There are no live seminars scheduled, but we want to remind you that the entire educational seminar "Joint Arthritis - What's New, What Works" is available for viewing online, either in its entirety or in segments.

Over the recent years many surgeons have been able to reduce the surgical incision when performing a knee replacement surgery. Cutting less of the surrounding tissues in the knee results in less pain and a quicker recovery for you. Still, it is estimated that only 20% of surgeons actually use minimally invasive techniques routinely for a total knee replacement surgery.

A typical total knee procedure performed by Dr. Zehr over the years has been through a "minimally invasive quad-sparing approach" with a 4" skin incision.  The quadriceps tendon is not cut and the patella is not everted (turned outward), both are important in lessening the pain of this procedure.  Additionally, the use of a long-acting analgesic cocktail that is injected into the knee at the end of surgery, combined with an aggressive physical therapy program designed to get you up walking the same day of surgery, has shown to be one of the most important protocols for controlling pain and restoring function rapidly to the knee.

Dr. Zehr's fit and healthy patients are usually able to return to normal activities such as golf, biking, swimming, doubles tennis and long distance walking in just 4-6 weeks after surgery.

New Total Knee System Spares the ACL 

Until now, all total knee replacement procedures required cutting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), although some replacement systems allowed the surgeon to preserve the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) As one of the four main ligaments in the knee, the ACL is critical to the stability of the knee. Medical device manufacturer Biomet has recently introduced a new total knee replacement system that spares both the ACL and the PCL. Still undergoing clinical trials, the Vanguard XP system is expected to improve knee function for its recipients. 

Surgeons using the new system are required to undergo additional training. In an interview with Orthopreneur magazine, Biomet's General Manager and Vice President of Global Knees Todd O. Davis explains why, saying, "We think that's important because we're actually changing the surgical philosophy. It's not a total knee with the ACL retained; it's an ACL retaining procedure."   

Dr. Zehr will be using this new knee replacement system in eligible patients.

The first smiling face you see as you enter the Zehr Center, Joanne Renken has been the Office Manager for the past two years and she "absolutely loves" her job!

Joanne has worked in the medical field for 25 years and became a certified professional coder in 2003. In addition to orthopaedics, her extensive background includes work in cardiology, vascular surgery, general surgery, and plastic surgery.

Raised in New Jersey, Joanne moved to Florida in 1996. She is a single Mom to two daughters, ages 23 and 27. Joanne loves the beach, shelling and boating. She counts gardening and all kinds of arts and crafts among her hobbies.