The Anatomy of a New Knee

A new procedure uses CT scan images and computer design software to provide a more customized approach to knee replacement. Only a few sugeons in Minnesota routinely perform the procedure, according to Dr. Dan Hoeffel, a surgeon at .

Summit Orthopedics and are two locations that offer it as an option to patients. Dr. Hoeffel answered a few questions for Patch about this new process for knee replacement.

1. What makes this such a unique procedure? 

The use of custom patient instruments for total knee arthroplasty is a combination of several developments over the past 5 to 7 years, which now allow for the combination of CT scan images and robust computer-aided design software to allow for the manufacture of jigs used to guide the bony cuts during total knee arthroplasty. This affords the patient a customized approach to their knee replacement, thus matching to their anatomy a "best fit" and "best alignment." This is matched with non-customized components, which have a very strong track record over the last 15 to 20 years.

2. How many surgeons in Minnesota are qualified to perform it? 

There are several surgeons in Minnesota who are qualified to use the TruMatch instruments. However, a few of us are doing it on a much more routine basis to continue to improve the process and the outcome for patients utilizing these types of devices.

3. Is this a defining moment in orthopedic knee surgery?

In my opinion, it is not a defining moment in total knee arthroplasty but it certainly is a transition point in which the combination of detailed CT scan information can be merged with robust computer-aided design software and then rapid manufacturing techniques to actually allow for the meaningful development of these types of patient-specific tools. In that sense, it is the emergence of an entirely new approach to joint replacement.

4. Who are the prime candidates for the surgery? 

Candidates for this type of a procedure actually include anyone that needs a total knee replacement. There are no limitations on age. An appropriate candidate would be a patient who has arthritis of one or both knees and has tried exercise, therapy, medications, and/or injections and still does not get adequate relief from their arthritic pain. When their quality of life and their ability to remain active becomes diminished, then knee replacement should be considered. The addition of custom patient instrumentation to allow for matching of the implant to the patient only enhances this process.

5. What does it mean to you and to Woodwinds to be able to offer this procedure? 

Both Summit Orthopedics and Woodwinds Hospital/HealthEast Care System are excited to be able to offer this option to patients. Making available to the community technologies which can enhance or improve their outcomes is important to each of us. It is only one example of our core commitment to the delivery of quality orthopedic care and utilizing those techniques and technologies which can further improve that quality.

A video of a live knee replacement using the procedure is available online.