Lantern Knee Navigation
Lantern Navigation System
What is the Lantern Knee Navigation?
Lantern Knee Navigation is an advanced orthopedic procedure utilized for knee joint replacement. During the 1-2 hour surgery, the surgeon replaces damaged bone and cartilage with metal or plastic parts. This method of computer-navigated knee replacement incorporates precise alignment tools and personalized planning to enhance the accuracy and outcomes of knee replacement surgeries, aiming to restore mobility and alleviate knee pain for patients suffering from degenerative joint conditions.
During your knee replacement surgery, the surgeon uses the Lantern device to measure the position of the femur (upper leg bone) and the tibia (commonly called the shin bone). Incredibly minor adjustments can be made to the position of these bones and the portion that will be removed.
What are the Benefits of Lantern Knee Navigation?
The cell phone-sized Lantern Navigation device acts as a jig, making knee replacement surgery more efficient and decreasing the chance of additional surgical revisions. Giving the surgeon the power to fine-tune your joint alignment is the most significant benefit of computer-navigated knee replacement. Even the slightest adjustment to the angles and rotation of your bones increases your chance of the best possible post-surgery prognosis. Once the adjustments are complete, the team follows the typical procedure for your knee replacement surgery.
The Lantern Navigation system also reduces the number of pins placed into the bones outside of the surgical field, which can sometimes increase the risk of subsequent fractures.
Why You May Need Knee Replacement Surgery
Replacing parts of the worn-out or injured knee joints through surgery eases pain and increases the functionality of the joint.
Two primary symptoms indicate you may be a good candidate for computer-navigated knee replacement surgery:
Severe Knee Pain: The most common symptom that starts a knee replacement conversation with a doctor is persistent and debilitating knee pain. Your doctor may order additional tests or recommend a surgical consultation when your pain does not respond to conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.
Reduced Mobility: Many people choose knee replacement because they notice a significant decrease in function. Chronic and progressive pain and stiffness limit your ability to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a seated position. Surgery is often necessary to restore mobility, improve your quality of life, and head off health issues that will be exacerbated by decreased mobility.
Acute (sudden) injuries to your ligaments, meniscus tears, and traumatic knee injuries like accidents or dislocations may also require emergency surgery and a different rehabilitation plan.
If Lantern-guided navigation sounds like a fit for your knee replacement, find a surgeon trained to use it. Chat with us to find a Lantern-trained knee surgeon near you.
What is Degenerative Joint Disease in the Knee?
Degenerative joint disease in the knee, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common condition characterized by progressive wearing down of the joint cartilage and changes in the underlying bone.
In degenerative joint disease, the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact. This results in pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced joint function. Over time, the joint may become swollen and tender to the touch. It may produce a grating sensation or popping sounds during movement.
Various factors contribute to the development of degenerative joint disease in the knee, including age, genetics, obesity, previous knee injuries, repetitive stress on the joint, and certain medical conditions. As the disease progresses, the structure of the joint changes. Bone spurs can occur, and the joint capsule thickens.
How is Degenerative Joint Disease in the Knee Diagnosed and Treated?
Several different methods are used to diagnose degenerative joint disease. First, your primary care physician will evaluate your symptoms, review recent X-rays, and complete a physical exam.
Treatment options for degenerative joint disease in the knee focus on managing symptoms, reducing pain, increasing joint function, and improving the quality of life for individuals living with this condition. Treatment plans typically include a combination of pain medications, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as braces or canes), weight management, and lifestyle modifications.
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, your primary care physician will refer you to an orthopedic specialist. The specialist will physically examine your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength. They will also review your recent X-rays, or order new ones, to further explore the bones for signs of damage. An MRI or CT scan may be necessary to evaluate the surrounding soft tissue and structure of the bone. The orthopedic specialist may recommend additional non-invasive treatment methods before moving to surgical intervention.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis gradually develops over time due to wear and tear on the knee joint. The risk increases with age, and genetics play a role in determining an individual's susceptibility to osteoarthritis in the knee. Certain inherited traits can lead to abnormalities in joint structures or cartilage that make the knee more prone to degeneration.
Overuse also plays a significant role in the development and severity of osteoarthritis. Even when repaired, old knee injuries can disrupt the normal functioning of the joint and accelerate cartilage breakdown, increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis development in the knee.
Other factors associated with knee osteoarthritis include obesity, as excess body weight places increased stress on the knee joints, leading to faster deterioration of the cartilage. Hormonal changes during menopause and some illnesses can also influence the development of knee osteoarthritis.
Additionally, structural abnormalities or misalignments in the knee joint can contribute to the uneven distribution of forces, further contributing to cartilage wear and tear.
What is the Timeline for Getting Back to Normal After Knee Replacement Surgery?
How long you stay in the hospital depends on your individual situation. Many people go home on the same day. After surgery, you'll briefly rest in a recovery area before moving to a traditional room or being released from the ambulatory surgery center.
The risk of life-threatening blood clots increases after knee replacement surgery. To prevent this complication, you will want to move early. Your caregivers will have you sit up, stand up, and walk with crutches (or a walker) immediately after surgery. The timeline for returning to normal activities after knee replacement surgery can vary depending on overall health, age, and the extent of the surgery.
For the first few weeks, you may experience short-term disruptions to your sleep due to pain, difficulty repositioning during the night, and your medication schedule. Be sure to rest often and give yourself more time to complete tasks. Be patient with yourself during healing. It will take a bit of time, but these disruptions will fade.
You will want crutches or a walker handy for several weeks after the procedure. Also plan to have help with routine tasks like cooking, bathing, laundry, driving, and running errands. Generally, most people can expect to resume light activities and return to a more normal routine within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
During this initial phase of your treatment plan, physical therapy plays a crucial role in regaining mobility, reducing swelling, and improving strength in the knee. Patients typically start with gentle exercises and gradually progress to more challenging activities under the guidance of a physical therapist.
After roughly three months of recovery, most people can add moderate activities such as walking longer distances, climbing stairs, and driving to their routines. Physical therapy sessions may further enhance the range of motion and muscle strength. You will likely have swelling and stiffness as your joint continues to heal.
Complete recovery from knee replacement surgery can take up to a year or more. Returning to more strenuous activities or high-impact exercises may require additional time and instructions from your surgeon and physical therapist. It's crucial to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your medical team, attend follow-up appointments, and communicate any concerns or setbacks to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Remember, deciding to undergo computer-navigated knee replacement surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon who can evaluate your condition, consider your medical history, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs.