of the joint, and tempering the knee’s weight bearing with a cane. Full recovery can take up to three months, with some patients noticing gradual improvements beyond this time frame.
Benefits of Custom Knee Replacement Surgery
Dr. O’Keefe is a user of custom knee replacement technology (Visionaire), which allows the knee surgeon to plan the operation beforehand. Utilizing this technology with appropriate patient selection, Dr. O’Keefe is able to truly treat every patient as an individual and customize surgery to exact specifications of that patient’s knee.
Using an MRI image of the patient’s knee, Dr. O’Keefe can create a 3-dimensional model of the patient’s affected knee. This model is utilized to develop a customized surgical plan and knee instrumentation that is specifically designed to complete the surgery on that particular patient’s knee. Truly one of a kind.
Compared to traditional knee implants, Visionaire Patient Specific Technology results in a custom procedure that adds a level of detail to the knee surgery.
Custom Knee Replacement in Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN
Dr. Patrick O’Keefe is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and currently serves on the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center Board. Through a variety of orthopedic courses and seminars, Dr. O’Keefe continues to learn and practice innovative approaches to joint replacement. Dr. O’Keefe is a leading joint replacement surgeon in the Twin Cities region, and specializes in procedures including, but not limited to: shoulder replacement, hip replacement, knee replacement and custom-fit knee replacements. Dr. O’Keefe utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques for joint replacement procedures.
To learn more about knee replacement options, custom knee replacement possibilities and minimally invasive surgical techniques, schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Keefe’s offices, located in Coon Rapids, Blaine, Otsego MN, to discuss your condition.
