Gender Specific High Flex Knee:
“The First Knee Replacement Shaped to Fit a Woman’s Anatomy”
From the cells in their bodies to their taste in clothes, it is no surprise that women are different from men. Research shows women and men are different all the way down to their knees. Even so, knee replacement implants have been designed based on an average size of women’s and men’s knees.
The number of women having knee replacement has grown significantly, and leading orthpaedic surgeons began reporting that they were frequently making adjustments during surgery to make traditional implants fit female patients. It became clear that it was time for a knee specifically designed to fit a woman’s anatomy.
The result is the development of a knee that is contoured to fit the anatomical shape of women’s knees. The knee is now available for patients at the Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach.
The design of the Gender Solutions High-Flex Knee is based on pioneering research that confirmed the differences between women’s and men’s knees that surgeons were seeing in the operating room. Dr. Griffin has started implanting the new Zimmer Gender Specific/High /Flex knee.
Dr. David Griffin has also been specially trained to perform Computer Assisted Total Joint Replacement and Minimal Incision Procedures.
For more information on the Gender Specific High-Flex Knee, please visit www.zimmer.com.
Joint Replacement Present and Future Advances
Joint Replacement Surgery has been available for the treatment of the arthritic patient for more than fifty years. Tremendous advances have evolved over the years that have provided patients with more stable and longer lasting joint replacements.
Over the past few years significant developments have occurred with the materials used for components. The traditional joint replacements have used metal on polyethylene. New materials such as ceramic, metal, and improved plastics have resulted in increasing the life of the joint replacement. Surgeons are now able to implant joints that will last fifteen to twenty years. This improvement is the result of minimal surface wear in joint replacement i.e., metal on metal, ceramic on poly, and improved polyethylene.
Recent media hype has focused on minimal invasive surgery. Orthopaedic Surgeons now have the responsibility to explain the potential risks and benefits of minimal surgery to their patients. Often the size of the incision is predicated by the size of the “landscape”. This means that the small thin patient may indeed be able to have a four inch hip incision. The heavier patient may require a six to eight inch incision. The length of the incision is not always the most important factor.
A surgeon needs to inform his patients that the smallest incision will be made that will not compromise results. A fifteen year successful replacement is more important than a two and one half inch incision with a poorly implanted component. Patients must place their trust in the physician to make a responsible decision concerning the techniques involving new surgical options.
The Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach provides experience and expertise. The goal is to provide orthopaedic care that has the best interest of the patient at heart.
For a discussion of your orthopaedic problems, please call the Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach for an appointment at 772.778.2009.
C.A.S., Computer Assisted Surgery:
Dr. David Griffin has specific training in "computer assistive surgery" for the implantation of prosthesis during total knee and hip replacement. This addition to surgery will improve the precision and accuracy of alignment. The goal is to implant knee and hip prostheses that will wear less and hopefully last 20-30 years. This new technology has applications for minimally invasive hip and knee replacement including unicondylar arthroplasties of the knee. With minimally invasive surgery the normal anatomic landmarks that surgeons use during a procedure are often not visible due to the small incision. With computer navigation this assures proper alignment and positioning of the components. This should lead to better functioning hips and knees. For an example of this new technology available for surgeons click on www.brainlab.com.
Pain Control:
Patients are often concerned about how much pain they will have post operatively. Surgeons and anesthesiologists have used several different methods to control pain. For example, patient controlled pain pumps (IV narcotics) and epidural or spinal blocks are the most commonly used anesthesia method for joint replacement. The third type is E-Trans. E-Trans is a new product that delivers pain medication to the patient through the skin. A small device (smaller than a cell phone) is attached to the skin via adhesive strips. It allows the patient to press a button and deliver pain medication "when needed" transdermally. This can be utilized every ten minutes by the patient for pain relief. This device allows the patient to move around and not be connected to IV fluids and bulky machines. Dr. Griffin is the lead investigator for a team of surgeons at Indian River Memorial Hospital who are currently involved in an FDA approved study by Ortho Biotech (a Johnson and Johnson company) to evaluate how effective this method may be.
