MATTHEW W. RUSSO, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon in Scottsdale AZ
Dr. Russo is a third-generation orthopedic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ specializing in total hip and knee replacement surgery and has now performed over 3000 joint replacements since his fellowship training. He feels very grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Phoenix community as an orthopedic surgeon, just as his father and grandfather have done, for over 30 years.
Dr. Russo believes it is essential to listen to patients and to treat them just as he would his own family members. He was specifically drawn to hip and knee replacements because he finds it rewarding to play a role in the transformation of patients whose lives have been limited by their condition and to help return them to the everyday activities and lifestyle they previously enjoyed.
THE RUSSO KNEE – FIVE DECADES OF MUSCLE SPARING TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
The “Russo Knee” approach to total knee replacement surgery has evolved over three generations. Vincent P. Russo, MD performed the original procedure in the 1970’s. Vincent J. Russo, MD modified the technique in the 1980’s to include a subvastus muscle sparing approach to preserve the quadriceps from injury and enhance initial recovery. Matthew W. Russo, MD further built upon the tenets of this minimally invasive surgical technique passed down to him while also incorporating the latest technological advancements and principles of modern total knee replacement alignment strategies.
Although the muscle sparing technique of subvastus knee replacement has been around for decades, recent media campaigns that compare your knee replacement to changing the oil in your car, suggest that this is a new concept. In reality, thousands of “Russo Knee” patients have benefited from a similar approach over the last five decades.
It is important to understand however, that successful total knee replacement in the long-term is about more than just a minimally invasive approach. Balance, alignment, and kinematics of how the components are placed in the knee have been studied extensively in the orthopaedic literature and arguably may be more important to the long term results of total knee replacement. Most recent data has shown that recreating the patient’s unique anatomy prior to the onset of deformity while also respecting the balance of three kinematic axes of rotation in the knee is the key to implant survival, reduced pain, improved long-term stability and functionality.
Unlike many traditional alignment techniques, Dr. Russo offers a personalized approach to total knee replacement often referred to as “kinematic alignment”. This technique combined with a subvastus muscle sparing surgical exposure, medial oblique skin incision, and a home delivered exercise stationary bicycle allows for greater patient satisfaction, earlier return to function, and improved long-term results following total knee replacement surgery.
ANTERIOR APPROACH TO TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY IN SURGERY
Dr. Russo utilizes the latest technology to assist in performing accurate and personalized joint replacement with greater precision. Controlled, automated impaction combined with technology assisted component positioning systems work in conjunction with the surgeon and each patient’s unique anatomy to achieve optimal outcomes. This added level of accuracy can help improve the function, feel and potential longevity of your new joint.
