Chances are you, or someone you know, experiences significant knee pain. Often this pain can be relieved by rehabilitation, medication or other non-surgical means. However, if these methods are unsuccessful and are the individual is still experiencing pain which restricts mobility or which keeps them awake at night, knee replacements are an option.
Dr. James Foskett of Divine Savior Healthcare is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing joint replacement. He now offers patients in the Portage area the very latest in custom total knee replacements. “Patients who have exhausted less invasive options and are still experiencing pain that causes a decrease in their quality of life should consider talking with an orthopedic surgeon about options to relieve that pain,” states Dr. Foskett.
After years of use, or due to damage caused by injury, cartilage in the knee joint can wear down and the bones can start to grind against each other causing pain. While the traditional knee replacement procedure is effective, research and advances in technology have allowed orthopedic surgeons to give their patients a custom joint made for their unique anatomy.
Once the surgeon and the patient have decided that the custom knee replacement is the best solution for them, the first step in the customization process is for the patient to come to Divine Savior several weeks prior to their surgery to receive a highly precise MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of their knee. A 3-D image of the knee is then created and highly advanced software is used to create a total knee joint operation tailored specifically for the patient. A detailed plan is created that shows exactly how the knee should be positioned by the surgeon.
Once the patient specific instruments and guides for the custom knee have been created, the patient arrives at Divine Savior for their surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the knee, resurfaces the area and implants the custom knee based on specifications derived from the MRI.
“Research has shown us that the differences in bone shape, size and wear affect the way a knee replacement fits,” states Dr. Foskett. “The custom knee replacements are a great solution to this problem and they allow me to give my patients the best possible fit, resulting in a quicker recovery and greater satisfaction.”
Following the procedure, patients begin on their journey of rehabilitation. Oftentimes, patients haven’t been using the knee that has been causing them pain. Divine Savior’s physical therapists arrive the day after surgery and help you through your recovery. Dr. Foskett works with this team to in order to get the new knee strengthened and to gradually increase mobility.
Dr. Foskett is a board-certified, Mayo Clinic trained orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience. He has performed countless joint replacements of the knee and hip. If you’d like to discuss whether the custom knee replacement could be an option for you, call 608-745-6420 for an appointment or ask your family physician for a referral.
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