An
Advanced Solution for Knee Pain Sufferers
The EIUS™ Uni Knee System for Partial Knee Replacement
A
Closer Look at the Knee | Arthritis—The
Leading Cause of Knee Pain | Total
Knee Replacement | PKR — A “Partial”
Alternative to TKR | Important
Short- and Long- Term Advantages |
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The
staff at NWO prides themselves on bringing the latest innovations
in orthopaedic care to their patients. NWO is pleased to be able to
offer a new minimally invasive procedure for relieving arthritic knee
pain and disability.
A Closer Look at
the Knee
The knee, the largest joint in the body, is central to nearly every
activity. It consists of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur),
the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella).
Ligaments connect the bones, and a cartilage lining coats them to
allow easy, flexible movement and to protect the joint from wear.
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 Arthritis—The
Leading Cause of Knee Pain
One of the most common causes of knee pain and loss of mobility
is the wearing away of this cartilage. When this happens, the bones
rub together, causing significant pain and swelling— known
as osteoarthritis. Trauma or direct injury to the knee can also
cause osteoarthritis.
Conservative treatments such as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, physical therapy, and cortisone injections may effectively
relieve pain and restore mobility. However, more severe pain and
disability frequently require knee “resurfacing” surgery.
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Total
Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which all
of the surfaces in the knee joint are removed and an artificial
knee joint called a prosthesis is implanted. Total knee replacement
has been performed since the 1960s and has excellent long-term results.
However, the 3- to 5-day hospital stay and 3- to 12-week recovery
period can present an obstacle to many candidates for this procedure.
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PKR — A “Partial” Alternative
to TKR
For patients who have arthritis on only one surface (or compartment)
of the knee, partial knee resurfacing (PKR), or uni-knee replacement,
offers a promising new alternative to total knee replacement. In
this procedure, only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced,
minimizing trauma to healthy bone and tissue.
Unicompartmental knee implants, like the EIUS™ Uni Knee System
from Howmedica Osteonics, were developed with patient needs in mind.
The implant is anatomically shaped and enables surgeons to use the
latest minimally invasive surgical techniques for this procedure.
Because uni-knee implants are so much smaller than a total knee
prosthesis, the surgical incision can be significantly smaller as
well. The surgeon removes only damaged bone in the affected knee
and fits the implant to that bone surface. The incision is closed
with small, self-dissolving sutures that are hidden underneath the
skin.
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Important
Short- and Long- Term Advantages
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Because
most of the knee joint is unaffected and the basic knee structure
remains intact, postoperative pain is reduced and recovery is faster.
Patients typically leave the hospital within 24 hours and do not require
physical therapy. A few gentle exercises and progressive walking are
the only rehabilitation needed.
Based on a patient’s age, weight, and activity level, a uni-knee
implant can be expected to last several years. Afterwards, it can
easily be replaced or, if needed, converted to a total knee replacement.
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