Total joint replacement surgeries have had an exciting history full of constant evolution and improvement. Surgeons performed the first total knee replacement surgery in 1968, and ever since then, the number of procedures have kept growing.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90 percent of people who undergo total knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities of daily living. Surgeons at Florida Orthopaedic Institute are now implementing the latest trends to make knee replacement quicker, easier, and with little to non-post-operative pain. Let’s have a look at the latest trends in knee replacement surgery to understand what makes this procedure so popular.

State-of-the-Art Technologies

Robotically assisted and electronic sensor guided surgery use the latest innovations in the medical field to deliver many improved results. Now there is robotically assisted surgical techniques that can help perform full knee replacement surgery. The use of these technologies improves accuracy and precision when placing the new knee components and balancing muscle and ligaments.

At Florida Orthopaedic Institute, we have embraced this advanced technology in performing total knee replacement procedures. We use the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology to pre-plan the process and execute it with improved accuracy. When using the Mako system, the surgeon is being guided within the pre-defined area according to the specifics of your anatomy and diagnosis. That way, the placement of the knee implant is entirely accurate and will feel like your natural knee. It ensures higher postoperative activity scores and much lower pain.

New Materials

While using new technologies during the procedure itself brings plenty of benefits, other areas of innovation should keep up. When it comes to knee replacements, one of the concerns about replacement implants is undoubtedly the wear. After all, your replacement should last you a long time and certainly keep you away from coming back because of knee problems in the future.

It is where VERILAST® Knee Technology from Smith & Nephew shines. The implant is constructed of unique materials that help it last a long time. In the implant itself, the femoral (thighbone) part is made from OXINIUM Oxidized Zirconium, which is a unique, hard ceramicised metal with a surface twice as resistant to damage than the regular cobalt chrome implant. Another excellent material in this implant is XLPE or highly cross-linked plastic which reduces the amount of wear between it and the metal component. The combined materials ensure maximum durability of the knee implant.

Takeaways

If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the cartilage between your thigh bone and the shin bone might be worn out. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is notorious for being one of the leading causes of total knee replacement surgery. However, with state-of-the-art technologies and materials now available, this procedure becomes much more effective and useful.

For those who are experiencing pain caused by arthritis of the knee, total knee replacement might be a viable solution. Schedule an appointment at Florida Orthopaedic Institute and start working towards restoring normal function to your knee.