Sam - Special Need Implant Recipient

For 10 years, Sam lived with excruciating knee pain in both legs. The problem started when a fun game of chase with her grandson resulted in a torn ligament in Sam's right knee. While Sam did have arthroscopic surgery to repair her ligament, the injury caused lasting damage to her knee. "I was in constant pain, and because I babied my right knee, I ended up damaging my left knee too," Sam explained. Even though her doctor recommended knee replacement surgery to relieve the pain, Sam was reluctant until the pain became unbearable. In the meantime, she tried acupuncture, heat therapy, cortisone shots and pain medication. These therapies managed Sam's pain for awhile, but it eventually became too severe and hampered her lifestyle. "I was shopping with my 85-year-old friend and was having a hard time keeping up. At that point, I knew it was time to do something," Sam said.

Sam visited her doctor to discuss her options and he recommended she have a total knee replacement in both knees. Because Sam was having the most trouble with her right knee, she decided to only have the right replaced and wait to see if the left would worsen or improve. The surgery was very successful, and Sam was back to her active self within six weeks. But as her doctor predicted, within a few months, Sam's left knee gave way - again, severely compromising her quality of life. She returned to her doctor who then replaced her left knee with a special need implant which is better suited to her anatomy.

Special need implants feature a tapered design to address the implant sizing needs of patients with a narrower knee anatomy or smaller skeletal frame. Previous knee replacement options had a universal sizing approach. However, research has shown that knee replacements specialized to fit each patient individually add greater stability and mobility. Although women are generally smaller than men and may often require smaller knee implants, patients of either gender may possess a physical stature that would benefit from a narrower implant design.

Within six weeks of surgery, Sam was back on her feet and back to her regular lifestyle. "My daughter came to visit me, and she was showing me her exercise routine. Surprisingly, I was able to do it with her. I had to hold the wall for balance, but I kept right up with all the lunges and squats. Before, I couldn't even bend my knees." Additionally, with Sam's second surgery on her left knee, the special need implant provided a better, smoother fit and didn't make a popping noise like her right knee. "Now, I do yoga, strength training and water aerobics, which would have been too painful before. I had to struggle to do the simplest exercises. I could just barely drive. It was even an ordeal to go food shopping," Sam added. Since joining a gym and beginning exercise after her first knee replacement, Sam has lost 26 pounds. Her quality of life has skyrocketed. "My new knees brought me back to life. I didn't even realize I had lost my ability to live until I had surgery because the transition happened so slowly. I feel like I am part of the human race again, and it feels good."

These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.

Patient testimonial provided by Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
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