Dr. Gregg A. Motz, orthopaedic surgeon at the Premier Orthopaedics Hendersonville Care Center, announced the availability of minimally traumatic, patient-specific knee implants for patients suffering from early, moderate, and late stage osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, affects more than 27 million adults in the United States. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. As this cartilage breaks down it becomes stiff, losing its elasticity and making joints more susceptible to damage. It most commonly occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine.

Developed by Massachusetts-based ConforMIS, Inc., the implants are designed to conform to a patient’s unique anatomy while offering the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and preservation of bone. Due to these bone preserving benefits, the implants are especially well suited for early intervention patients.

“Patients are requesting minimally invasive options that will get them back to their daily routines as soon as possible, especially if they’re not a candidate for full knee replacement,” said Dr. Motz. “With the advanced technology of the ConforMIS implants, I’m able to offer my patients a minimally invasive surgical procedure, rapid postoperative recovery, and shortened rehabilitation which in the end means less pain and discomfort.”

In the three and one-half years since this device has been in use, patient follow-up data remains very encouraging. Within six months of receiving the implant, most patients were able to return to normal activity levels, 80% could walk for more than one hour without assistive walking devices, and all reported immediate and prolonged pain relief, functional improvement, and increased range of motion.

The implants are developed utilizing a computer modeling system and proprietary software to extract individual information from CT or MR images. Computer modeling provides a 3D image of the knee that guides the design, and manufacturing process in creating a precision implant that conforms to the individual’s articular (joint) surfaces knows as the iFit technology. In turn, this enables individualized, patient-specific implants.

This image-to-implant technology allows for precisely sized and shaped implants that reduce or eliminate the need for cartilage or bone resection and radically simplify the surgical procedure, which means less blood loss, and less time in the operating room and recovery time. The procedure also allows for full range of motion for the patient while preserving the joint for future treatment options. Each of these devices has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the U.S.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 12 percent of the population between the ages of 25 – 74 is affected by knee osteoarthritis. Chances of developing the disease increase with age and the presence of risk factors such as heredity, obesity, injury, and joint overuse. The risk for knee osteoarthritis in overweight women is four times greater than for overweight men. Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include joint: pain, tenderness, and stiffness; loss of flexibility; a grating sensation; bone spurs; and swelling in some cases.