Medical Advancements and Technology in Total Knee Replacement Surgery
It’s more than just a hinge joint. The knee is an intricate collection of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Within the knee, there are several functioning parts that contribute to its magnificence as the stable and sturdy supporter of our body weight that allows us to jump, run, and perform other physical movements. There are times, however, when certain parts of this complex joint become compromised, injured, or affected and require treatment. Sun City Orthopaedics understands that living with pain is not a long-term solution. The advances in procedures such as total knee replacement have come a long way and offer patients a pain-free and active life.
The procedure of total knee replacement is also known as ‘total knee arthroplasty.’ In 2014, research showed that knee replacement surgeries had tripled between 1993 and 2009. This increase in procedures might have some connection to the ever-improving methods, technologies and success rates.
The Beginnings of the Procedure
The first attempt at a knee replacement surgery happened in 1968. Not long after, the modern knee replacement emerged into medical practice in the 1970’s. The procedure and the implant—called the total condylar knee—were meant to recreate how the real knee works. For the first time, this allowed patients suffering from chronic knee pain a chance to get their lifestyle back.
Since the first procedures in the mid 70’s, the medical field has made giant strides in improving the implants longevity and adaptability to the body. In the 1980’s, better instrumentation and modular components of different sizes provided increased mobility and alignment in the placement of the prosthesis. Knowledge in the preoperative planning, instrumentation, and accurate bone cuts have significantly improved outcomes for patients undergoing this procedure.
New Emerging Technologies
Recent advancements in knee surgery have been enhanced by computer-aided navigation systems—the latest innovations in attempts to improve the placements of the prosthesis. This process uses computer scanning and 3-D models of the knee, which allows the surgeon to pre-plan and determine the precise location where the prosthesis will be placed. The process even allows for practice runs on the computer before actually performing surgery on a patient. All of this is to say that the process has become much more refined and advanced.
The results of years of technological and medical development culminate in a procedure that helps people regain their range of motion. More importantly, it eliminates the pain that many people go through when they suffer from osteoarthritis and allows for a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Choose the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in El Paso
The rate and success of your recovery are in large part dependent upon the skill of your surgeon and the quality of your recovery process. Sun City Orthopaedics stays on top of the new advancements and latest developments so that we can better serve you! If your pain in your knee is keeping you from an active and healthy lifestyle, give us a call today.