Indication first
A technically precise replacement cannot compensate for a poor indication. Symptoms must be coherent with the arthritic knee and sufficiently limiting.
Ligament balance
Dr Stanovici gives major importance to preserving the ligament envelope and performs ligament releases only exceptionally when deformity allows a personalised reconstruction.
Robotics
Robotic systems can objectively measure anatomy and ligament gaps. They help execute and quantify a plan; they do not choose the indication or philosophy.
Custom-made implants
A truly customised implant is different from patient-specific cutting guides. It is useful only when anatomy, ligaments and deformity make it appropriate.
Risks and recovery
Infection, thrombosis, stiffness, persistent pain, instability, fracture and rare neurovascular complications are discussed before surgery. Recovery focuses on extension, progressive flexion, strength and function.