What is the Best Total Knee Replacement Option For Me?

4th March 2022 By Phoenix Hospital Group

Written by Mr Ian McDermott, Consultant Knee Surgeon at Phoenix Hospital Group

If you’ve been advised to have a knee replacement, you’re probably wondering which options you have available. However, wading through the mass of information available online can make your decision even more challenging. 

That’s why we’re here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various knee replacements you can get, looking at their advantages and disadvantages and how to choose what’s best for you.

Why might I need knee replacement surgery?

You may be recommended knee replacement surgery if you have severe stiffness, pain and limited daily mobility. It’s generally advised as a treatment for severe cases of osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions your knee has worn away.

Sometimes, knee replacement surgery can help treat knee injuries that cannot be treated through other, less invasive methods or do not respond to standard treatments.

Knee replacement surgery is major surgery and won’t be recommended lightly. That’s why we’ll always explore your treatment options as thoroughly as possible, to help you feel confident in your decision.

Different kinds of knee replacements

There are numerous types of knee replacements so understanding the differences, benefits and drawbacks of each can help you decide which is right for you.

Standard off-the-shelf knee replacement prostheses

An off-the-shelf knee replacement prosthesis is a standard shape which comes in various sizes. 

However, each person will have a different-shaped knee, so opting for a standard shape might not work. 

If your knee is between two size ranges, for example, you might end up with a prosthesis that’s too big or too small. Whereas, if your knee’s shape and contours are close to average, then an off-the-shelf prosthesis may offer a satisfactory fit and outcome. 

Advantages of a standard off-the-shelf knee prosthesis:

  • Cheaper than a custom-made knee replacement
  • Can offer some relief from your knee condition

Disadvantages of a standard off-the-shelf knee prosthesis:

  • Standard shape may not fit the shape of your natural knee
  • Longer procedure time 
  • More bone needs to be removed to try and fit the prosthesis

Conformis custom-made knee replacement surgery

A Conformis custom-knee replacement is a prosthesis that’s made to match the size and shape of your knee. 

To create your custom prosthesis, we take a high-resolution computerised tomography (CT) scan of your knee using 3D technology. This scan means we can design the prosthesis specifically for your anatomy.

Another benefit of this is that the surgeon removes less bone during your knee replacement surgery, as the prosthesis will match your anatomy. Conformis knee replacements are also more likely to feel like your natural knee.  

For a Conformis implant, we make 3D-printed custom-made cutting blocks from your CT scan’s information, allowing your surgeon to cut to the bone with absolute precision. 

Advantages of a custom-made knee replacement:

  • Specifically designed for the individual patient, with a perfect fit every time
  • Less bone needs to be removed during the surgery
  • Better kinematics (the knee moves more naturally)
  • Enhanced results

Disadvantages of a custom-made knee replacement:

  • Slightly more expensive than other options
  • Longer preparation time while the prosthesis is created

What is the best total knee replacement option for me?

Deciding to have knee replacement surgery is a huge step, so it’s essential to know your prosthesis options to make an informed decision. 

Based on our knowledge of the various available knee prostheses, we recommend that our patients choose the Conformis custom-made knee replacement. 

However, we’ll discuss your needs during your consultation and happily advise you on which type may be right for you. 

Conformis custom-made total knee replacement surgery at Phoenix Hospital Group

At Phoenix Hospital Group, we offer total knee replacement surgery using Conformis customised implants under the expert care of Mr Ian McDermott, Consultant Knee Surgeon. 

Mr McDermott was the first surgeon in the UK to implant a Conformis G2 custom-made knee. He is also one of the most experienced consultants in the UK offering this type of partial and total knee replacement surgery.

Mr McDermott runs regular clinics at our outpatient centre at 25 Harley Street and operates at Weymouth Street Hospital for patients requiring surgery.

For more information about Mr McDermott and the services he can provide, take a look at his dedicated website. 

 

To arrange an appointment with Mr McDermott, or to enquire about the cost of Conformis knee replacement surgery at Phoenix Hospital Group, please call 0207 079 2100 or email [email protected].