Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas perform first custom knee replacement

Christopher Smith, M.D. and patient, Daniel Gaugh

Dr. Christopher Smith, Orthopedic Surgeon at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST), was the first in Fort Bend County to perform a custom partial knee replacement.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, affecting tens of millions of people worldwide.

The most common signs of osteoarthritis are pain with activities, stiffness of the knee, swelling, limited range of motion and tenderness along the joint. “If you experience any symptoms of knee arthritis, you need to make an appointment for a thorough examination to determine the source of your symptoms and to discuss if you would be a candidate for partial or total knee replacement,” states Dr. Smith.

A new form of custom knee replacement is changing the way doctors and patients look at knee replacement surgery. The Conformis custom knee replacement implant is specifically designed for each patient based on his/her individual anatomy. A custom knee replacement offers unique advantages versus a traditional knee replacement. “Custom knee replacement provides superior fit specific to each patient,” explains Dr. Smith. Customized implants mirror the surface contours of your knee to help provide greater coverage and implant fit. Also, the implant is able to restore your knee’s normal motion through preserving healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments; your knee is able to retain more of its natural function.

Customized instrumentation is built to match your knee, reduce the amount of bone preparation and simplify your procedure which allows for a less traumatic process.

A CT scan provides the initial diagnosis as well as a detailed three-dimensional image of the knee, used to design the implant to fit the unique contours of the patient’s knee.

“Once Dr. Smith and I decided to move forward with the customized partial knee implant, he gave me a script for a CT scan. The surgery date was set, and I began preparations for surgery and beyond,” said Daniel Gaugh.

For an appointment with Dr. Smith, or one of the MOST physicians, call 281-494-MOST (6678).

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Posted by FortBendStar on Jul 18 2012. Filed under Featured Articles, Sugar Land. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.