Joint Resurfacing

Roger Nowak, MD, is now offering people suffering from joint pain due to Patellofemoral arthritis or injury, a minimally invasive alternative to total joint replacement.

Dr. Nowak, an orthopaedic surgeon, recently began using a new technology called the Arthosurface® resurfacing system to treat pain caused by damage to the articular cartilage. The articular cartilage is a smooth metallic surface that covers the bones of a joint and lets them slide against one another. During the outpatient procedure, a cobalt chrome implant is placed over the joint surface, essentially resurfacing the damaged joint so that the bones can slide freely against one another.

Dr. Nowak is the only surgeon in the state using the procedure for patients suffering from problems in the Patellofemoral joint of the knee. Due to the nature of the knee joint, which is made up of three parts, these people would previously have required total joint replacement surgery. With the new resurfacing procedure, Nowak is able to resurface the Patellofemoral joint independently of the rest of the knee joint.

“If this wears out, it can be converted to a major knee replacement,” 
                                                                              Roger Nowak, MD

Joint resurfacing is a promising option for younger, active adults who are usually told they are too young for a total joint replacement.

“We often see people who are young and healthy but who have horribly destroyed joints. A lot of people have had to give up all of their activities because the pain in their knee or shoulder is so bad they can’t do anything. This can help them get back to a more healthy and active lifestyle,”
                                                                              Roger Nowak, MD

A joint replacement in a person in their 40’s or 50’s sets the stage for later problems, as they will require another replacement, or revision, within 15 to 20 years when the replaced joint wears out.

The resurfacing procedure leaves the joint structure and tissues intact, which is beneficial when, and if, the person needs a total joint replacement at a later date. The implant has also been shown to slow further joint deterioration, which may delay the need for a total joint replacement.

The minimally invasive procedure takes about 50 minutes and patients return home the same day. While patients will have some post operative discomfort associated with the procedure, it is considerably less than they would experience with a total joint replacement.