Patient Testimonial
Yvonne, ADVANCE® Medial-Pivot Knee through PROPHECY® Navigation Recipient
Yvonne, a 51-year-old Grovertown native and preschool school teacher, is looking forward to resuming her favorite summertime activities, including biking, swimming and camping. Two years ago these activities were out of her reach because chronic knee pain had rendered her practically immobile. In fact, the discomfort progressed to the point that Yvonne feared that her knee would keep her from her cherished hobbies for the rest of her life.
Yvonne's problems began in the summer of 2007 during a camping trip with her son’s Boy Scout troop, when the pain in her right knee became so intense that she was not able to participate in the planned hikes. Instead, she had to remain at the camp site. Yvonne hoped the pain would subside once she returned home, however, over the next few weeks it continued to get worse.
Although the pain had originated in Yvonne's right knee, it soon spread to her left knee, making it difficult to walk or grocery shop without leaning on the cart for support. Yvonne's condition impacted her ability to work as a substitute pre-school school teacher and she was forced to reduce her work schedule from four days per week to only one day per week. By late 2007, Yvonne could not walk up and down stairs, stopped working altogether and could not perform routine activities such as grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning. "The pain was so intense that my husband had to help me get up from the couch and I had trouble sleeping and had to use pillows under my knees just to get comfortable enough to fall asleep," recalls Yvonne.
By January 2009, Yvonne was in such agony that she cried when she walked. The following month a physician prescribed her anti-inflammatory medication. Two months later, Yvonne started receiving cortisone shots, but they offered only temporary relief. In May 2009, at her doctor's recommendation, Yvonne visited Dr. Anthony McPherron at LaPorte Regional Health System. Dr. McPherron determined that both Yvonne's knees would eventually require surgery, and that her right knee required immediate attention.
To facilitate the procedure, Dr. McPherron utilized a new technology called PROPHECY® Pre-Operative Navigation Guides from Wright Medical. The PROPHECY® technology allowed for a 3-D image of Yvonne's knee to be created from a CT scan and a virtual operation conducted prior to performing the real one. The doctor could view results from the virtual operation to see what the implant and alignment will look like before the real surgery.
In July 2009, Yvonne had her right knee replaced at Pulaski Regional Hospital near Grovertown. "Immediately after surgery they had me out of bed and walking and I began physical therapy to get my knee moving." Just one day after her procedure, Yvonne walked the length of a hospital hall with assistance from a walker and was able to go home the following day. By September 2009, Yvonne’s right knee was completely pain free and she was finally able to resume many routine activities. However, because her left knee continued to restrict her mobility, she decided to have that replaced as well.
Dr. McPherron performed the procedure in March 2010 once again with the assistance of the PROPHECY® guides. Within one week of the procedure, she was walking again and by May 2010 Yvonne could hike, bike and camp with her son and husband once more. "It is a relief that I can walk without pain, and once again get back to the activities I love and I no longer have to use pillows under my knees to sleep at night," said Yvonne. "It’s been a long time, but I finally feel like myself!"
Total knee replacement has been one of the most successful surgeries available to patients seeking to alleviate knee pain due to arthritis or injury. Scientific studies have routinely demonstrated long-term results with greater than a 90% success rate. Due to its clinical success, this operation has remained virtually unchanged for the past thirty years. However, the introduction of Wright Medical Technology's PROPHECY® Pre-Operative Navigation is changing the landscape of total knee replacement by allowing for a simplified and less invasive procedure. This cutting-edge approach enables a surgeon to decide on and view the artificial knee component alignment and placement before a patient enters the operating room.
Customarily, total knee replacement requires drilling into the surrounding bones - the tibia and femur - to carve out a hole for a long rod, which is driven down through the bone and into the marrow core. The surgeon must use this rod to ensure the knee prosthetic is in line with these surrounding bones. PROPHECY® Pre-Operative Navigation addresses this concern by eliminating the need for the rod. Physicians can view the placement and alignment of the knee prosthetic prior to surgery, with the goal of reducing blood loss and patient discomfort. Proper sizing and alignment contributes to longevity, durability and prolonged use of a total knee replacement.
These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. After receiving a knee replacement, you could potentially experience the following: pain; bone or component fracture; need for early revision surgery; poor range of motion; blood vessel damage or blockage; allergic reaction; temporary or permanent nerve damage; a sudden drop in blood pressure during surgery due to the use of bone cement; leg deformity; leg shortening; heart and blood vessel disorders; delayed wound healing; and deep wound infection, which may require removing the implant(s). On rare occasions, fusion of the involved joint or amputation of the limb may be required. Your weight, age, and medical history determine your specific risks. Wright recommends that you ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for knee replacement surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.
