Is Total Knee Replacement Done With Patient-Specific Instrumentation?

Patient-specific instruments are guides designed from imaging of an individual knee. They can help the surgeon plan the position and angle of bone cuts and prepare for the implant design selected for that joint. They are used during the operation alongside the surgeon's assessment and standard surgical checks.

The guides do not replace the implant, and they do not make decisions without the surgical team. Imaging quality, bone shape, existing deformity, previous surgery, and the hospital's workflow can all affect whether this approach is suitable. A surgeon may also change the plan if the findings during surgery differ from the imaging.

Ask what imaging is needed, how the guides would alter your operation, and what backup instruments would be available. Mention previous knee surgery, metalwork, stiffness, and any difficulty with scans. Prepare for surgery and rehabilitation using the hospital's instructions. For background, see [Patient-Specific Instrumentation](/technology/patient-specific-instrumentation/) and [Total Knee Replacement](/treatments/joint-replacement/total-knee-replacement/).

Tell the team before surgery about a new fever, wound, skin infection, or major change in your health. After surgery, contact them urgently for increasing wound redness or discharge, severe or escalating pain, marked calf swelling, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or a new inability to move or support the leg.

Would patient-specific guides add useful information in my case? What scan creates the guides? What happens if the guide does not fit as expected? Will standard instruments also be available? How will this affect my rehabilitation plan?