While they may all look similar, the truth is that that no two knees are exactly alike. In fact, a recent clinical study of 180 normal knees showed that 98 percent were either bowlegged or knock-kneed by up to a few degrees. These differences, as well as things like age, weight, ethnicity, gender and lifestyle, can play a big role in the success of a total knee replacement. Even slight variations in the way the knee implant fits can lead to tightness, instability and potentially shorter implant life.

A number of joint replacement technologies have been developed recently to address the differences in knee anatomy from one person to another. One technology that has shown promise and is being utilized at Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett is called Custom Fit Knee® Replacement, or OtisKnee®.

“Custom Fit Knee Replacement allows the surgeon to match the size and placement of the knee implant to the patient’s unique, pre-arthritic knee anatomy”, said Lawrence Schrader, M.D.  “Based on initial clinical studies, OtisKnee® physicians and patients have reported quicker and less painful recovery, increased range of motion and a more ‘natural’ feeling knee.”

At Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, the new custom procedure is achieved in a few steps before and during surgery. Prior to surgery, an MRI is performed to take very precise measurements of the patient’s arthritic knee. Second, proprietary computer software creates a 3-D image of that knee and then 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 own normal (non-arthritic) 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 indicate to the surgeon where to make bone cuts, so that the knee replacement is customized for the individual patient.

According to Dr. Schrader, “Using the OtisKnee® cutting guides can help preserve more bone and ligaments, allowing for better implant fit and alignment. The surgery itself may be shorter and simpler than traditional knee replacement, requiring the patient to spend less time under anesthesia. In addition, the custom fit technique may result in less patient blood loss.”

OtisKnee® patient data is currently being analyzed to quantify the benefits of this new procedure over the traditional knee replacement approach. However, early results are very encouraging and may fuel the trend toward customization in joint  replacement. As with any medical treatment, please be sure to consult your physician about the approach that might be best for you. For more information or to find a physician near you performing the Otis Knee® procedure, please call 1-866-574-KNEE. Custom Fit Knee® and OtisKnee® are registered trademarks of OtisMed Corp.

Saint Francis Hospital accepts over 85 managed health plans, including: Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CIGNA, Coventry, Humana and United Healthcare. 2986 Kate Bond Rd; Bartlett, TN 38133 ; 901-820-7000