JOPLIN, Mo. —
Walking is one of the most effortless tasks we perform each day. But for many, the simple chore of putting one foot in front of the other is a source of pain and discomfort.
Knee pain prohibits all types of daily activities, especially walking. For some, nonsurgical treatment no longer provides adequate relief from the pain, stiffness, and swelling.
For those individuals, it may be time to discuss with an orthopaedic surgeon the benefits of a total knee replacement.
A surgical procedure undergone by more than half a million Americans each year, total knee replacement provides a brand new artificial knee to replace the diseased or worn-out knee joint.
For more than a year, surgeons at Freeman Midwest Orthopaedics have used a cutting-edge technology in the field of knee replacement. The Visionaire system, released in 2010 and introduced by Freeman Midwest Orthopaedics, uses magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray to create custom-made instruments used to replace a patient’s knee. Each person’s individual structure, unique shape, and angles are factored in, giving the knee replacement precise alignment.
Gone is the one size fits all approach; instead, a computer-engineered replacement is crafted specifically for each individual. In addition, there is a substantial reduction in time spent under anesthesia because, in the past, surgeons would sculpt and mold the knee replacement during surgery. Because this implant is designed with computer precision, many steps can be eliminated during surgery, thus decreasing surgical risks. This precision also reduces the risk of misalignment and gives the implant a much longer life.
Freeman Health System also features Operation Education, a presurgical education program that helps make surgery as smooth as possible. Those who participate in Operation Education learn what to expect during their hospital stay, how they can assist in the recovery process, and what to anticipate after returning home. Through Operation Education, patients undergoing knee replacement become familiar with the procedure, are able to address their questions, and can learn what modifications, if any, are needed to their home, such as rails to assist in the bathroom.
Dr. Derek Miller, Freeman orthopaedic surgeon, is board-certified and completed a yearlong fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery, joint preservation, and joint replacement.
Senior Outlook
Dr. Derek Miller, columnist: Knee replacement surgery no longer 'one size fits all'
- Senior Outlook
-
-
Carolyn Mclaren, columnist: Budget cuts still an issue for AAA
Every once in awhile when I am in my car going to or from a meeting, I turn on the radio and while scanning the stations sometimes I catch a program by a man named Dave Ramsey.
-
Allison Riddle, columnist: Watch for fraud when repairing tornado damage
Survivors are being cautioned about scam artists coming out of the woodwork after the May 22 tornado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it’s important to be vigilant in protecting your property and money by looking out for those that want to take advantage of a dire situation.
-
Stephanie Denham, columnist: Weather changes like crazy, but volunteers are steadfast
It’s July already? How time has flown this year and the things we have experienced have been from one end of the scale to the other. We have seen cold weather, blizzards, rain and flooding, strong winds, hail and tornados. Now that July is here, we can look forward to temps of 100 degrees or above.
-
Charlotte Crum, columnist: Time will come for a return home
Recent events have left the residents of Joplin reeling, including the residents of the damaged nursing homes.
-
It's a date
Senior Outlook event calendar
-
Dr. Derek Miller, columnist: Knee replacement surgery no longer 'one size fits all'
Walking is one of the most effortless tasks we perform each day. But for many, the simple chore of putting one foot in front of the other is a source of pain and discomfort.
-
Carol J. Long, columnist: Facing reality of aging parents
My generation, known as the baby boomers, are now faced with the reality of our parents physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.
-
Carolyn Trout, columnist: Kitchen disasters with or without cookbooks
Cookbooks are dangerous things. I have shelves and shelves of them, so I know. Cookbooks entice people to create things that they have no business creating and furthermore should never eat.
-
Janice Jones, columnist: Enjoy your summer
July. What’s not to love? Sunshine, barbecues,, beaches, fresh fruits, swimming, family and vacations. Needless to say July is my favorite month of the year. I have waited all year for it.
-
Teresa Rife, columnist: Caregivers should care for selves, too
Many of us will become caregivers at some point and time in our lives. The caregivers must often provide care under complex circumstances, often balancing the concerns of their own immediate families, their careers, and their responsibility for elderly care giving.
- More Senior Outlook Headlines
-
Carolyn Mclaren, columnist: Budget cuts still an issue for AAA
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
