ConforMIS Custom Partial Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is a well-recognized procedure that is utilized in treating individuals who have had some form of damage to the knee joint. Most cases of knee replacement involve a total knee placement, i.e., the removal of the entire knee joint and replacement with a prosthetic device. However, some cases only require partial replacement of a small aspect of the knee joint.
The knee joint can be divided to 3 different compartments. A medial compartment is that part of the knee joint that includes the inner aspect of the joint; the lateral compartment includes the outer aspect of the knee joint; and the patella-femoral compartment is the area on the front of the knee joint. Partial knee replacement involves surgery on any one part of these compartments. The damaged area is the one that is treated while the rest of the non-damaged areas are maintained the way they are.
When replacing the damaged areas, there are different devices and implants that are used for partial knee replacement. Here are some of the commonly used ones.
iUni® G2 Bicompartmental Knee Resurfacing Device
This device is utilized in individuals who have some form of damage that has involved the medial or the lateral compartment of the knee joint. Each of these devices is custom-made to the individual patient and is designed in a way that the device fits snugly against the various contours of the knee joint. The advantage of using this device is that a minimal amount of tissue needs to be excised. In addition, a large part of the knee joint can be preserved, which means that the patient recovers a lot quicker and is able to get back on their feet much sooner. The procedure is relatively less traumatic and patients do not experience as much pain and discomfort following the surgery.
iDuo® G2 Bicompartmental Knee Resurfacing Device
This is yet another device that not only helps repair and replace the medial or lateral compartment but also the patella-femoral compartment as well. It is particularly useful in the earlier stages of arthritis of the knee joint where damage is limited to only a part of the knee joint. Once again, this device is also individualized to the patient so that the function of the knee joint and the natural anatomy is preserved as far as possible. The iDuo® G2 Bicompartmental Knee Resurfacing Device is particularly useful for younger patients who are active. It also bears the advantage of causing minimal pain and quicker recovery following surgery.
iTotal® G2 Device
The purpose of this device is to replace the femoral or the tibial ends of the knee joint and provide greater range of movement and relief of symptoms in patients who undergo partial knee replacement. Once again, this device is custom-made to the individual patient following detailed assessment of the various movements of the knee joint in the patient. The advantage of this device is that it maintains a large part of the natural bone mass and allows flexible joint movement as well.
In conclusion, partial knee replacement with ConforMIS Custom Partial Knee Replacement devices can offer a great deal of relief with symptomatic improvement of patients.