Gundersen St. Joseph's knee replacement options expand

Gundersen St. Joseph's is now offering new patello-femoral replacements for knees thanks to advancements in 3-D technology.

Patello-femoral replacement (PFR) is a type of "partial" knee replacement that replaces the topmost joint of the knee.

The PFR procedure is an option for those who have damage in their knee that only affects the joint that connects the kneecap and thighbone. This provides another choice of procedure over the more extensive total knee replacement.

"Basically, we take a CT scan of the knee. That image is then sent off and six weeks later we get a custom piece back," says Richard Behm, RN, director of surgical services at Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics. "The piece we get back is designed precisely for that one specific knee, so we can ensure a perfect fit."

"The benefits from having custom fit PFR are numerous," adds Behm. "A shorter hospital stay is common, and the knee is also weight bearing immediately after surgery. The average recovery time is also shorter which allows those who get a PFR to be back to their favorite activities much sooner."

The procedure is made possible thanks to new technology from Kinamed® Inc. known as KineMatch® Patient-Specific PFR. The CT scan of the knee is used to create a virtual computer model. The custom-fit implant is then created based on the virtual model to match the patient's knee anatomy.

"Our goal is always to offer the best options possible to our community," says Robin Nelson, Interim CEO of Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics, "We always strive to provide as many options as possible to ensure the greatest care."

For more information on knee replacement options, contact Gundersen St. Joseph's at (608) 489-8000 or visit gundersenhealth.org/st-josephs