
ConforMIS Knee Replacement
At Mohawk Valley Orthopedics, Dr. Russell Cecil is excited to bring patients the most advanced option in knee replacement: the iTotal system from ConforMIS.
This innovative approach uses custom-designed implants tailored to the unique anatomy of each individual’s knee.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement
When conservative treatments no longer provide relief from knee osteoarthritis, a total knee replacement may be recommended. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the joint wears away, causing pain and limited movement as the bones begin to rub together. The knee joint consists of three main sections:
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- Patellofemoral compartment: located behind the kneecap
- Medial compartment: found on the inner side of the knee
- Lateral compartment: positioned on the outer side of the knee
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In a traditional total knee replacement, all damaged surfaces are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components. While this can relieve pain, it typically involves removing a significant amount of bone, and the fit is not always perfect. In contrast, partial knee replacement targets only the damaged section of the joint.
How Customized Knee Replacement Differs
Traditional knee replacements rely on standardized implants that come in a range of fixed sizes. During surgery, the surgeon must make adjustments to fit these “off-the-shelf” components to the patient’s joint. Because these implants are not made specifically for your knee, the fit is often less than ideal, which can result in the implant overhanging the bone, failing to fully cover it, or being misaligned. Research has shown that a poor fit can lead to lingering discomfort after surgery.
ConforMIS addresses this by creating implants that are individually crafted for each patient. Using their exclusive iFit Image-to-Implant® technology, a 3D model of your knee is generated from a CT scan, allowing for a truly personalized fit and custom surgical tools.
What Makes ConforMIS® Knee Implants Unique?
ConforMIS® has revolutionized knee replacement by offering implants that are specifically designed to match each patient’s anatomy. The process begins with a CT scan of your knee, which is used to create a precise 3D image. From this, a customized implant and surgical guides are developed, ensuring the new joint mirrors your natural knee as closely as possible.
Benefits of ConforMIS® Knee Implants
- Superior fit: Designed to match your knee’s unique contours and size
- Bone preservation: Requires less bone removal, helping to maintain natural structure
- Restored motion: Aims to return your knee’s normal movement and function
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is often less traumatic than traditional methods
- Faster recovery: Many patients experience a quicker return to normal activities
- Reduced pain: Better fit and less invasive technique may lead to less postoperative discomfort
After surgery, most patients can begin walking with assistance right away and are able to get back to their everyday routines within six weeks.If you are considering knee replacement, our team is here to help you explore whether a custom ConforMIS solution is the right choice for you.