What is it made of and how does it work?

The OrthoGlide® is made of a cobalt-chrome metal alloy. Its geometric design allows it to fit the natural shape of the knee joint and allow full articulation. It comes in a wide range of sizes to fit a wide range of patient anatomy.

How long will the surgery take?

As with any surgery, there are many factors that can determine the length of the procedure, but on average the surgery takes 45 -60 minutes.

What are some of the risks associated with the OrthoGlide® surgery?

Risks of the procedure are the same as those associated with any surgical procedure including: infection, blood clots, cardiovascular, pulmonary and anesthetic complications. The risks associated with any knee surgery include: scarring, continued pain, inflammation, dislocation, edema (swelling), damage to ligaments, and the need to revise the surgery.

What kind of rehabilitation can I expect?

Minimal to no rehab is recommended after surgery. After surgery you may put weight on your leg as tolerated. You may be given a cane or crutches to assist you. You will be instructed on some simple exercises to do at home and ice the knee periodically.

Will I have to wear a leg brace?

No, most surgeons don’t use a brace after OrthoGlide® surgery.

When can I get back to regular activity?

Weight bearing on the knee is as tolerated after surgery. Light to moderate activity is recommended for 2-4 weeks after surgery as the knee begins to feel more comfortable. Even though the pain in the knee may be reduced to the point of increasing activity levels, it is still recommended to limit your activities for approximately 4-6 weeks. After the initial 4-6 weeks you will have continued improvement for up to a year. As a comparison, it generally takes about a year to recover from total knee replacement.

What type of activities can I do after surgery?

The OrthoGlide® is designed to reduce the pain in the knee so that you can enjoy more of your day-to-day activities. Patients who have undergone knee surgery are usually told to avoid high impact sports such as jogging, basketball, soccer etc. Recommended safe activities include walking, golf, swimming, and cycling.

Will the OrthoGlide® take away the pain in my knee?

The OrthoGlide® is an alternative option for patients considering more invasive procedures for relieving pain. It falls in the line of continuum of care after all other non-surgical therapies are used. The OrthoGlide® may not relieve all the pain, but it is designed to significantly reduce the pain in the knee by being a low friction spacer between the painful bone-on-bone contacts in an arthritic knee.

Why isn’t there a surgeon trained in my city?

This is a new procedure within the orthopedic industry and requires comprehensive training. ABS is committed to making sure surgeons have the proper training and technical support to help ensure a positive outcome and patient safety. We are attempting to get surgeons trained in all geographic regions.

Are there any research studies being conducted on the OrthoGlide®?

Marketing clearance was granted by the FDA in February 2006. There are a number of surgeons who are participating in an on going study to follow their OrthoGlide®patients for two years.

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