“The knee has an inside and an outside compartment,” he
explains, “and typically the weight of a person’s body should go through the middle
of the knee. If body weight shifts too far inside or outside, it wears poorly
over time. It’s like the tread on a tire: if a car is out of alignment, the
tread will not wear as well.
“The Ci System allows us to align the knee with computer
assistance.”
Everyone’s anatomy is basically the same, but there are
subtle differences in the angle of the knee, says the doctor. “When the knee is
examined in relation to the hip and the ankle, everybody’s knee is a little bit
different. What the computer enables us to do is to take a picture of the
patient’s entire lower leg so that we can line up the hip, knee, and ankle as
accurately as possible.
“For about eighty percent of knee replacement procedures,
this double-check system does not make an appreciable difference; however, for
the other twenty percent, it truly matters. We set the implant in place
seamlessly.”
Like a mini GPS
The computerized component of this technology is like a
mini global positioning system (GPS), notes Dr. Denoff.
“The computer sits at the foot of the bed and sends out
infrared beams,” he explains. “We attach small sensors or trackers to the
thighbone, and the infrared light beams plot the positions of those sensors.
The resulting picture of the patient’s anatomy has unprecedented accuracy so
that we are then able to place the implant exactly where it needs to be for the
best outcome.
“This system is also being used now for total hip
replacement surgery to align the ball and socket of the hip joint as we do for
the knee,” adds Dr. Denoff. “I presently perform those procedures as well.
“The purpose of using the computer is that it is able to
detect smaller differences in angles and measurements than the human eye. The
human eye can only see up to two or three degrees of any change in angulation,
whereas the computer can see half a degree,” explains Dr. Denoff. “Therefore,
not only can I place the replacement where the computer tells me, but I also
know that it’s actually there.
“We strive to deliver the best possible quality of care,
and we’re pleased to be on the leading edge of this superb technology.”
At the forefront
Jeanne Krautheim’s process for selecting the surgeon she
wanted to do her knee replacement surgery demonstrates that informed
consumerism can bring rewards.
“I saw two doctors about the arthritis in my left knee,”
she explains, “and both of them told me I needed a knee replacement. Right
around that time, I received an annual report from a company that makes
artificial knees.”
Jeanne and her husband own stock in the company, and the
annual report mentioned the leading-edge procedure using the Ci System.
“That interested me,” says Jeanne. “I spoke with their
representative and told him I was interested in learning more about this type
of surgery.”
High-tech solution
The company representative referred Jeanne to Florida Orthopaedic
Associates. At her first appointment, she explained to Dr. Denoff that her knee
had been bothering her for quite some time.
“I used to be a walker, but I could no longer walk any
distance,” she says. “I was having a very difficult time getting up out of a
chair and could no longer bend my left leg when going up and down stairs.”
As part of his comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Denoff
examined Jeanne’s knees and reviewed the test results from the two doctors she
had previously consulted. He agreed that total knee replacement surgery was the
option most likely to alleviate the pain in her left knee and told her more
about the newest computer-assisted procedure.
Jeanne decided to go forward and schedule the surgery.
Outstanding results
Dr. Denoff performed Jeanne’s total knee replacement
surgery at FLORIDA HOSPITAL
Fish Memorial
,
and Jeanne says, “It was one of the best experiences in a hospital I’ve ever
had. The nurses were sensational: very attentive and caring.”
The procedure worked out even better than she had
expected.
“Everyone I’ve met in our community who’s had knee
replacement surgery needed to stay in the hospital rehab for a week or longer,”
notes Jeanne. “They are all amazed that I was home only four days after I had
surgery.
“I’m able to walk without a walker now, and it’s only been
five weeks. For anyone who is going to have knee replacement surgery, this is
the way to go!” FHCN - Michael J. Sahno