Locally Developed Knee Surgical Technique Puts Patient Back Into Life ModeMay 9, 2016
By: DOST-PCHRD Sources: dost.gov.ph (http://bit.ly/1YeDdNv) and dzrhnews.com (http://bit.ly/1Wn0cbe) The patient’s pre-operative photo.
EDITHA de Guzman had, for about seven years, struggled with knee arthritis which limited her mobility and caused her excruciating pain in the last year. When she was in Canada where one of her daughters lives, she wouldn’t go out with her friends and instead, just stayed home watching TV. Mornings were especially trying as she struggled to get up from bed with difficulty. In the middle of the night, she would wake up to answer nature’s callbut had to crawl all the way to the bathroom, as she didn’t want to wake upany of her children.
But a trip back to the Philippines to have her knees checked changed everything. She learned she had to undergo knee replacement operation for both her knees. The cost, however, was too expensive. World-class technology developed by Filipinos until she learned of another option: the Axis Knee Replacement System, the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia, and which has been in the Philippine market since July 2015.
With funding by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council on Health Research and Development (DOSTPCHRD), the Axis Knee Replacement System was developed by a team spearheaded by internationally renowned surgeon Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo from Negros Occidental. Theteam is composed of Filipino, American, Japanese, and Chinese specialists. A knee implant basically has three components: the femoral (thigh) component made of a highly polished metal alloy, the tibial (shin) component made of polymer sometimesheld in a metal tray, and the patellar (knee cap) component which is also made of polymer. A well-designed knee implantcan last up to 20 years.
During surgery, the surgeon cuts off damaged cartilage and bone from the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee and replaces them with these artificial parts. They should be well aligned with the mechanical axis of the leg.
“Axis means that the system achieves correct positioning of the implant components in relation to the mechanical axis which is the line from the center of the hip joint to the center of the knee to the center of the ankle,” explained Dr. Gustilo.
The Axis Knee Replacement System is made of similar materials as other knee systems sold in different countries around the world. Yet, it has many features that make it unique from existing systems, which Dr. Gustilo and his team believe will give better patient satisfaction and outcome.
Among these is the instrumentation.“These refer to a set of instruments used to guide the surgeon to make the proper cuts in the bone, so that the knee implant components would fit over these cut surfaces of the bone and at the same time, they would be properly aligned with respect to the mechanical axis,” said Mr. Jude L. Sasing, a member of Dr. Gustilo’s team.
Editha de Guzman shows her knees a few weeks after her knee replacement surgery. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)
Editha de Guzman’s goal and that of her children and seven grandchildren has been achieved. “Napakalaking ginhawa itong pagkaka-opera sa akin talaga (The knee operation has given mesuch a huge relief really),” de Guzman said. She plans to go back to Canada this June and be ready to go out with her friends in Winnipeg once again. She’s also planning a trip to the Holy Land before the end of the year. “This is really life changing. What we were trying to avoid is when her mobility becomes very limited and then she will get depressed,” Cecil revealed. “So now she’s no longer irritable. The old Nanay is back.
Dr. Ilustre I. Guloy, Jr., chairman of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery and member of the team which developed the Axis Knee Replacement System. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII) Dr. Ramon Gustilo, chairman of OII who spearheaded the development of the Axis Knee Replacement System. (Photo by Henry A. de Leon, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII) |
Oct 25, 2018. Mahahalagang Kaalaman Tungkol sa Total Knee Replacement Jul 13, 2018. Karagdagagang Impormasyon Tungkol sa Axis Knee System May 24, 2018. Axis Knee System is Available Nationwide! May 09, 2018. The Best Gift for your Mom this Mother's Day Feb 07, 2018. What Makes Axis Knee System unique? Nov 22, 2017. Axis Knee System 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Aug 30, 2017. Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo recipient of 2017 UPAA Distinguished Alumnus Award in Medicine May 04, 2017. POA 27th Midyear Convention Mar 24, 2017. AAOS 2017 Annual Meeting at San Diego, CA Nov 22, 2016. 67th POA Annual Convention Nov 12, 2016. 22 surgeons attended Axis Knee System Training at POC Oct 06, 2016. Orthopaedic International goes to THAILAND! Sep 30, 2016. Axis goes to (Bicol) Access! Aug 18, 2016. Filipino orthopedic surgeons begin use of modern, cheaper way of knee surgery Aug 01, 2016. DOST showcases PH-designed knee replacement Jul 27, 2016. OII welcomed the Senior Citizens Association for a plant tour Jun 16, 2016. Pinoy company now manufactures knee implants designed for Asians Jun 01, 2016. No More 'Going Weak at the Knees' May 19, 2016. Orthopaedic International clears way for conquering Osteoarthritis May 18, 2016. Orthopedic global expert promotes PCHRD-supported technology “Axis Knee System” May 15, 2016. Axis knee System: Confidence in Every Step Mar 02, 2016. OII at the AAOS Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida Nov 01, 2015. Joint effort propels development of ‘affordable’ knee replacements Jul 27, 2015. DOST develops knee replacement at half the cost of regular treatment Jul 22, 2015. Philippine firm makes knee implants affordable |
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