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Signature Knee Surgery
Written by Communications Team   

Another first for Ashford and St Peter’s

Ashford and St Peter’s is the first Trust in Surrey to introduce a pioneering technique for knee replacement surgery based on computer MRI scanning. In conjunction with the MRI unit at St Peter’s, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Knee Specialist, Mr A Hassan, first introduced the new procedure last month which is expected to result in improved outcomes and potentially fewer risks for patients. Mr Hassan has been specially trained in Amsterdam to carry out this procedure.

Initially developed in the US, this new technique relies on comprehensive MRI scanning of a patient’s limb – in this case, from the hip right down to below the knee – giving a 3 dimensional image from which a plastic replica of the complete knee joint to be replaced is made. Everyone’s joints are unique, and from this replica a plastic, bespoke ‘positioning guide’ is then made which fits exactly onto the patient’s joint during the operation, allowing the surgeon to perform a more accurate cut and a better positioning of the actual knee replacement implants.
 

 
The surgical team with Mr Hassan (centre)
 
 
Traditional knee replacement surgery relies on taking a two-dimensional X-ray during the operation in order to guide the surgeon, which is not only slower but does not provide as much individual detail of the whole joint and its alignment as this new technique. The surgeon would use long rods inserted into the bones to provide a general cutting guide, but this lacks the precision of these new custom made guides.

Once the MRI scan has been done, which is carried out during a pre-assessment appointment – the new positioning guides (made by a specialist company) arrive 3 to 4 weeks later in a sterile box and are then ready for use. Having the guides pre-made also cuts down on surgery time which is better for patients and for theatre time.

Said Mr Hassan: “During knee replacement surgery we have to resurface and trim the existing joint and these bespoke positioning guides allow this to be done much more accurately, giving a better fit and alignment of the new joint, and a better functional result for the patient. Our staff are also excited by this new technique; it’s not only quicker, they can see it’s going to provide a better result for the patient, and it’s always motivating to be at the forefront of new and pioneering surgical techniques. I’m very proud of the way my team has embraced this new technology and I’m looking forward to formally evaluating the results from these first patients.”

Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 November 2010 15:55 )