Groundbreaking technology allows physicians to customize implant size and fit.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- Baby boomers who have it all, including custom clothes and sports equipment, are now beating the physical signs of old age with custom body parts, including knees. Patients with degenerative knee conditions can now benefit from custom-fit knee replacements that are tailored to an individual's unique body mechanics, size and gender variations.
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop, orthopedic surgeon at the Neurologic and Orthopedic Institute of Chicago, is one of the first in the country to offer custom-fit total knee replacement. With this new technology, Sheinkop can precisely match the size and placement of the implant to the patient's unique and normal (non-arthritic) knee anatomy. Developed by California-based OtisMed Corporation, this new custom-fit approach enables surgeons to preserve more bone and ligaments, allowing for better implant fit and alignment. Learn more about Dr. Sheinkop here: www.neuro-ortho.org/find-doctor/sheinkop-bio.htm
As compared to regular knee replacements, patients with "custom knees" will experience a quicker and less painful recovery, increased range of motion, and a greater ease in outdoor activities such as golfing, biking and gardening.
"We'd like to see boomers remain active well into old age," says Sheinkop. "A knee replacement doesn't have to mean a lifestyle with limits. I've seen patients continue very active lives with this new technology."
View videos of Dr. Sheinkop speaking about hip education, hip resurfacing, knee education and treatment at www.neuro-ortho.org/orthopedic/joint-replacement.htm.
The custom-fit total knee replacement is achieved in four easy steps. Prior to surgery, an MRI is performed to take very precise measurements of the patient's arthritic knee. Then, proprietary computer software creates a 3-D image of that knee, and virtually corrects the deformity to return the knee to its pre-arthritic state. Third, a computerized 3-D image of the implant to be used in the patient's surgery is then Shape-Matched to the anatomically correct virtual knee model. This helps determine the correct implant size and placement, based on the patient's normal knee anatomy. Last, using all of this information, special cutting guides are created for the surgeon to use during the procedure. These patient-specific cutting guides, which are accurate to within a few millimeters, indicate to the surgeon exactly where to make bone cuts so that the knee replacement is customized for the individual patient.
On Wed., Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., The Neurologic and Orthopedic Institute of Chicago will perform its first custom-fit knee replacement. The lucky recipient will be 59-year old Frank Dorgan of Chicago, who suffers from osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis and restless leg syndrome.
The Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago is the country's first freestanding acute care hospital dedicated exclusively to neuroscience and orthopedic services. It utilizes breakthrough technology and minimally invasive techniques as well as advanced procedures for neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management, neuro-oncology, sports medicine and rehabilitation.
For more information on custom-fit knee replacement at the Institute, call: 773-250-1000 or visit www.neuro-ortho.org.
# # #