Custom Knee Replacement
Dr Jonathan Cabot is an orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide and uses the iTotal custom knee implant system from Conformis. This unique knee replacement system is designed to match the individual size and shape of each patient’s knee.
The Conformis iTotal knee replacement system is currently the only truly personalised knee prosthetic on the market. Fully customised to the patient, it is uniquely suited to your individual anatomy and may produce more favourable long-term results.
Why choose a custom knee implant?
Off-the-shelf implants come in pre-set sizes. The surgeon selects the closest possible fit at the time of surgery, which is often not exact. Compromises on fit, rotation, and alignment are made, sometimes leading to lasting pain and discomfort.
The iTotal custom knee implant system changes this by creating an implant modelled specifically after your own knee bones, corrected for deformity. The contour is shaped for a more natural feel, while the thinner implant allows for less bone and healthy tissue removal
Preserving the Joint Line for Better Movement
Each knee has two joint lines: one on the media side, and the other on the lateral side. These joint lines can be at different heights.
While traditional knee prosthetics use a single-piece insert, the iTotal custom knee replacement uses two individual polyethylene inserts. This allows both joint lines to have different heights as required, preserving the natural shape and avoiding instability.
How a Custom Knee Implant is Made
- A CT scan through hip, knee, and ankle is performed to digitally recreate the leg’s mechanical axis. If the leg is misaligned, the implant can be designed to correct it.
- The software converts the CT scan into a 3D model of the knee joint. The knee’s natural curves are digitally recreated, correcting for deformity.
- The iFit software generates new femoral and tibial implants specific to the knee, paying special attention to the J-curves, condylar offset, and intercondylar notch. This gives the knee a tailored shape best suited to you.
- Patient-specific tools are also generated using iJig software, allowing better placement during the surgery. These are 3D printed using specialised machinery.
- The implant and tools pre-sterilised and boxed, then shipped to the operating hospital ready for your surgery.
See how a custom implant is made in the video below.
Benefits of an iTotal Custom Knee Implant
- Sterile, single-use equipment reduces risks of infection.
- No compromise on sizing, reducing associated pain.
- Preserved joint lines provide a more natural feel.
- Improved knee stability due to maintaining natural joint lines.
- Thinner implant, allowing for less bone and healthy tissue removal.
- Improved pain relief and range of motion after healing.
How Successful is Custom Knee Replacement?
Having been practiced for over 10 years, the technique and procedure surrounding custom knee replacement has been widely practiced with overwhelmingly positive results.
Following custom knee replacement, patients report comfortable return to physical activities such as dancing, swimming, climbing trees, and kickboxing, even after bilateral knee replacement (having both knees replaced). Several patient testimonials are available to read on Conformis’ website.
Many orthopaedic surgeons around the world report fast recovery rates and greater patient satisfaction in custom knee replacement patients.
Getting a Custom Knee Replacement
While costlier than a traditional knee replacement, custom knee replacements can offer many advantages and may greatly improve your quality of life significantly.
Book a consultation with Dr Jonathan Cabot to discuss your suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Conformis iTotal Knee Implant System is a type of knee replacement that is custom-designed for each patient. Unlike traditional knee implants that come in a limited range of sizes, the Conformis iTotal system uses advanced imaging technology to create a personalised implant that matches the exact shape and size of the patient’s knee. This custom approach aims to improve fit, function, and comfort while reducing the potential for post-surgery complications.
Why choose a custom knee replacement over a traditional knee replacement? A custom knee replacement differs from a traditional knee replacement in the following ways:
- Customisation: Custom knee replacements, like the Conformis knee replacement, are designed specifically for each patient’s unique anatomy. Traditional knee replacements, on the other hand, are selected from a range of pre-manufactured sizes that may not perfectly match the patient’s knee.
- Fit: Because custom implants are tailored to the patient’s knee, they typically offer a better fit, which can lead to more natural movement and greater comfort post-surgery.
- Surgical Precision: Custom implants are made using detailed imaging of the patient’s knee, allowing for more precise surgical planning and potentially shorter surgery times.
Custom knee implant benefits include:
- Better Fit: Custom implants are designed to fit the patient’s knee precisely, which can lead to improved joint function and a more natural feel.
- Improved Alignment: The personalised design can enhance alignment, reducing wear on the implant and extending its lifespan.
- Reduced Pain: The precise fit may decrease post-surgery pain and inflammation.
- Faster Recovery: Custom implants can reduce the need for bone cutting and soft tissue manipulation, potentially leading to a quicker recovery.
A custom knee implant is made using advanced imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans to create a 3D model of the patient’s knee. This model is then used to design a personalised implant that matches the exact contours and dimensions of the patient’s knee joint. The implant is manufactured specifically for the patient, along with custom surgical instruments that assist the surgeon in placing the implant with precision.
The Conformis iTotal knee replacement is unique because it is entirely customised for each patient. Unlike traditional implants, which are selected from standard sizes, the Conformis iTotal system is designed using a patient’s individual knee anatomy. This results in a more accurate fit, potentially better alignment, and improved function. Additionally, the system includes patient-specific surgical instruments, which help enhance the precision of the surgery.
Custom knee replacement surgery, including the Conformis iTotal system, has shown high success rates, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. The personalised nature of the implant often leads to better outcomes, including a more natural feeling joint and quicker recovery times. However, the success of the surgery also depends on factors such as the surgeon’s skill, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to post-surgery rehabilitation.
To learn whether you’re suitable for a custom knee replacement in Adelaide, book a consultation with Dr Jonathan Cabot, orthopaedic surgeon and knee specialist with Orthopaedics SA.