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News Release – Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center –
March 2005
Rotating Platform Knee Replacement Benefits
Younger Patients
CRYSTAL RIVER
-- Advanced technology in knee replacement is helping local orthopedic
physician William
J. Stalcup, DO closely mimic the motion of a natural knee.
Known as the rotating platform knee, the advanced implant uses
a unique design to enhance the knee’s range of rotation
in patients with arthritis or injury.
Total knee replacement surgery
is often reserved for people 60 or older. “With the improved,
longer lasting rotating platform knee,” notes Dr.
Stalcup, “the same benefits of knee replacement can
be offered to younger patients suffering from pain and reduced
mobility in their knees.”
Dr.
Stalcup, board certified in orthopedics, is the leader
at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in using the rotating platform
knee implant. Physically active people with knee problems caused
by arthritis, accident or injury may benefit from this devise.
The rotating platform replacement
resurfaces the patient’s diseased or injured knee with an
implant. The devise is made of metal and medical grade plastic,
known as polyethylene. It is called a rotating platform knee because
the three parts that make up the implant can swivel and rotate.
This mobility helps to reduce wear-and-tear on the implant –
making it another option for younger patients with knee problems.
Nearly 400,000 Americans
undergo knee replacements each year to help restore mobility and
reduce pain. The rotating platform concept is not new –
the technology has been used successfully since 1977 – but
it is receiving renewed attention due to clinical success and
continual enhancements.
As with any surgery, there
are potential risks. Recovery takes time and hard work. The life
of a new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other
factors. Each patient responds differently.
If you or someone you know may
benefit from the rotating platform knee, please
call our office
at 352-795-1300 to obtain further information or to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Stalcup.