Precision and Teamwork: Using Software for Knee Replacements

While traditional knee replacement surgery relies heavily on a surgeon’s experience to manually position the implant, modern technology allows us to elevate this proven method. At Orthopaedic Innovation, we leverage sophisticated computer alignment planning to achieve a new degree of precision, often guided by the philosophy of Kinematic Alignment (KA).

KA is an advanced surgical technique for knee arthroplasty that aims to restore the patient's unique pre-arthritic anatomy and natural motion. Instead of the conventional mechanical alignment that positions implants perpendicular to the long bones, KA focuses on replicating the knee’s individual kinematic axes, which dictate its natural rotation and movement. This is achieved by removing only the amount of bone and cartilage equivalent to the implant thickness, thereby preserving the patient's constitutional joint line and ligament tension without the need for extensive soft-tissue release.  

Our digital planning process supports this Kinematic Alignment approach through:

• • Software-Assisted Planning: Our process begins with detailed pre-operative scans, which our team uses to create a comprehensive digital model of your knee joint. This virtual environment enables us to meticulously map out every step of the operation.  
  • Optimal Implant Selection: Within this virtual space, we can test various implant sizes and positions to select the components that provide the best possible fit for your specific anatomy.  
  • Enhanced Accuracy: This digital blueprint serves as a guide for the surgical team, ensuring the precise placement, size, and orientation of the implant. This precision is critical for long-term joint stability and longevity. This article from Circle Health¹ looks at how computer-assisted systems consistently enhance the accuracy of mechanical alignment and component positioning in both total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, which can significantly lower the risk of complications.  

Although the long-term impact on functional outcomes and implant longevity is still being debated in some research, Kinematic Alignment has shown excellent clinical results, with patients reporting better bending and a more natural-feeling knee. This technology provides an incredibly reliable and personalised surgical plan before the operation even begins. 

If technology provides the strategic roadmap, then the surgical team's expertise is what flawlessly executes the journey. The dual-surgeon model at Orthopaedic Innovation’s is central to our practice.

Meet Our Lead Surgeons

Our commitment to a personalised, expert-led approach is exemplified by our lead surgeons, Dr. Kristian Kley and Professor Adrian Wilson. This dual-surgeon team brings a wealth of experience and innovation to every procedure, ensuring meticulous detail and a truly collaborative environment.

• Professor Adrian Wilson: An internationally recognised knee surgeon, Professor Wilson is a pioneer in advanced orthopaedic techniques. He is known for his work in joint preservation and is a leading figure in "all inside" ACL and PCL surgery, having developed several instruments and refined procedures. His work also involves the use of surgical suture tape to reinforce ligament repairs, which helps protect the healing ligament and allows for earlier mobilisation and a faster recovery.
• Dr Kristian Kley: As a distinguished consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Kley is the developer of the Kley Rapid Hip approach. He is renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive techniques and highly efficient surgical workflows that serve as a model for others.

By collaborating, Dr Kley and Professor Wilson offer a unique combination of surgical skill, peer-reviewed decision-making, and profound experience with advanced technologies. This team-based approach is dedicated to maximizing patient safety, achieving optimal outcomes, and ensuring a confident return to an active life.

The advantage of having two expert surgeons co-lead a procedure is clear:

• Enhanced Focus: With a second expert present, the primary surgeon can remain completely focused on the operation itself, free from distraction. This intense concentration is vital for executing the precise movements outlined in the pre-operative plan.
• Quality Control: A second surgeon acts as an invaluable layer of quality control, providing a peer-reviewed perspective on every critical step of the operation. This collaborative approach ensures a seamless continuum of care, from initial diagnosis through to rehabilitation.  

Increased Efficiency: Research on other complex orthopaedic procedures, such as spinal surgery, has demonstrated that a dual-surgeon team can work more efficiently. This can lead to shorter surgical times and reduced blood loss, which are key factors in a faster recovery and lower complication rates. 

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we don’t see computer alignment planning and surgical expertise as separate elements, but rather as a unified, powerful process. The technology creates a flawless digital roadmap, while our dual-surgeon team, with their combined knowledge and focus, provides the skill and precision to follow that roadmap perfectly.

This seamless integration of advanced planning and human expertise is the core philosophy that makes our knee replacement procedures stand out. It’s a commitment driven by our dedication to patient safety, optimal outcomes, and helping you confidently return to the activities you love.

Hearing directly from those who have experienced knee replacement surgery can provide valuable insight. 8 weeks after Total Knee Replacement surgery, we asked one of our patients “How does it feel?”

We are proud of the outcomes our patients achieve and their journeys back to an active life. Visit our Testimonials page to see more patient stories.