HIP SURGERY
Patient-Specific Knee Replacement
Patient-Specific Knee Replacement (also known as custom guides or custom alignment) uses 3D-printed technology created specifically for your anatomy before you enter the operating theatre. Dr David Kitchen uses this method for patients whose unique bone structure or clinical needs benefit from a highly tailored, pre-planned approach.
What is Patient-Specific Technology?
Patient-Specific technology involves advanced pre-operative engineering. Instead of using standard surgical instruments, Dr David Kitchen works with specialised software to design custom cutting blocks (jigs) that fit only your knee.
What is the Process?
Step 1
3D Bone Mapping
An MRI or CT scan is taken to create a high-resolution 3D digital model of your joint.
Step 2
Pre-Surgical Planning
Dr David Kitchen and his team map the exact bone cuts and implant positioning on the digital model to restore your optimal alignment.
Step 3
3D Printing
Custom-made surgical guides are 3D-printed to match the unique contours of your femur and tibia.
Step 4
Surgery
During the procedure, these custom guides are used to make sure the bone is resurfaced precisely as planned.
Benefits of a Custom Guide
By moving a lot of the technical problem solving to the pre-operative phase, this method offers several clinical advantages:
Anatomical Personalisation
The guides are 3D-printed from your MRI or CT data, so they account for your unique bone contours, previous injuries or existing hardware that standard instruments cannot.
Surgical Efficiency
With the bone cuts and implant sizing pre-calculated in a digital lab, the procedure is more efficient, reducing the time you are in the operating theatre.
Reduced Physical Impact
Custom-made guides decrease the need for invasive surgical instruments within the joint. Precise mapping preserves healthy bone by removing only what is required to fit the implant.
Precision Alignment
3D-printed jigs provide millimetre accuracy for implant positioning, to help improve leg alignment and joint stability.
When is Patient-Specific Surgery used?
Patient-specific guides are a versatile tool that Dr David Kitchen primarily uses for:
Total Knee Replacement
Helping to restore complex alignment in the whole joint. For more detailed information on the specific Recovery & Rehabilitation or Risks & Complications please click on the procedure above.
Complex Anatomy
For patients with significant deformities or hardware from previous surgeries (like plates or screws) that make traditional guides difficult to use.
Dr David Kitchen will discuss the suitability of Patient-Specific (custom guides) versus Robotic assistance (Mako) during your clinical assessment at sportsmed Stepney or Henley Beach clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Advanced knee care for functional recovery.
Consulting at sportsmed Stepney & Henley Beach · A GP referral is required.