The CT scan is a diagnostic tool for your surgeon to assess the course of treatment for your knee. CT scan data is used to create a 3D model of your knee to either design your personalized knee implant system (in approximately 6 weeks) or to select the best fit size of your pre-navigated implant (in approximately 3 weeks). The advanced scan data also drives the creation of your personalized surgical plan and 3D-printed surgical instruments.

If you choose the personalized knee replacement option, Conformis’ proprietary software uses your CT scan data to design your implant and set of instrumentation that will match precisely to the 3D model of the knee, correcting the data for any underlying arthritic deformity such as bone spurs, cysts, or flattening of the joint. If you choose the pre-navigated knee implant option, then your CT scan data is used to determine the best fit size and placement of your implant, and the design of a set of surgical instruments just for you. With either option, a surgical plan will also be created specifically for your procedure.

Most major insurance providers and Medicare cover the full or partial cost of Conformis implants, depending on the option selected. However, as insurance coverage can vary by surgeon, hospital, location, and network, your surgeon’s office is the best source of insurance coverage information for you.

As every case is different, please be sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for pain medication and physical therapy.

Your surgeon can best determine how much physical therapy is appropriate for you. In many cases, physical therapy is prescribed to avoid the build-up of scar tissue, help restore normal movement in your joint, build up strength in the joint and surrounding muscles, ease pain and swelling, and help with circulation. In all cases, an immediate postoperative recovery will focus on protecting the knee, minimizing discomfort, and ensuring an early return to motion. After that, your surgeon will prescribe a set of simple exercises to aid in knee replacement surgery recovery and strengthen your knee.

Your return to work will be dependent on your job requirements and endurance. Typically, patients return to office work in two to three weeks; jobs that require longer periods of standing may require a longer knee replacement recovery time.