Custom Fit Knee Replacement

Custom fit knee replacement utilizes the most advanced techniques in joint replacement therapy, providing patients with a natural fitting and feeling corrective solution. This approach allows your orthopedic surgeon to provide highly precise operative care, often resulting in both a shorter recovery time and faster return to day-to-day activities. In execution of your custom fit knee replacement, Dr. Rieber will likely begin the specialized treatment process several weeks prior to the actual day of surgery.

The Custom Fit Knee Approach

The first step in custom fit knee replacement is the completion of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam, which allows for the precise measuring of your knee and its components. From the MRI image, a three-dimensional model of your natural knee will be created, allowing for as a close to an exact replication as possible. Computer software is then used to ‘correct’ the virtual joint, removing any deformity or damage that may be either creating pain, or limiting physical performance.

The newly updated virtual joint image is in turn used to determine the appropriate size and placement of the implant to be used in your upcoming knee replacement surgery. In combination, the image, sizing specifications, and placement guidelines are applied for the creation of a set of customized cutting guides to be used during your operation.

Surgery and Implant Process

At the start of the implant procedure, your orthopadic surgeon will pin the cutting guides in place within the treatment area. In accordance with the computer-calculated guide slots, precise cuts will be made to the bone, laying the groundwork for successful prosthesis placement. In most cases, the cuts have been pre-calculated within factions of a millimeter, allowing for the most exact schematics possible.

Upon completion of the cutting phase, a trial implant will be used for the testing and selection of appropriately sized tibial inserts. Once proper fit and balance are confirmed, the official knee implant will be positioned and adhered using bone cement.

One-of-a-Kind Fit

This MRI and computer-based approach to cutting guide creation allows for each knee to be appropriately aligned, providing unique support to the specific recipient. This precision allows for the most natural feel and performance possible, increasing patient comfort and overall procedure satisfaction. In addition, recipients of custom fit knee replacements also report faster recovery times, as the level of pre-op detail allows for less invasive operations and more predictable results.

Post-Op Recovery

While custom fit knee replacements provide for a faster than average recovery time, patients should still take precaution, especially during the days immediately following surgery. Your surgeon will likely prescribe a combination of antibiotic and physical therapies, both preventing short-term infection and enabling long-term recovery. Should any following issues arise, you should contact your physician immediately:

• Fever and/or chills
• Atypical redness or warmth in the treatment area
• Increased pain in the knee and/or calf muscle
• Significant swelling

Trained in custom fit knee replacement, Dr. Rieber provides specialized care for each of his patients. To learn more about the procedure or schedule an appointment, contact our Springfield NJ office at 973-467-3000.