ments instead of
defaulting to total knee
replacement."
Dr. Adili points out
that the precision cuts
and pre-op planning
associated with robotic
surgery result in less
soft tissue damage,
smaller incisions and
better joint alignment.
"Longevity is highly
associated with the
alignment of the pros-
thesis," he says. "If you
have better alignment,
you get better longevi-
ty."
2. Custom
implants
For too long, patients have had to settle for implants that didn't quite
fit right, says Edward Westerheide, MD. It can be like going to a shoe
store and getting stuck between sizes.
"Implant manufacturers created knee replacement systems that did-
n't match anyone's particular joint," says Dr. Westerheide of
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Newark, Ohio. "They
wanted to make one that matched most people's anatomy."
About 2 years ago, Dr. Westerheide began offering custom-built knee
implants and using custom instruments to ensure the alignment, cut-
1 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 9
• PERFECT FIT With custom implants, knee replacements are made-to-order to
replicate each patient's natural anatomy.
Edward
Westerheide,
MD
