Customized And Personalized Knee Replacement Options

For several years, the shape and size of knee prosthetic s and implant components were restricted to the three sizes known to the common man – the basic small, the medium and the large. Often times, there are extra-small as well as extra-large available. A knee replacement surgery is considered to be one of the most flourishing orthopedic operations, in the recent years. Both surgeons as well as implant manufacturers have taken care to provide patients with different sizes of knee implants so that it fits into their specific frame. Knee replacement alternatives are chosen with respect to the condition of individuals and their choice of prosthetic s. However, it is surgeon who has the final word.

Custom Knee Implants
When traditional knee implants are concerned, it requires specific and severe cuts to be made to the femur and tibia, both the lower and upper leg bones, so that the implant can be fitted and affixed into the specific knee joint. But some manufacturers are there that specifically uses personalized imaging data – CT scan or MRI scan and then both of these can create implants and tools, known as jigs, for installing them.

A jig is one of the prosthetic s, shaped like an implant that aligns perfectly to a patient’s knee. With the cutting and placement guides, the jig allows the surgeon to have more precise cuts for removing very little bone. A precise cut indicates that the alignment will be correct and it will be easier to fix the knee quickly. In addition, it also improves the chances of a successful knee replacement surgery.

The Femur Size
The custom knee replacement surgery is more preferred because of the simple reason that it takes all the important factors into consideration. For instance, some patients have a narrow femur while others have normal femur. In case of a petite patient, regular-sized knee replacement implants would overhand on their bone at either side of the knee, leading to interference of the soft tissues or the mid-flex ion to cause instability. For this simple reason, there are some new plants that have been created for accommodating the female or male femur with respect to the size and shape. A lot of it depends on the gender of the patient as well.

Benefits of Custom Knee Replacement
The probable benefits of customized knee replacement is that it frees you from unnecessary knee replacement alternatives and gives you the best fit prosthetic to ensure improved alignment and posture. It is obvious that the custom option reduces trauma caused to the knee as a result of bone removal; the process involves lesser bone removal and better alignment of joint to reduce long-term wear and tear. In addition, the surgery is quicker with lesser implication of soft tissue.

However, traditional knee replacement and implant still remains one of the most viable options for many patients. Therefore, you should discuss your options with your orthopedic surgeon, who will be the best and qualified person to determine the type of implant needed for your lifestyle and specific situation.