Q:		When would the OrthoGlide be an option for me?
A:		If you are continuing to have knee pain after receiving conventional, non-surgical therapy and your doctor is considering surgical options then the OrthoGlide may be the next step for you. A trained OrthoGlide surgeon can help determine if you are a candidate. Please visit the PHYSICIAN LOCATOR to find a surgeon.
Q:		What is it made of and how does it work?
A:		The OrthoGlide is made of a cobalt-chrome metal alloy. Its geometric design allows it to fit the natural shape of the knee joint and allow full articulation. It comes in a range of sizes to fit patient anatomy.
Q:		How long will the surgery take?
A:		As with any surgery, there are many factors that can determine the length of the procedure, but on average the surgery takes about an hour.
Q:		What are some of the risks associated with the OrthoGlide surgery?
A:		Risks of the procedure are the same as those associated with any surgical procedure including: infection, blood clots, cardiovascular, pulmonary and anesthetic complications. The risks associated with any knee surgery include: scarring, continued pain, inflammation, dislocation, edema, damage to ligaments, and the need to revise the surgery. Specific to the OrthoGlide procedure the device may dislocate or cause damage to the bone. Your surgeon will review all risks. If you have osteoporosis, it is recommended to limit your level of activity post-operatively and to have your condition treated and monitored by your family physician.
Q:		What kind of rehabilitation can I expect?
A:		Minimal to no rehab is recommended after surgery. After surgery you may put weight on your leg as tolerated. You may be given a cane or crutches to assist you. You will be instructed on some simple exercises to do at home. Some surgeons prescribe the use of a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine to aid in your knee movement.
Q:		Will I have to wear a leg brace?
A:		Most surgeons don’t recommend the use of a brace after OrthoGlide surgery.
Q:		When can I get back to regular activity?
A:		Weight bearing on the knee is as tolerated after surgery. Light to moderate activity is recommended after surgery as the knee begins to feel more comfortable. Even though the pain in the knee may be reduced to the point of increasing activity levels, it is still recommended to limit your activities. Your surgeon will discuss with you when you should resume your normal activity level.
Q:		What type of activities can I do after surgery?
A:		The OrthoGlide is designed to reduce the pain in the knee so that you can enjoy more of your day-to-day activities. Patients who have undergone knee surgery are usually told to avoid high impact sports such as jogging, basketball, soccer etc. Recommended safe activities include walking, golf, swimming, and cycling.
Q:		Will the OrthoGlide take away the pain in my knee?
A:		The OrthoGlide is an alternative option for patients considering more invasive procedures for relieving pain. In the continuum of care of OA of the knee it would be placed after all other non-surgical therapies have been tried. The OrthoGlide may not relieve all the pain, but it is designed to significantly reduce the pain in the knee by being a low friction surface between the painful bone-on-bone contact in an arthritic knee.
Q:		Where is my nearest surgeon?
A:		Please use the PHYSICIAN LOCATOR to find a qualified surgeon.
Q:		Why isn’t there a surgeon trained in my city?
A:		We are currently expanding our surgeon training program throughout the United States.
Q:		Are there any research studies being conducted on the OrthoGlide?
A:		Marketing clearance was granted by the FDA in February 2006. There are a number of surgeons who are participating in a study to follow their OrthoGlide patients for two years.