Richard W. Vanis, MD

Procedures & Services: Custom Cutting Block Knee Replacement

This method provides the surgeon with patient specific anatomic data to direct bone cuts for accurate positioning of standard total knee components. The technique utilizes preoperative knee MRI to produce a custom computer generated virtual knee model unique for each patient from which custom cutting blocks are fabricated in advance of the procedure and hold the "code" for implant sizing and bone cut placement for accurate implant alignment and rotation. Dr. Vanis used this method for approximately 3 years with extremely positive results for the patient. The company, "Otis Knee", took the product off the market temporarily to upgrade their FDA rating. It should again be available possibly as early as the Fall when the study is completed. The FDA upgrade required an evaluation of 10000 patients who received implants because of the purchase of this technology by Stryker.

The "Otis Knee" is about anatomical alignment while "Navigation" is about mechanical alignment. So which is best for you?

Other similar systems which are hybrids of the two previously mentioned procedures are done with CT scanning. There is a significant amount of radiation necessary for the CT scanning and evaluation.