Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center performs first outpatient partial knee replacement surgery

Iowa City, IA – 6/13/18 – Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) announced that surgeons at the facility performed a partial knee replacement surgery using a unicompartmental knee system.

A unicompartmental knee system is a potential alternative to total knee replacement for patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that is generally limited to a single compartment of the knee. This unicompartmental knee system is designed to replace only the damaged portion of the knee, thereby allowing the surgeon to preserve the joint’s healthy bone and cartilage and spare the cruciate ligaments that help provide knee stability.

According to Dr. Whited of Iowa City ASC, “Joint replacement surgery continues to advance, allowing for a shorter postoperative stay and a more rapid recovery when performed on an outpatient basis.  I am excited to be able to offer this service at Iowa City ASC, which allows some patients to avoid being in a hospital and helps promote a quicker return to activity and doing all the things a painful knee has kept them from.”

“We have performed this procedure at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City since 2012,” said Dr. Whited, “but this is the first time we have been able to offer it at the ASC, making it another great option for patients.”

The unicomparmental knee system or partial knee implant is designed to offer benefits to patients who have a moderately active lifestyle and are within normal weight ranges. The implant allows for up to 155° of flexion for some patients and can be placed using modern minimally invasive techniques.

In contrast to total knee replacement, partial knee replacement is designed to offer patients:

• Less pain
• A more normal feeling knee
• Smaller incisions
• Quicker rehabilitation

Dr. Dennison of Iowa City ASC stated, “Iowa City ASC provides a unique opportunity to provide streamlined care and rapid recovery with early return to the home environment. For the right patient this is an excellent way to begin their process towards rehabilitation of their joint function and activity.”

Both Dr. Whited and Dr. Dennison provide orthopedic services at Steindler Orthopedic and have surgical privileges at Iowa City ASC and Mercy Hospital.

About Iowa City ASC 

The Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center is a multi-specialty, state of the art surgical facility providing quality outpatient surgical services. The center established in 2008 currently performs approximately 7,000 surgical procedures per year. Most patients who do not require specialized hospital treatment or overnight observation can safely have their outpatient surgical procedure performed at the Iowa City ASC.  For more information about Iowa City ASC visit www.iowacityasc.com or call 319-248-1500.

About Steindler Orthopedic Clinic 

Dr. Whited and Dr. Dennison of Iowa City ASC are both practicing doctors at Steindler Orthopedic Clinic.

At Steindler Orthopedic Clinic, their specialty-trained doctors are recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries.  For more information visit www.steindlerorthopedic.com.

About Mercy Hospital

Mercy Iowa City is an acute care hospital and regional referral center that draws patients from throughout southeast Iowa.  Mercy’s medical staff is comprised of more than 225 physicians representing all major medical specialties and most subspecialties. Many Mercy physicians conduct their outpatient practice in offices in the community.

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Hall et al., “Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (Alias Uni-Knee): An Overview With Nursing Implications,” Orthopaedic Nursing, 2004; 23(3): 163-171.

Repicci, JA, et al., “Minimally invasive surgical technique for unicondylar knee arthroplasty,” J South Orthopedic Association, 1999 Spring; 8(1): 20-7.

Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center