Klerksdorp Midweek, Potchefstroom - An orthopaedic surgeon, based at Lenmed MooiMed Private Hospital, performed a ground-breaking knee replacement surgery last week.
Dr Hannes Jonker - a member of the Orthosport group practice - performed the first Kinematically Aligned (KA) knee arthroplasty on the continent on Wednesday July 24, using the revolutionary SpheriKA prosthesis. Pioneering its regional debut, he completed not one but three successful KA procedures.
Kinematic Alignment (KA) is a technique designed to restore the knee to its pre-arthritic anatomical alignment.
It focuses on customising replacement components to a patient’s unique anatomy, biomechanics and motion patterns, aiming to achieve more natural knee movement, better functional outcomes, improved range of motion and greater implant durability.
The SpheriKA prosthesis is revolutionary in that it is optimised for KA procedures specifically. With a unique design that best mimics the natural spherical shape of the knee joint, it allows for more natural movement, reduces wear and tear on the joint and significantly improves patient outcomes by offering better range of motion and durability compared to traditional prosthetic designs.
Dr Jonker’s use of the SpheriKA implant is a leap forward in bringing cutting-edge technology to South Africa and speaks of his passion for pushing the boundaries of orthopaedic care.
Having performed over 1 500 KA procedures in the last five years, he is known for his impeccable technique and leading expertise in restoring natural joint anatomy and function. He also offers training in KA techniques to both local and international surgeons, furthering his impact in the field. He hopes to mentor a generation of orthopaedic surgeons who actively seek to break new grounds in the field.
