In a medical first, Dr. Joel Buchalter and his son, Dr. Daniel Buchalter, a dynamic father-son team at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group, have made history! They successfully implanted a cementless LINK OptiStem, the newest generation cementless femoral stem for complex knee surgery which offers significant advantages over current cemented stem designs.
This is the first time this advanced implant has been used in New York State and the first time it has been used in the entire Northeast, setting a new standard for complex revision knee surgery.
Imagine needing a revision joint replacement - like a second, third, or even fourth hip or knee replacement - but instead of using cement to fix it to bone, your bone actually grows into the implant itself, making it one with your skeleton!
That’s exactly what the LINK OptiStem does. It’s designed to have your bone grow into it permanently, making the implant more stable and secure than current generation cemented implants.
Most complex revision joint implants are held in place with cement. But over time, the interface between the cement and bone, or the cement and the implant, can loosen or even break, leading to pain, instability, and more surgery. The cementless LINK OptiStem changes the game by letting your bone grow into it naturally.
A Life-Saving Surgery: Complex Limb Salvage
This wasn’t just any revision joint replacement. The Buchalters performed a complex limb salvage procedure, which is a type of surgery that saves a person’s leg from amputation. This is usually needed when a person has had multiple failed prior reconstructive surgeries with severe bone loss and soft tissue deficiencies.
The LINK OptiStem was a perfect fit for this challenging surgery, giving the patient a better chance at a full recovery and a longer lasting solution to their unique orthopedic issue.
Working together, Dr. Joel Buchalter and Dr. Daniel Buchalter brought a powerful combination of experience and fresh perspective to this groundbreaking surgery. Their teamwork and innovative approach showcase the best of what modern medicine has to offer.
It’s not every day you see a father-son duo making medical history, but the Buchalters are doing just that - one surgery at a time.
This breakthrough opens new doors for people who need complex joint surgeries, especially those who have had failed implants or severe bone loss. The LINK OptiStem could be a game-changer for anyone looking for a more robust, durable, and longer-lasting revision joint replacement.
This isn’t just a win for the Buchalters or Somers Orthopaedics - it’s a win for patients everywhere. By being the first to use this cutting-edge technology in the Northeast, they’re paving the way for more advanced and effective orthopedic surgeries.
If you or someone you know is struggling with joint pain or needs complex joint surgery, contact Somers Orthopaedics to learn more about the latest treatments and whether the LINK OptiStem could be right for you.
This historic achievement marks a major milestone in orthopedic surgery and provides new hope for patients looking for better, longer-lasting solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest breakthroughs from Somers Orthopaedics!
