Why is patient-specific instrumentation used in total knee replacement?

Planning begins with imaging that shows the shape and alignment of the knee. Software can use these measurements to design guides that fit selected areas of the patient's bone. In the operating room, the guides help the surgeon follow the planned cuts and alignment steps. They are aids, not autonomous devices: the surgeon checks the fit and adapts the plan when the findings during surgery differ from the images. The approach does not remove the need for rehabilitation or guarantee a particular result.

Ask which imaging is needed and how the plan could change if the knee looks different during surgery. Discuss implant choices, pain control, blood-clot prevention, wound care and physiotherapy. Tell the surgical team about medicines, allergies, skin problems and other health conditions. After surgery, follow the prescribed exercises and walking advice, use the recommended support, and attend reviews so movement and wound healing can be checked.

Contact the surgical team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening swelling or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan. Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, a newly cold or pale foot, or sudden calf swelling with pain. Also report new weakness or inability to move the foot. Early review can distinguish expected recovery changes from problems needing treatment.

What does my imaging show? Which parts of the operation will the guides assist with? What happens if a guide does not fit as planned? How will alignment be checked? What is my rehabilitation schedule?