A new total knee replacement that saves all of the ligaments can
make a person's knee feel and move just like the original.
During a traditional total knee replacement, the surgeon must
remove the "island" of bone to which the anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are attached. The new knee
features a shape that protects that island of bone and saves the ligaments.
"When
a patient comes in with a torn ACL or PCL, most orthopedic surgeons recommend
surgery to repair the ligament because of its importance to the natural
function of the knee," said William Bryan, M.D., a Houston Methodist
orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and total joint replacement.
Recovery after a traditional knee replacement is four to five
months, but Bryan's patients who have received the new knee implant are
averaging a three to four month recovery period. Some patients, like Ron Krist,
a 77-year-old Houston lawyer, have returned to their favorite activities even
sooner.
"Several of my friends with knee replacements were unable
to play golf for at least four months after their surgery," Krist said.
"I was back on the course and playing full force just two months after
getting this new knee replacement."
Bryan was one of 10 surgeons from across the country and the
only surgeon in Houston to be selected as an early evaluator of the XP knee,
made by Biomet. He said while many of his knee replacement patients are happy
with their knee replacement, some complain that they are not able to physically
do everything they previously could do.
"By saving the ligaments, this knee implant provides an
improved range of motion and increases joint stability and natural movement for
knee replacement patients," Bryan said.
Bryan believes that another benefit of saving the ACL and PCL
for knee replacement patients is that the ligaments will take some of the
strain off the metal and plastic components of the knee replacement and help it
to last longer. Most artificial knees last approximately 10 years before
needing to be replaced.
"For many years, the orthopedic community has recognized
the need for total knee replacements that save the ligaments," Bryan said.
"Now that technology and design have caught up with us, patients can now
get a total knee replacement that works and feels a lot like a normal
knee."
Story
Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by Houston
Methodist. Note: Materials may be edited for
content and length.
Cite
This Page:
Houston Methodist. "New knee implant saves the
ligaments." Science Daily, 22 July 2014.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140722164132.htm>.