Blood Management:
Patients are concerned about the need for blood transfusions after surgery. Dr Griffin and Dr. Steinfeld identify symptoms of anemia and then test for hemoglobin levels prior to surgery. If patients have a level of less than 11 grams HgB, then they may be a candidate for Procrit (Erythropoietin) therapy. This drug has been used for many years in patients with anemia, cancer, or patients with kidney disease. Patients who receive Procrit rapidly increase their Hemoglobin level over a three week period. Statistics show that patients who enter the hospital with a higher hemoglobin level receive fewer blood transfusions. These patients are also better able to participate in Physical Therapy, have more "vigor" during the post op period, and often are able to be discharged home sooner. If patients can avoid a transfusion, then they avoid the risks associated with receiving blood. The doctors discuss the options with all patients planning major surgery where blood loss can occur.
Advances in Total Knee Replacement:
Total knee replacements have been performed since the early 1970’s. Over the years there have been significant improvements in the designs of prosthesis and materials of the components. Instrumentation improvements and the surgeon skills have significantly impacted the life span of a knee replacement. In the early 1980’s patients were told that a joint replacement would probably last 7 to 8 years. Presently, Dr. David Griffin informs patients that with a successful operation in the hands of a skilled knee replacement surgeon, knee replacement has a 96% chance of lasting 15 and probably 20 years. This is due to the multiple changes that have taken place over the last 35 years.
Dr. David Griffin, of the Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach, also uses the rotating platform total knee replacement manufactured by Johnson & Johnson/DePuy. This prosthesis has significant advantages for the active patient. When bending the knee it allows a greater range but also has a rotation of the prosthesis that accommodates the natural motion of the knee. This more naturally replicates the range of motion of the human knee and leads to less wear of the component which results in a longer lasting prosthesis. These components can be implanted with or without cement. Use of cement is determined by the bone quality which is often a factor of the patient’s age and activity.
Dr. Griffin, in the scope of his orthopaedic practice in Vero Beach since 1980, has literally implanted over 4000 joint replacements. Dr. Griffin states that statistically a total knee replacement patient has a 96% chance of a good or excellent result. Each patient is counseled that there are potential risks and complications associated with any procedure and these concerns are explained to each patient contemplating knee replacement.
However, the treatment of arthritis of the knee often does not always require knee replacement and options should be discussed with your doctor so that a patient is well informed about the treatment concerning arthritis of the knee.
To schedule an appointment, please call 772.778.2009 or toll free 866.778.2009.
Options for Treatment of Knee Arthritis. "Are You Confused?"
Surgeons have been performing total knee replacements for the treatment of arthritis of the knee for over forty years. The continued improvement of materials, instrumentation, technique, and surgical skills has made knee replacement a very reliable and safe option. The average patient can expect a good to excellent result in approximately 95% of surgical cases. There are potential risks and complications with surgical procedures that the attending surgeon should thoroughly explain to their patients.
Recent media attention has focused on “new procedures” that are done with smaller incisions. The multiple arrays of “MIS” (minimal invasive surgery) procedures have created confusion among the patients who are potential candidates for joint surgery. Most patients are seeking procedures that are less invasive, less painful, and allow quicker recovery. The Minimal Invasive Surgery goal is to have a faster recovery, less blood loss, and decreased pain. Dr. David Griffin uses techniques that avoid cutting muscles (quad sparing) which shortens the hospital stay and length of rehabilitation.
Not all patients are candidates for these procedures, but Dr. Griffin will evaluate and make recommendations that are appropriate for each individual. The age of the patient, activity level, weight, health status, and personal expectations must be considered prior to deciding on the appropriate procedure the surgeon should perform.
It is difficult for a patient to sort through the marketing blitz surrounding these new alternatives. Each procedure has its place in the treatment of arthritis of the knee. The patient needs to seek an office evaluation with a knowledgeable and experienced orthopaedic surgeon who can not only perform these procedures but also appropriately guide the patient to an informed decision regarding the best option. Dr. David Griffin also performs minimal invasive total hip replacement.
At the Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach, Dr. David Griffin, board certified orthopaedic surgeon, is available for discussion concerning this most important “life event” decision. For appointments call 772.778.2009 or toll free 866.778.2009. Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach, 1285 36th Street Suite 100, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Near Indian River Memorial Hospital.
