Printer-friendly format

Dr. Hugh B. Morris

Orlando Surgeon Gains Attention with Knee Replacement Techniques

When Apopka resident Chris Rucker, a 62-year-old health educator and author, decided she could no longer tolerate the pain and lack of mobility caused by degenerative arthritis in her knees, she started looking for an orthopedic surgeon to perform knee replacement surgery.  (See related story below.)

Following the recommendations of friends and associates, she consulted with Hugh B. Morris, MD, a partner in the Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic in Orlando who has performed more than 2,000 total knee replacement surgeries. She says Morris couldn’t believe she was still walking. He replaced her left knee with a prosthesis in January 2009 and the right knee nine months later. “Thanks to the special techniques Morris uses and my strict adherence to post-op care and physical therapy, I now have over 130-degree flexion in both knees,” she said.


A growing trend

Like Rucker, more than 300,000 people undergo knee replacement surgery each year in the U.S., a result of longer life expectancy, more active lifestyles that increase wear and tear, and advances in joint replacement technology. While a replacement knee is not as good as a healthy, native joint, most patients adapt well and anxiety about the surgery has lessened.

Rucker suffered from knee problems since the 1970’s as a result of severe injuries she sustained competing in college gymnastics. “For 10 years I suffered,” she said. “I knew if I wanted to have a normal life, I needed to have this surgery.” She walks, works out with weights, climbs stairs without assistance and enjoys romping, wrestling, running and playing with her two young grandsons.


Trouble free knees

While studies done at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City indicate 85 percent of prostheses function well for 20 years, the overwhelming majority of Morris’ patients who received total knee replacements 20 years ago have total functionality and do not require revisions or replacements. Moreover, their 15- and 20- year x-rays appear no different than their initial post-op films. Morris believes his technique, which includes the proper placement and fitting of the implant using medium viscosity cement—is a primary reason why.

“Experience matters and results count,” said Morris. “The science behind this cement technique was first reported 30 years ago, yet it has never really been taught to surgeons. Newer techniques and cements continue to emerge, but in medicine, new isn't always better. The proof is in the outcomes. I firmly believe a total knee replacement performed properly should last a patient’s lifetime if they treat it well.”

Over the past two decades, Morris has designed implants, and developed procedures and surgical instruments for total knee replacement and new techniques for sizing and preparing the bone for an accurate fit. These advances help ensure successful operations to restore mobility and stability while achieving optimum balance and range of motion for the patient.


A global reach

Orthopedic surgeons from around the globe turn to Morris to learn about his total knee replacement techniques. He recently developed a continuing education program for surgeons on the Orthopedics HyperGuide (http://www.ortho.hyperguides.com), an online education site that offers continuing education credits to surgeons. The presentation, Radiographic Results of Total Knee Replacement Cement Technique with Medium Viscosity Cement, highlights his techniques for achieving superior long-term results with total knee replacement patients.

“Bone cement and cementing technique play an integral role in the survivorship of the patient’s implant,” said Greg Boggis, global product manager for Stryker Corporation. “Dr. Morris has worked with Stryker and our market-leading Simplex P Bone Cement to educate fellow surgeons and help improve patient outcomes throughout the world.”

“Patients, physicians and hospital administrators are at an advantage if there are no issues and problems post surgery,” Morris notes. “It’s important to get this surgery right the first time, because it saves pain and recuperation time for patients, and money for the physician and hospital. Revisions require more time in the operating room and most insurance does not reimburse those procedures dollar for dollar.”


Related Story

Knee Replacement Statistics

The first total knee replacement was performed in 1968 at New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery. The procedure is considered one of the most important orthopedic surgical advances of the 20th century.

A knee replacement prosthesis consists of three components: femoral (metal), tibial (plastic in a metal tray), and patellar (plastic). The prosthesis completely replaces the damaged knee joint.

More than 300,000 knee replacements are performed in the U.S. annually, and the number is expected to increase 525 percent by the year 2030.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis are the three most common types of arthritis that affect the knee joint and lead to total replacement; however, sports injuries are increasing contributors to damaged knee joints.
Most total knee replacement patients are 60 to 80 years old.

Approximately 90 percent of knee replacement patients report dramatic pain relief, and the ability to easily perform tasks they have not done in a long time.

Knee replacement patients can resume most normal activities, yet need to avoid high impact exercise or sports and heavy lifting.

Tags:

bone cement, Hugh B. Morris, Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic, Knee replacement, MD, Orthopedics HyperGuide, Stryker Corporation

Login and voice your opinion!