Why PAS2
Since the initial worldwide spread of these systematic techniques in the 70s’ (hip) and 80s’ (knee), the world of arthroplasty has dramatically changed. Surgeons have become much more specialized, often fellowship-trained, with the aim of being an expert of a single joint (hip or knee) or type of procedure (joint replacement). Implant designs have become much more sophisticated; hard-wearing material, available in various shapes, sizes and with high modularity, resulting in a more anatomical fit overall. Finally, precision and accuracy of implantation have significantly improved through the use of assistive technological tools (e.g. computed or robotic-assisted surgery, patient-specific cutting guides) and pre- or intra-operative tri-dimensional dynamic planning, respectively. These changes in practice over the last few decades, combined with recent evidence highlighting the detrimental clinical effect of neglecting individual joint anatomy and kinematics, have led to the development of a more personalised philosophy for arthroplasty.
In order to improve clinical outcomes of prosthetic joints, more personalised and anatomical/soft-tissue friendly techniques have recently been developed. Bone preserving (HR/UKA) and/or Kinematic alignment techniques for implanting hip (THR/HR) and knee (UKA/TKA) components are therefore gaining popularity. These techniques aim to reproduce patients’ native anatomy and physiological joint laxity, therefore improving the prosthetic hip/knee kinematics and functional outcomes. Compared to conventional techniques, personalized hip and knee replacements seem to be clinically advantageous. In addition, they often enable preservation of bone stock (partial knee replacement and hip resurfacing), easing eventual revision surgery. These advantages are becoming even more important in the current environment, where patients are younger, with higher expectations and a longer life expectancy.
We came to the decision to create an International Society named ‘personalized arthroplasty Society (PAS)’ that will pave the way for the paradigm shift from systematic to personalised surgery.