This is a unique type of knee implant which differs entirely from the selection offered for traditional knee replacements.
The knee joint is a hinge joint and is the largest in the body - it allows flexion, extension and rotation to take place. It is made up of 3 essential bones – the femur, tibia and patella (kneecap). These bones form 3 core sections. There is cartilage present at the end of the bones to permit sliding where the bones meet, which also acts as a shock absorber.
The nature of the knee makes it increasingly susceptible to injury and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage breaks down. It causes the end of bones to rub together and wear away, whichcauses pain and may limit your ability to partake in day-to-day tasks. If you suffer from osteoarthritis you may consider a total or partial knee replacement in order to relieve your discomfort.
There are 2 types of knee replacement surgery – partial and total knee replacement surgery.
The knee is comprised of 3 “compartments” made up of the medial compartment (inner section of the knee), lateral compartment (outer section of the knee) and the patellofemoral compartment (behind the knee cap).
A partial knee replacement is suitable for patients with osteoarthritis in one to two of the compartments and a total knee replacement is suited for patients with osteoarthritis in all compartments.
Knees come in all shapes and sizes and no one knee is the same. In a traditional knee replacement the surgeon will choose an implant from a selection of 6-10 sizes and in a lot of cases have to compromise on the fit of the implant, alignment and rotationwhichcan lead to further pain post-surgery.
ConforMIS offer a unique customisable solution for knee implants and offer the following benefits compared to traditional implants:
They have an individual fit – there is no risk of a compromised fit
They are specially designed – unique to the patient, the shape and contour of the knee is mimicked for a “natural” feel. It incorporates the motion of your knee as it bends and extends.
They ensure a patient’s joint lines – avoiding mid-flexion instability of the knee which can occur with a traditional implant
They are designed with optimal bone preservation in mind
ConforMIS iFit® image-to-implant® is a specialist technology which enables the conversion of a CT scan into a three dimensional model. The program then formulates a design for an implant suited entirely for your knee.
The process to fit your ConforMIS implant involves:
Organising a CT scan – the doctor will formulate a prescription for a CT scan of your ankle, hip and knee.
Having the CT scan – after you have your CT scan, the results will be sent to ConforMIS.
Recreation of the Knee – ConforMIS using the CT scan will develop a three dimensional model of your knee.
Implant personalisation – the implant and surgical equipment is then designed and created specifically for your knee.
Surgery preparation – your implant is sent to the associated hospital a few days before your operation.
ConforMIS have received a range of positive feedback for their products, some of which can be found below:
“The biggest difference is the lack of pain, and my knee feels more natural. Even physical therapists are just astounded that I gained as much flexion and extension compared to the standard, off-the-shelf knee replacement.” –Rita, iTotal® recipient
“Within four months I had two total knee replacements done, the ConforMIS way. It was made to fit my knee, not somebody else’s knee, not a guy’s knee, not another woman’s knee, and to me, that made more sense.” –Sue, bilateral iTotal® recipient
An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to see inside your knee using a camera inserted through small cuts in the skin.
Knee replacement is knee surgery to repair worn arthritic knee joints or knee injuries using an artificial knee joint to help reduce pain and restore movement in your knee.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to repair a torn or injured ACL, a crucial ligament in the knee. It involves using a graft of new tissue, typically a tendon, taken from another part of your knee to restore stability.
A partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is surgery that replaces only one damaged compartment in your knee with implants.
Ramsay day-case surgery includes minimally invasive joint replacement procedures that allow you to return home the same day and are performed to help relieve your joint pain and enable you to live a fuller and more active life. Expert Ramsay healthcare teams will fully support you before, during and after your day case joint surgery and throughout your rehabilitation.
After successfully completing a national program of local data audits, we are thrilled to have been recognised and named as a NJR Quality Data Provider.
Ashtead Hospital is celebrating after being named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.
The team at Ashtead Hospital recently had a visit from Rt. Hon Chris Grayling MP, the newly re-elected MP for Epsom and Ewell.