Allows surgeons to provide a more customized and precise implant fit for knee replacement surgery.

As our “baby-boomers” grow older, the number of knee replacements will dramatically increase over the next 20 years. In fact, the total number of knee replacements performed annually in the U.S. will jump 525 percent by the year 2030. This trend is being driven by patients leading more active lifestyles which put them at a higher risk for joint complications and arthritis at an earlier age. In addition, as the population ages, a greater need for these surgeries among the baby boomer generation will arise. The advancements in knee replacement technology have also made an impact in the number of people opting to undergo this type of elective surgery.

One of these latest advancements in knee replacement is now being offered by Timothy Krahn, M.D. of orthomemphis p.c. This brand new pre-operative scanning technology allows surgeons to envision the results of surgery before it actually occurs. Developed by Wright Medical, PROPHECY™ Pre-Operative Navigation enables surgeons to utilize basic CT and MRI technology to plan precise implant placement and alignment before they even enter the operating room.

Before, surgeons relied on traditional instruments to shape the bone and align the implant during surgery. By utilizing PROPHECY™ Pre-Operative Navigation prior to surgery, surgeons can enter the operating room with a well-defined plan, which eliminates the need for some of the decision-making that has to be made during a typical knee surgery. This allows patients to receive a more precise and customized procedure that allows the knee implant to fit the patient’s own unique knee anatomy.

PROPHECY™ Pre-Operative Navigation guides are much less invasive than traditional instruments used during knee surgery and are designed to provide a surgical placement that is matched more closely to each individual.

“The end result is to improve accuracy to allow for greater function and long-term survival of the implant,” said Dr. Krahn. “Placing the implant in the exact place eliminates the chance for misalignment of the implant. When an implant is not properly aligned, you put the patient at a greater risk for early implant failure. This new technique ensures that the implant is positioned to match the patient’s own anatomical shape in order to provide the patient with a customized fit.”

The process for the PROPHECY™ program begins several weeks in advance of the procedure. The patient undergoes a CT or MRI scan which follows a strict protocol in order to obtain information of the full leg. Then, a virtual pre-operative alignment is performed according to the surgeon’s preferences. The surgeon will then receive a presentation of the surgical plan detailing the accuracy of the alignment, sizing, and placement. After the surgical plan is approved by the surgeon via the PROPHECY™ program website, patient-specific PROPHECY™ guides are manufactured using a rapid prototype machine. Once this process is complete, the surgeon can perform the knee replacement.

Dr. Krahn recently had great success with the PROPHECY™ program for one of his young patient’s second knee replacement. Craig struggled his entire life with painful and debilitating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. His pain was so severe that he was forced to rely on a wheelchair to get around. Throughout high school, he could not attend social gatherings or play sports; leaving him feeling trapped in his own body.

“Going into Craig’s second replacement, I felt more confident in my technique,” said Dr. Krahn. “Because of Craig’s arthritis, his knees were severely deformed which increased the difficulty of his first surgery. The biggest advantage in using PROPHECY™ navigation is in cases where traditional instrumentation cannot be properly used, such as Craig’s case. The customized guides allow me to place the implant in the exact orientation I want. As a surgeon, it gives you more confidence which, in turn, ensures that my patients are receiving the best care.”

Since having his double knee replacement, Craig’s quality of life has vastly improved. Instead of listening to his brother and friends talk about their weekend plans, he participates in an active social life. He attends concerts, football games and church and no longer needs help getting dressed. He even assumed responsibility for walking the family dog.

“Stories like this reinforce why I became a surgeon,” said Dr. Krahn. “Knowing you can help improve a person’s quality of life; nothing beats that feeling. Thanks to companies, such as Wright Medical, who have taken tremendous strides forward in providing medical advancements for orthopedic surgery, more people can benefit from joint replacement than ever before.”

PROPHECY™ Pre-Operative Navigation was developed by Arlington, Tenn. based Wright Medical Technology, Inc.. Wright Medical Group, Inc. is a global orthopaedic medical device company specializing in the design, manufacture and marketing of reconstructive joint devices and biologics. The company has been in business for more than 50 years and markets its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information about Wright Medical, visit our website at www.wmt.com/prophecy.