Alta View Orthopedics

Orthopedic surgeon Michael Johnson provides knee and hip replacement as well as non-surgical care for his patients who suffer from joint pain and arthritis. His practice, Alta View Orthopedics, located at 9720 South 1300 East Suite E240, is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Michael's approach to care and new technology which makes a difference in the lives of his patients is truly something to celebrate.

Just a year ago, Michael introduced his patients to a new high-tech alternative to the traditional knee replacement. This alternative is called Signature Personalized Patient Care. This allows Michael to use magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce personalized guides to more accurately position total knee implants. The Signature system utilizes custom femoral and tibial positioning guides to fit directly onto the patient's unique anatomy.

"I wanted to introduce this new technique because I know people have interest in it and my patients are all happy with the outcome or are interested in pursuing it,' Michael says.

There are similar technologies that use computer navigation that are popular, Michael says, but they are not as efficient as the Signature Personalized Patient Care and therefore more time is needed during the surgery. The system not only allows the doctor to better position the implant, it also allows them to prepare for what is needed before the day of surgery.

"I can be more precise with my preoperative planning by sizing up the components before surgery," he says. "This aids in a quicker surgery and anytime you speed up surgery, it lowers risk of infection and blood loss."

Michael became aware of this new technology through purchasing implants from Biomet, a manufacturer that not only distributes implants but is an innovator in surgical techniques.

"Biomet is on the forefront of technology with this market," he says. "When I heard about this new technology, it really made a lot of sense."

When it comes to hip replacement, Michael is also light years ahead in getting the best care for his patients. A new anterior approach developed for hip replacement has the potential to cut down a patient's recovery time.

"It's a muscle sparing approach, making it less invasive because I don't have to detach muscles from the bone," Michael says. "It also eliminates potential complications of dislocation which is one of the risks."

Michael's team at Alta View Orthopedics can also help patients find non-surgical options to help with joint pain and arthritis. Some of the options are medications, injections and/or physical therapy. Once all of these options have been exhausted, Michael's patients can have be assured that he will provide optimal care and use the latest technology to get them back on their feet again. For more information on Alta View Orthopedics and the surgical procedures Michael employs, call 801-501-5500.