Minimally Invasive Resurfacing Techniques

Arthroscopically Assisted Knee Resurfacing (AKR)

Chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteonecrosis can affect the cartilage and bone within the knee joint and lead to severe pain, stiffness and swelling that limits a patient's ability to engage in certain activities and can significantly affect quality of life as the disease progresses.

While joint replacement is considered an effective means of treating severely damaged joints, it can often restrict range of motion and tends to last only 20-25 years, making it less than ideal for younger patients who will then require an additional invasive procedure. Arthroscopically-assisted knee resurfacing can postpone or eliminate the need for joint replacement in certain patients.

Performed using arthroscopic means, knee resurfacing serves as a less invasive yet effective alternative to total knee replacement for younger patients who are not yet ideal candidates for the replacement procedure. During this procedure, the damaged part of the joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant that is custom-fit for each patient's individual knee in order to prevent further cartilage damage and relieve symptoms.

After treatment, patients usually make a quick recovery and are able to resume most of their daily activities. Physical therapy to restore strength to the affected joint may be performed. The implant is expected to last for several years, although specific results depend on each patient's individual health, activity level and the severity of their condition.

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Shoulder Resurfacing & Joint Preservation

Because of its prominent location and frequent use, the shoulder is often affected by chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteonecrosis (bone death) that cause patients to suffer from pain, swelling, stiffness and a limited range of motion that often progresses over time and restrict patients from engaging in activities they enjoy.

Treatment for these conditions can range from anti-inflammatory medication to corticosteroid injections to joint replacement surgery for the most severe cases. For patients who are not candidates for joint replacement or do not yet wish to undergo this procedure, a less invasive alternative is now available through shoulder resurfacing, which relieves symptoms while preserving the healthy areas of the joint.

Shoulder resurfacing uses a HemiCAP® implant that is precisely shaped to fit each patient's area of damaged cartilage so that all remaining healthy cartilage remains intact while the implant provides effective symptom relief. The implant is placed using arthroscopic means to provide patients with less scarring, less bleeding and shorter recovery times.

After undergoing shoulder resurfacing, patients will begin a rehabilitation program to restore strength and range of motion to the treated joint. Return to work and other regular activities can usually commence shortly after treatment. The results of the shoulder resurfacing procedure tend to last for many years and can effectively postpone or eliminate the need for joint replacement, depending on each patient's individual condition.

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Patello-Femoral Resurfacing & Joint Preservation

The patello-femoral joint connects the kneecap and the thigh bone together to help bend or extend the leg, but may be susceptible to cartilage damage due to trauma, infection, disease and inflammation like other joints. Some patients may also suffer from chondromalacia, which is a softening of the cartilage around the kneecap that can lead to continuous dull pain.

Treatment for damaged cartilage can vary from patient to patient, but may include physical therapy, realignment, allograft or a joint replacement procedure. While these options are all effective, they may not offer a long-term solution or may restrict range of motion and limit patients in their physical activities after treatment. Joint resurfacing and preservation is a minimally invasive alternative that is ideal for younger patients.

Resurfacing of the patello-femoral joint is one of the most effective and beneficial treatment options, as it replaces only the damaged area of the joint to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of disease, while leaving the healthy areas of cartilage intact. The implant used during this procedure is completely customized to fit the size and shape of each patient's joint for a comfortable, long-lasting fit. Resurfacing is performed through an arthroscopic procedure that offers patients many advantages of a more open procedure.

The results of this procedure are expected to last for several years, depending on the patient's individual condition, overall health and medical history. Through a customized physical therapy program, patients can quickly restore strength and resume their favorite activities. In the future, joint replacement surgery may be required to further correct this condition.

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To learn more about our orthopaedic procedure and to find out which is right for you, please call 267-757-0560 today to schedule an appointment.