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NHRMC participates in innovative knee surgery
03/12/2007
When Joanne Lasseter tore the cartilage in the middle of her knee two years ago, she was told she eventually would need a total knee replacement, something she wasn't anxious to have done.

'I said, ‘I'm going to wait for something better to come along,'' she said.
Something better did come along - right when she needed it. The pain in her knee was getting worse and she was ready to consider replacement when she heard about the OrthoGlide knee implant.

Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, OrthoGlide is designed to separate cartilage-bare bones and prevent them from rubbing against each other.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center is one of just eight surgical sites in the country using the OrthoGlide.

'It is a promising alternative for patients suffering from the early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee,' said David Oehler, NHRMC Orthopedic Program Director.

The OrthoGlide is a kidney-shaped disc inserted into the knee during a minimally invasive surgery. The surgery differs from knee replacement surgery because it does not require the bones surrounding the knee to be cut or cemented. This makes it particularly useful for younger patients, who could face multiple surgeries as implants wear out. Existing cuts to the bone can make subsequent surgeries less effective.

Wilmington orthopedic surgeon, David Esposito, MD, has performed 25 OrthoGlide surgeries since July.

'This serves a much-needed purpose, allowing us to replace a portion of the knee rather than the whole thing,' Dr. Esposito said. 'With no cuts, we're not affecting the foundation of the knee. It buys time.'

The recovery can also be easier. Patients who undergo OrthoGlide surgery generally recover in a couple of weeks and need less physical therapy than those who have knee replacement surgery.

'I had my surgery Monday and came home Wednesday,' said Lasseter. 'I was walking that day and haven't needed a cane or a walker.'

She was back to work within a few weeks of her surgery and expects to be out doing yard work as soon as it's warm. In the meantime, she said she's telling everyone she knows about the OrthoGlide implant.
'I like to share good things,' she said.

The OrthoGlide is for patients whose damage is limited to the medial compartment of the knee. People with more extensive damage will still need to have their knees completely replaced.

For a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, please call VitaLine at 815-5188.

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