Designer Knee Replacement

Mr Janardhan Rao on Sat, 01 Feb 2014

Knee replacements are good, but can they be better? Is it possible to get a knee replacement which will last longer and work better? These are the questions we posed to Mr Janardhan Rao a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in Chester.

Mr Rao said, “The better the knee replacement is put in, the better it is going to work. There are many new technologies being developed all the time. One advance, is a way to make the implant fit better. This is done by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to give a brilliant 3D view of the each persons knee. The computer is able to make a 3D model of the bones of the knee. The shape models of the Femur or thigh bone and Tibia or shin bone can be made using a 3D printer. This model is then used to make the alignment jigs for the knee replacement.”

“For the first time patient specific methods are being used to place the knee replacement in the perfect position for each individual. Previously patients would come to see me because they understood that my years of experience as a consultant surgeon, gives me the ability to place the implant accurately. Now I have the tools to help me give patients even more accuracy.”

Mr Rao went on to say, “Even though there is no guarantee that by placing the knee replacement in better, that it will make the implant work longer, but there is a possibility that it could improve the whole situation. It is to be hoped that this new technology will allow people to get a knee replacement which is no longer a one size fits all approach but is designed around them. We are moving into the age of Designer Knee Replacements.”