- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY, NSW | MORNINGTON, VIC |
- 03 9421 6133
Patient-Specific Total Knee Replacement
A tailored surgical solution based on your individual anatomy
Every knee is different, which means every knee replacement should be tailored to the individual. Patient-specific total knee replacement is an advanced technique that uses detailed imaging and 3D modelling to design a surgical plan based on your unique bone shape, alignment, and pattern of joint wear. Rather than relying on a standardised approach, Dr Jason Hockings uses this technology to plan the procedure with a high level of personalisation before the operation begins.
By guiding implant positioning to suit your individual anatomy, this modern method aims to support accuracy, preserve natural knee motion, and assist in a smoother recovery process.
What is patient-specific knee replacement?
Patient-Specific Total Knee Replacement involves the use of pre-operative 3D planning and custom-designed surgical instruments, called patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). These guides are created from a CT scan of your full leg, extending from hip to ankle, to develop a highly detailed digital model of your knee.
This process enables Dr Hockings to:
- Assess your natural alignment and joint surfaces
- Plan implant positioning that closely replicates your original, pre-arthritic knee
- Perform bone cuts with a high degree of accuracy using custom-made PSI guides
Patient Specific Total Knee Replacement
The Planning Process: Step by Step
Step 1
Consultation & CT Referral
After your initial consultation, Dr Hockings will provide a referral for a CT scan. This scan captures the exact contours of your femur, tibia, and joint surfaces.
Step 1
Step 2
3D digital model creation
Using the scan data, a highly accurate 3D digital model of your knee is created. This model becomes the foundation for your personalised surgical plan.
Step 2
Step 3
Pre-operative planning
With advanced software, Dr Hockings reviews your alignment, joint wear, and bone thickness. He applies kinematic alignment principles to design a surgical plan that matches your natural knee movement.
Step 3
Step 4
Manufacturing of PSI guides
The finalised plan is sent to a specialist manufacturing facility in Switzerland, where your 3D-printed patient-specific cutting guides are created and sterilised before your procedure.
Step 4
Potential benefits of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI)
- Increased surgical precision - PSI guides are tailored to your anatomy, helping Dr Hockings perform bone cuts exactly as planned.
- Better implant alignment- Accurate positioning of the knee implant can improve joint stability and reduce wear over time.
- Preservation of natural motion - PSI enables Dr Hockings to use the kinematic alignment, a technique that restores the joint’s natural biomechanics.
- Smaller surgical exposure - With clear anatomical mapping, less invasive approaches like the subvastus approach can be more effectively used.
- Potential for faster recovery - Minimising soft tissue disruption and improving alignment may support a quicker and more comfortable return to function.
How PSI fits into your surgery with Dr Jason Hockings
Dr Hockings integrates PSI into a broader, patient-focused surgical plan that includes:
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced movement that is affecting your daily activities or quality of life, a thorough orthopaedic assessment can help determine the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.