simply does what many surgeons do — put the
knee back right where it was with arthritis. Maybe
one day we'll have enough algorithms and data for a
robot to match pre-arthritic knees, but we're not
even close. Numerous prospective randomized
studies show it performs to the average.
Some surgeons who perform knee replacements
do less than 20 a year and never master the tech-
niques and methods needed to become experts. A
robot can help these low-volume surgeons. If their
skills are below average, the technology will help
make them better. In my opinion, accomplished
knee surgeons who have mastered manual tech-
niques don't benefit from using robotic assistance,
and opt to stick with tried-and-true methods that
they have confidence in and that they know work.
Clear expectations
Today's implants probably last about 25 million
steps. An average person takes between one and
two million steps a year — but not all steps are the
same. A six-foot-eight, 400-pound man has a differ-
ent step than a grandmom who's five feet, 100
pounds. There's not an exact answer. I tell patients
that if you take two million steps a year, they'll
hopefully get 12 years out of a new knee.
Some studies report up to 25% of patients are
unhappy with their knee replacements to the point
where they wish they never had the surgery. I'm
pleased to report that 98% of my patients are happy
with their knees and would have the operation
again. With unsatisfied patients, the problem is
often mismatched expectations. If a patient isn't
very mobile but enjoyed running 20 years ago, and
wants to run again, the chances of them running
after surgery are almost zero. I talk to patients
about expectation mismatches, but they don't
always completely understand. That's why it's
important to lay it all out for them in clear language
by describing exactly how their new knee will func-
tion after surgery and the life activities in which
they can expect to participate.
OSM
Help provide excellent visibility and ligament protection
during Total and Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery
1
MI Small Hohmann Retractor
1
2
MI Large Hohmann Retractor
2
3
MI Condylar Retractor
3
4
MI Superior Retractor
4
MI Patellar Retractor
5
5
MI Soft Tissue Retractor
6
6
PRODUCT NO'S:
S3035 [Small Hohmann Retractor]
S3036 [Large Hohmann Retractor]
S3037 [Condylar Retractor]
1
2
3
S3038 [Superior Retractor]
S3039 [Patellar Retractor]
S3042 [Soft Tissue Retractor]
4
5
6
Minimally Invasive Knee Retractors
Robb Leg Positioner
FREE TRIAL ON MOST INSTRUMENTS
1 . 8 0 0 . 5 4 8 . 2 3 6 2
103 Estus Drive, Savannah, GA 31404
www.innomed.net info@innomed.net
Phone 912.236.0000 Fax 912.236.7766
© 2020 Innomed, Inc.
bb Leg Positioner
Provides stable positioning
of the knee during surgery
Designed by William Robb, MD
PRODUCT NO:
2630
Instruments & Patient Positioners for Orthopedic Surgery
ISO 13485:2016
Dr.
Berger (richard.berger@rushortho.com) is
an assistant professor at Rush University Medical
Center in Chicago.
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 5 5
