2-Oct-2009
The Journey knee is a unique knee implant that possesses two outstanding properties of kinematics and scratch resistance. It was recently launched in India. It promises a lasting solution to the young and active patient afflicted by knee arthritis.
he JOURNEY Knee in Oxinium was introduced in India by Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam, consultant Orthopedic surgeon in Chennai this week. The first patient to receive bilateral Oxinium Journey replacements was a 38 year old lady suffering from crippling Rheumatoid arthritis.
The innovative JOURNEY anatomical knee system is designed to move and feel like a normal knee, and addresses problems still found in conventional systems such as instability and limited flexion. The JOURNEY System offers the additional durability of Smith Nephew's proprietary alternate-bearing surface, OXINIUM* oxidized zirconium.
The system is described as "bi-cruciate stabilized" because unlike conventional knee systems, this implant design replicates the functions of both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These ligaments provide stability and support for the knee, but are frequently removed during knee replacement surgery.
The surgical technique is similar to other knee procedures but is much more exacting and the JOURNEY system's newly designed instruments allow for both minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and computer assisted surgery (CAS). Dr.Venkatachalam received special training for this abroad.
This knee was developed after Smith & Nephew conducted in-depth analyses of natural knee kinematics and the inherent limitations in knee replacement systems. The JOURNEY knee system offers more sizing options for better fit and minimal bone resections. Smaller sizing choices that are more amenable to female anatomy make the JOURNEY system the obvious choice to achieve the best fit for all patients. Surgeons believe the JOURNEY knee will offer patients a more natural feeling knee implant and greater satisfaction.
The JOURNEY Knee System is well suited for high demand, or active patients. It is the only knee replacement on the market that offers patients more natural movement and function, and provides surgeons with an answer to the challenges of current total knee systems." says Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam.
OXINIUM material is a unique and advanced bearing product technology created through a proprietary manufacturing process that transforms the surface to a ceramic, resulting in a material that incorporates the best features of ceramic and metal while avoiding the limitations associated with either material. OXINIUM material is a revolutionary technology used in the production of components of knee and hip implants that exhibits superior performance characteristics due to its hardness, low-friction and resistance to roughening and abrasion.
Talking about future developments- Dr. Venkatachalam said that soon he would implant these devices with the aid of Patient matched instrumentation ( PMI). These match the accuracy of computer assisted surgery (CAS) and ultimately would lower the cost of a knee replacement.
Author / Source |
Madras joint replacement centre |
Country |
India |
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