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surgeon needs for that patient's case. The entire process takes roughly 6 weeks.
Dr. Buch initially focused on younger, healthy patients when he began using the
technology, but has since seen the advantage of using it in an increasing number of
patients. His research compared standard off-the-shelf implant systems with
patient-specific options. Patients who received the customized implants had better
outcomes, recovered more quickly and did not require blood transfusions, and
their recovery time to walk without aids was about 4 weeks, roughly half as long
as the patients who received standard implants.
Dr. Manner notes that the kits often work well for facilities performing a low
volume of total knees, especially smaller ASCs or those just starting out with
total joints, and eliminate the need to buy several trays of the expensive tools
used in arthroplasty.
Dr. Buch says the technology does cost a couple hundred dollars more than
standard implants, in addition to the extra cost of the pre-op imaging. "But, if
you factor in the cost of a longer hospital stay and the lack of reprocessing, you
could be saving money in the long run," he says. Dr. Manner suggests looking at
potential cost savings versus the additional upfront costs. He also notes that
some surgeons may not like the lack of flexibility offered in these options.
Increasing patients' post-op comfort outweighs any potential challenges, says
Dr. Buch. "One guy went skydiving after getting his new knee," he adds.
"Sometimes patients go back to thinking it's their normal knee too soon."
OSM
