HEALTH
second-generation knee.
One of Rossario’s favorite patients, Henry Szmyt, a
74-year-old engineer, had both knees replaced due to
rheumatoid arthritis. He had the surgeries done three days
apart, then did six weeks of rehabilitation. Admitting that,
yes, there was some pain involved, Szmyt said people
whose daily functions are compromised like his were, need
to check out the cutting-edge procedure. Szmyt was able to
return to work at his manufacturing plant following rehabilitation.
The ConforMIS iTotal customized knee replacement procedure
60
is no longer an experimental one, having been approved
by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011. Since
then, 50,000 patients have been treated with this technology,
according to Elizabeth Best, vice president of corporate
communications and engagement marketing at ConforMIS.
She added that the implants are covered by Medicare and
major insurers.
Although the price of the implants is costlier than an offthe
shelf knee replacement, related costs are lessened, leaving
the insurer and patient with basically the same payout
for each. Of course, patients should always check with their
insurance companies before choosing a surgical procedure.
Rossario does 350-400 knee replacements a year, with
a greater increase of patients during the winter season,
when he might do eight to 10 per week. In his downtime,
he hunts and plays guitar with The Showcase, a local band
that plays once a month at Sailor’s Return in Stuart.
According to Rossario, ConforMIS plans to have a hip
replacement out this year and after that is perfected, will
work on a shoulder joint replacement.
Rossario examines
Szmyt’s extended
knee as he puts
weight on it.
A Moment’s Notice
HEALTH CARE
We do the things that make life better for you.
• Serving Indian River and Surrounding Counties
Since 1974
• 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days Per Week
• Private Duty Home Health Agency / Qualified Caregivers
• We Don’t Use Independent Contractors
• Our Rates are Among the Most Reasonable in Our Area
• Our Mission is to Provide an Excellent Level of Independent
Living for Each Patient in His or Her Own Home
• As the Saying Goes, “There’s No Place Like Home.”
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