Visionaire Patient Match Improves Outcomes
Knee surgery is one of the most popular procedures in the United States, helping patients of all ages recover their mobility and strength. Traditional knee surgery requires the surgeon to trim and adjust to fit the contours of the knee during the operation. The Visionaire Patient Match involves surgical pre-planning to minimize pain and time on the operating table.
Who Is a Candidate for Custom Knee Replacement?
- Patients with end-stage arthritis
- Those who have not responded to other treatment methods
- People whose activities have been restricted by knee pain
- Patients who are unable to perform everyday tasks
- Those who complain of persistent pain, during activity or at night
Traditional knee implants, while beneficial for the vast majority of patients, were not expected to last forever. Eventually, the implant would loosen or fracture, leading to the need for additional surgery. Because they are constantly bending, pivoting, bearing weight and absorbing shock, knee joints are subject to stress and dislocation.
Smith & Nephew, which created the Visionaire Patient Match, is a 150-year-old medical instrumentation company operating around the world. The system was designed to address a major concern of traditional implants, which is alignment with existing bone and tissue in the knee joint.
Knee surgery has helped millions of people, and has a 90-95% success rate (patient evaluation 10 years after their surgery), according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The custom-fit Visionaire implant is designed to improve on this impressive track record by minimizing problems that stem from an imperfect fit.
Custom Fit, Lower Risk
In the past, knee replacement was often recommended for older patients who’d exhausted their options and were facing chronic immobility. Over the past few decades as the technology evolved, younger people began to opt for surgery rather than having their activities curtailed for years or even decades. Our medical team at All-Pro Ortho will evaluate your situation and help you decide if custom knee replacement surgery is a good choice for you.
Talk with our orthopedic surgeon about custom-fit knee replacement. At the very least, this type of surgery can return some patients to an active lifestyle. With the custom-fit implant, recovery is generally smoother and the knee is expected to last longer than it would with no treatment or with more traditional implants. Whether you are 80 years old or 40, it’s an option you deserve to explore.
Common Questions about Custom-Fit Knee Replacement
What is Visionaire knee replacement surgery?
It’s a more advanced approach to knee replacement, wherein the tools used during surgery are tailored according to each patient’s specific knee anatomy.
It involves 3D imaging of the patient’s knee, through X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. The surgical plan is then determined and customized based on the specific knee position and alignment of the patient.
This cutting edge approach results generally in better function post-surgery, as well as longevity of the knee replacement. To assess whether this type of knee surgery is best for you, consult with our orthopedic surgeons at All-Pro.
What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?
The first few weeks following your surgery is crucial to your recovery. During this time, it is important to listen to your doctor’s instructions.
You must also avoid any high impact activities, at least until your doctor has given their approval. You will likely be going through physical therapy as you recover, and following through on this would help speed up your healing.
Lastly, being mindful of any signs of complications and communicating them openly with your specialist is key to succesful recovery.
Is knee replacement worth the pain?
Recovered patients have found that getting knee replacement has improved their quality of life. Most experienced significant pain relief and better mobility after they’ve fully healed.
A few weeks after surgery, barring any complications, you can return to your usual activities, particularly low-impact ones such as walking, household chores, among others.
Deciding whether it is worth getting knee replacement depends on several factors, such as your pain level and medical condition, and it’s best to consult with an expert beforehand to know your options.
What equipment do I need at home after knee replacement surgery?
Preparing for your surgery includes getting essential equipment ahead of time. You may want to acquire a front wheel walker or crutches, as you would not be able to walk without assistance the first few days post-surgery.
Ice packs can also be helpful, both for swelling and pain management. It would also be worth investing in bathroom equipment, such as grab bars, non-slip mats, and a bath tub chair.
Our specialists will go over the steps you need to make, both before and after surgery, to ensure a smooth recovery.
Are there permanent restrictions after knee replacement?
Generally, there aren’t a lot of permanent limitations for patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery. It also varies from person to person, and how effective your rehabilitation program is.
Patients are usually advised not to engage in high impact activities within the first few months after surgery. Most are able to return to their physical activities, including sports, provided that recovery is successful.
Your doctors may recommend some restrictions mainly to to extend the longevity of your knee implant.