Benefits of Personalized Knee Implant Detailed
The June issue of the journal Orthopedics Today includes an article which describes a knee implant and the accompanying tools manufactured by ConforMIS, Incorporated. The iUni unicompartmental knee surfacing implant is placed with iJig instruments.
The article published describes a surgical procedure which incorporates these tools. Benefits of utilizing this implant include the ability to preserve more bone during surgery. For clinicians, the surgical technique is less technically challenging.
This device is a unicompartmental resurfacing implant for patients with either lateral or medial arthritic damage to the knee. Patients must have an intact ACL and arthritic damage must be isolated. The device is available in two different designs, one for medial and one for lateral disease.
The devices are specially created for each individual. Patients generally undergo CT scanning, which is sent to ConforMIS for implant creation. The company uses its proprietary technology, iFit, to manufacture each iUni. This design supports actual femoral resurfacing and ensures complete coverage of weight bearing surfaces.
In addition to providing a device made for each patient, the system includes patient-specific instrumentation. The iJig tools are created based on the imaging studies completed. Guides included eliminate the need to complete manual sizing during device placement. Moreover, the tools provide surgeons with tactile, image-based guidance.
June 17, 2008 Related topics: Orthopedic