Dr. Ference Video Interview
About Minimally Invasive Total Knee Surgery
Dr. Robert J. Ference 1,000 minimally invasive
knee replacement surgeries a year Joint Plus Excel
27211 Lahser Rd.# 101
Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 603-4103
Website
Thanks to a new, state-of-the-art
procedure for total knee replacement developed by surgeons
at the Detroit Medical Center's Sinai-Grace Hospital, the
rehabilitation time for patients has been reduced from six
months to six weeks. ~ Detroit Medical Center
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Through the Joint Plus Excel program,
Robert Ference, M.D., performs approximately 1,000 minimally
invasive knee replacement surgeries every year. Dr. Ference,
whose expertise is known nationally, was trained by Dr.
Peter Bonutti, the physician who developed the procedure in
1991. Dr. Ference was one of the first in this area to
perform this technically challenging surgery and now trains
other physicians in this procedure.
Dr. Ference’s patients have come from across the country to
have this procedure performed.
Minimally invasive knee replacement requires a smaller
incision than traditional knee replacement surgery—3 to 4
inches, instead of 8 to 12 inches.
Rather than severing the quadriceps muscle and significantly
moving the kneecap, as in traditional knee surgery, the
minimally invasive procedure works around these structures.
As a result, it can cause less damage to the surrounding
tissue and reduces post-surgical pain and recovery time. The
surgery also uses regional anesthesia, not general
anesthesia, which is safer for patients. At Sinai-Grace,
infection rates are extremely low because the surgical team
uses space-age operating suits with large, masked helmets.
Patients are often discharged in two or three days compared
to three or four days for traditional surgery. Most patients
receiving minimally invasive knee replacement surgery at
Sinai-Grace are walking unassisted within two weeks, with a
total recovery time of six weeks. As part of the recovery
and rehabilitation process, Sinai-Grace’s physical
therapists begin working with patients within 24 hours after
surgery. Therapy is continued on an outpatient basis after
discharge.
Because today’s knee replacements are expected to last from
20 to 30 years, they are very suitable for a wide range of
age groups. Dr. Ference has performed the surgery on
patients from age 24 to age 94, patients who weighed from
150 pounds to 415 pounds, and patients who have had
conditions ranging from arthritis to severe deformities.
For referral to an orthopedic surgeon call 1-888-DMC-2500 or
click here.
Knee Pain can be controlled by many methods.
Deciding on what is right for you is up to you and your doctor.
This website does not provide medical advice.
Only a doctor can tell you what is wrong with your knee
and only a doctor can prescribe pain medicine and treatment.
