The latest in knee replacements
"My golf game was wrecked," says Elmer Schmieder. "The cartilage in both my knees was shot — worn away from 74 years of activity. I was hobbling around on a cane when a friend at my country club suggested I see Dr. Schoifet."
A new minimally invasive technique
Knees are the first to go
Time for a joint replacement?
Experience you can trust
In November 2003, Scott Schoifet, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, and director of Virtua's Total Joint Replacement Program, replaced both of Schmieder's damaged, arthritic knees with artificial prostheses. Two days later, Schmieder was in rehabilitation and by December 30, Dr. Schoifet had released him from his care. "I went to Florida in January, just six weeks after surgery. Not bad for a 74-year-old who just had both knees done," Schmieder says happily.
A new minimally invasive technique
"Mr. Schmieder's speedy recovery was due, in part, to the new minimally invasive surgical technique I use," explains Dr. Schoifet. "He was a good candidate for it, so I was able to make a four-inch incision in each knee, versus the standard eight-inch incision. Equally important, with four-inch incisions, I am able to preserve the quadriceps tendons. This can make a big difference in healing and recovery time."
Knees are the first to go
Gerald Hayken, MD, chief of orthopaedic surgery at Virtua Memorial Hospital, says: "I perform more total knee replacements than hips because knees tend to wear out faster. Unlike the snug ball and socket construction of the hip, the knee is a hinged joint where three bones come together — so it is less stable and injures more easily than a hip. Osteoarthritis, a fracture or torn ligament, osteoporosis and obesity can all lead to needing a knee replacement."
Michael Brambley, a patient of Dr. Hayken's says: "Last November, I signed up to have Dr. Hayken do my left knee. He had done the right knee about four years back. Now, I'm feeling better than I have in years."
Time for a knee replacement?
Virtua West Jersey Hospitals orthopaedic surgeon William Iannacone, MD, outlines his criteria for when an individual is ready for a total knee replacement: "I look for significant pain while resting, pain at night that disturbs sleep, as well as changes exhibited on an x-ray. Before surgery, we usually try more conservative measures such as medications, exercise, weight management and rest."
Experience you can trust
Board-certified surgeons and comprehensive care is what distinguishes Virtua's Total Joint Replacement Program, as well as its ability to provide a comprehensive continuum of advanced surgical, nursing and rehabilitative care — all right here in South Jersey, close to home, family and friends. To make an appointment with a Virtua orthopaedic surgeon, call 1-888-Virtua-3.