MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast now offers a customized fit total knee replacement surgery, benefiting patients with advanced arthritic conditions of the knee. This new, customized approach allows orthopedic surgeons to precisely match the size and placement of the implant to the patient’s unique, pre-arthritic knee anatomy, ultimately allowing for better implant fit and alignment than traditional joint replacement surgery.

“The custom fit technique has many advantages for the patient over the standard total knee procedure,” said Dr. Tenholder. “The computer modeling allows me to place the components more accurately for each individual patient. Research has shown that improved accuracy and alignment improves overall function and lengthens the long-term durability of the replacement, avoiding revision surgery. Also, I have custom instrumentation for each surgery, which makes the procedure quicker and easier with smaller incisions and less surgical dissection.”

Mary Orr of South Walton received the first customized knee replacement at Sacred Heart in January. Mary had her other knee replaced a few months ago, so she will have the unique opportunity to compare the two joint replacement methods.

There are multiple steps to achieve the desired customized fit. Prior to surgery, an MRI or CAT scan is performed to take precise measurements of the patient’s arthritic knee. Next, computer software creates a 3-D image of the knee and virtually corrects the deformity to return the knee to its pre-arthritic state. A computerized, 3-D image of the implant to be used in the patient’s surgery is matched to the anatomically correct virtual knee model, which helps determine the correct implant size and placement based on the patient’s own knee anatomy. Finally, special cutting guides are created for the surgeon to use during the procedure. Reported benefits include a quicker and less painful recovery, an increased range of motion, a more “natural” feeling knee, and greater ease in performing normal living activities such as golfing, biking and gardening.

“I have been very impressed with the whole joint replacement program at Sacred Heart, and I think the custom fit should be advantageous,” said Mary. “I took the joint replacement education class before my first surgery in the fall, and it truly helped ease my anxiety prior to surgery. The main thing I cannot express enough is the coordinated care here; my primary care physician and my orthopedic surgeon have been in constant communication, and you just don’t get that kind of service everywhere anymore.”

The Joint Replacement Program at Sacred Heart provides comprehensive care for patients receiving knee, hip or shoulder replacement surgery. Using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, the healthcare team of orthopedic surgeons, specially trained nurses, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists provides patients with individualized treatment plans to help patients return to a higher quality of life.

Sacred Heart hosts bi-weekly joint replacement classes for people interested in learning more about joint replacement surgery. Led by Angie Arnett, Sacred Heart’s dedicated joint replacement coordinator and registered nurse, the class focuses on what to expect before, during and after surgery. Participants receive a comprehensive joint replacement guide that includes exercise schedules, information on physical therapy and what to expect after returning home.

For more information about the new custom fit knee replacement technology, visit www.customfitknee.com. To reach Dr. Mark Tenholder with Orthopaedic Associates, call 850-863-2153. For more information about the joint replacement program at Sacred Heart or to joint an educational class, contact Angie Arnett at 850-278-3646.
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