Introducing Patient Specific Technology for Total Knee Replacement

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Introducing: Patient Specific Technology for Total Knee Replacement

Using technology to aid alignment

How can technology help a surgeon to obtain accurate alignment of a total knee replacement?

3D Technology

Accurate 3 dimensional scanning allows pre-operative planning to occur & modifications to be made before the operation has even begun. Technology identifies deformities & corrections that need to be made BEFORE surgery.

Corrects leg alignment

Pre-operative CT creates a 3 dimensional image of the alignment of the Hip, Knee and Ankle – allowing small adjustments to be made to align the knee in the optimum position. A kinematic alignment is used to match pre-arthritic angles.

No Rods Inserted

Conventional methods are not required here – therefore no rods are inserted into the thigh bone (femur) or shin bone (tibia) during surgery, as the system uses Patient Specific Guides that are custom fitted for each patient.

Patient Specific Technology - Total Knee Replacement

Step 1

Your Surgeon will make a full assessment of your knee, measuring your deformity, range of movement, Hip, Knee and Ankle axis, and more. After a careful discussion, X-rays are required for the first assessment to ensure that you are a candidate for a Total Knee Replacement.

Step 2

A specially formatted 3D CT scan is performed allowing the alignment of the Hip, Knee and Ankle axis to be measured in all planes. An extremely fine detail scan is performed at the same time allowing the knee to be mapped. This information is transmitted to Switzerland where your surgeon reviews the information and performs the surgery in virtual space, enabling small adjustments to be made.

Step 3

After the planning is completed, Patient Specific Instruments are created, which are custom fitted for you only, and no-one else. These are sterilised, and sent, along with millimetre perfect models of your actual knee, for use during surgery. These instruments are unique and only fit your knee, and are valid only for 4-6 months post creation due to the changing nature of your knee architecture.

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Step 4

During surgery, no rods are inserted into your Femur or Tibia. The Patient Specific Instruments are placed onto your knee, and the knee replacement is performed – matching the planned operation that your Surgeon has created. The final implanted Total Knee Replacement will be inserted exactly as planned.

Ask us about Total Knee Replacements here:

Dr Chien-Wen Liew has trained locally and internationally in Patient Specific Technology for Total Knee Replacement Surgery. He has a special interest in improving the alignment of total knee replacement surgery and strives to achieve excellent results through pre-operative planning, and 3D scanning technology.

Dr Liew operates and consults from various locations throughout South Australia and is a Private Orthopaedic Surgeon at Orthopaedics 360. For any enquiries, please contact (08) 7077 0158

Consulting from:

Orthopaedics 360 – 94-96c Fullarton Road, Norwood

Operating from: Calvary Adelaide and St Andrews Hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the conventional/traditional method of performing a TKR

The traditional way to perform a total knee replacement is to insert a rod during surgery into the thigh bone (femur) and the leg bone (tibia). This is inserted through the joint, and into the bone marrow, and as far into each bone as possible to obtain the approximate alignment of the bone. Using a variety of methods to help obtain the correct angle of each cut, the cutting block is positioned onto the knee and the knee is cut.

Using Patient Specific Technology, the technique above is very different. The rods are not inserted into the bones, as the exact angles have been determined prior to surgery. This allows customised jigs to be placed onto the knee to make the cuts, and does not rely on any of the potential for human error when judging the knee alignment.

Both methods perform well, and it is up to the individual patient and surgeon to discuss what method is best for them. All patients are encouraged to seek multiple opinions from previous patients, doctors and friends, in order to choose how they would like their knee replacement performed.

Do I need a Referral

A Referral to see a Specialist is required. A GP is a good start in determining if you need to see a surgeon at all. Once they have determined that you need a knee replacement, a referral is made to an orthopaedic specialist.

Do I need Private Health Insurance?

Private Health Insurance is generally required to see Dr Liew. A standard hip or knee replacement operation costs between 25,000-30,000, most of which is covered by Private Health Insurance.

What Should I wear and bring to my first appointment?

GP Referral letter
Private Health Card and Medicare Card
Wear Loose pants or shorts.
Recent X-rays and relevant scans of your knee (Should be weight bearing)

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