Solo Partial Knee System
VOT Solutions is committed to the providing patients with innovative surgical options to eliminate their knee pain. Our team is dedicated to working with orthopedic surgeons nationwide to learn the innovative Solo Knee System and improving your quality of life. Take your next step with "Solo" and contact your local orthopedic surgeon.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect every aspect of a person's life. In its early stage, it is common for people to ignore the symptoms, but as the disease progresses, daily activities become more difficult and painful.
The following information will help you understand basic knee anatomy, arthritis and the VOT SoloTM Partial knee solution. Information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the expert guidance of your orthopedic surgeon. Any questions or concerns you may have should be directed to your orthopedic surgeon.
The Knee
The knee is essentially made up of four bones. The femur, the large bone in your thigh, attaches by ligaments and a capsule to your shin bone or tibia. Just below and next to the tibia is the fibula, which runs parallel to the tibia to the ankle. The patella, or the knee cap, rides on the knee joint as the knee bends. The femur, tibia and patella are covered with a special surface (cartilage) to help cushion and lubricate the bones during movement.
When the knee moves, it does not just bend and straighten. It rotates slightly with each step.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that destroys joint cartilage and typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If treatment options such as pills or injections, or hot/cold application fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend knee replacement surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery can be an extremely successful surgical procedure. The first partial knee replacement procedure was performed more than 30 years ago. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have received partial knee replacements.
Partial knee replacement surgery is fairly routine with more than 70,000 procedures performed every year in the United States.
In partial knee replacement surgery, only the damaged bone and cartilage on the affected portion of the femur and tibia is removed.
Total knee replacement uses implants to resurface all surfaces of the knee. These implants are larger than partial knee replacement implants.
Solo Partial Knee Surgery
The Solo Partial Knee Implants from VOT Solutions are designed to repair only the inner surfaces. The Solo implant is designed to prevent or delay the need for a total knee replacement by relieving pain and correcting the alignment of the bones.
Solo Mini Incision can be performed through a very small opening. Specifically designed instrumentation and injection of bone cement require less space than former instrumentation.
The benefits of Solo partial knee replacement may include a less invasive surgery and a smaller incision compared to other partial knee replacements.
Since the Solo implant saves more tissue, a future total knee replacement can be more easily performed, if it should become necessary.
Before & After Solo Partial Knee Surgery
Most patients walk on their surgical leg the same day as surgery and are sometimes discharged within 23 hours of surgery. Most patients may need to use a walker or a cane for the first week or two after surgery.
Solo patients may begin strengthening exercises before surgery to help prepare for surgery and recovery. Patients may also be given a comprehensive health examination before surgery.
Solo surgeons may also implement a pain management program during surgery that is designed to dramatically reduce a patient's pain after surgery. Reducing post-surgical pain is critical to rehabilitation and a successful recovery.
Complications
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although partial knee replacment surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience some stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as the patient's post surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. It is important to know that a partial knee replacement may not last as long as a total knee replacement.
However, the Solo procedure can allow you to return to certain activities more quickly and with less pain. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your orthopedic surgeon.
Solo Partial Knee Recovery Time
Every person's recovery time will vary, but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to these activities and will also tell you the activities to avoid.
Most knee replacment patients are typically not allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Ask your surgeon which activities you should avoid after surgery.
Summary
We realize that the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this brochure has helped you understand some of the basics of partial knee surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This brochure is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any questions, please ask your orthopedic surgeon.