VISIONAIRE Patient Matched Cutting Blocks
VISIONAIRE◊ Patient Matched Technology
As a patient considering knee replacement surgery, it is important to remember that you have choices.
In our VERILAST◊ Technology section, we discuss how the choice of materials used to make your implant can have a significant impact on your implant's ability to resist wear.
However, as important as your choice of implant materials is, it's only part of the equation.
After all, no matter how much new technology goes into the creation of your implant, if your implant isn't correctly aligned within your body, implant wear and performance will still be concerns.
For this reason, we developed VISIONAIRE◊ Patient Matched Technology - a system that uses your own MRI and X-Ray images to design and build surgical instruments customized specifically for your unique knee anatomy.
These streamlined instruments potentially offer several patient advantages:
- Less Time in Surgery
- Less Invasive Procedure
- A More Precisely Placed Implant
Because VISIONAIRE Patient Matched Technology uses the data directly obtained by your MRI and x-ray images to map out your knee and establish your body's true alignment, your surgeon will arrive in the operating room with a greater knowledge of your knee.
Your surgeon will also arrive with customized cutting blocks, made from medical grade Nylon-12, that match the exact outer shape and contours of your knee. During pre-surgical work, your surgeon will work with our engineers to determine the exact bone cuts and angles necessary to remove as little bone as possible while still positioning your implant in its optimal location. Potentially, this technology allows your surgeon to digitally perform and adjust your specific knee replacement multiple times before ever making the first incision in your knee.
Important safety notes
Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with knee replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon's limitations on activity level are not followed.
Dr. Philip Schmitt
Offers VISIONAIRE Patient Matched Cutting Blocks
Bone and Joint Specialists Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon Dr. Philip Schmitt specializes in the treatment of knee injuries and knee disorders, including arthritis and trauma. He understands the importance of getting you back to an Active Lifestyle.
Dr. Schmitt can evaluate and diagnose your knee pain injuries and conditions, and provide a customized treatment plan that is exclusive to you. He will explore conservative nonsurgical methods first, such as physical therapy, including individualized knee exercises to relieve your pain. However, if surgery is necessary to allow you to continue an active lifestyle, Dr. Schmitt will employ specialized techniques that are minimally invasive and can lead to quicker recovery times.