Beyond Standardization in Knee Surgery: Time to Think Personalized

The concept of personalized medicine is becoming more significant in many surgical fields, including orthopedics and traumatology, with a significant focus on knee surgery, including knee replacements, sports injuries, and trauma care. Traditionally, knee surgery has relied on standardized methods to ensure consistency and efficiency in treatment. However, these approaches often fail to consider individual differences in anatomy, movement, and lifestyle demands.

Recent advancements in imaging technologies, surgical techniques, and a greater focus on patient-centered care, are allowing knee surgery to move forward a more personalized approach. Surgeons can achieve better patient outcomes, faster recovery, and improved long-term functionality by moving beyond standardization. This Research Topic aims to explore the evolving practices in knee surgery, shifting focus from standardized procedures to customized surgical interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore how knee surgery is shifting from standard practices to more personalized procedures. It will discuss the challenges and opportunities in customizing surgeries to suit each patient’s unique anatomy, movement biomechanics, and lifestyle needs.

Key topics include but are not limited to:
• Knee replacement surgery: how patient-specific alignment, custom implants, robotic surgery, and personalized rehabilitation plans can improve outcomes.
• Sports injuries and knee care: the best strategies for treating meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and recovery plans designed for different activity levels.
• Trauma care: how advanced imaging, customized fixation methods, and personalized recovery plans can improve healing after knee injuries.
• New technology and medical advances: the role of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and new materials in improving surgical precision and patient results.
• Challenges in personalized surgery: issues such as surgeon training, costs, accessibility, and changes needed in healthcare systems.
• Patient-focused treatment: the importance of shared decision-making, patient feedback, and teamwork among medical professionals in providing personalized knee care.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions from researchers, clinicians, and surgeons with an interest in knee surgery and related fields. We encourage submissions that explore advancements in personalized knee surgery, including innovative techniques, technologies, and patient-centered approaches.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Original research: Clinical trials, studies on biomechanics, new technologies, surgical approaches, procedures, and materials that improve personalized knee surgery.
• Review articles: Summaries of current knowledge and future directions in patient-specific knee treatments.
• Perspective and opinion pieces: Expert insights on challenges, ethical considerations, and the future of personalized knee surgery.
• Case studies and technical reports: Examples of successful personalized surgical techniques and treatment plans that could improve patient outcomes.

Authors are encouraged to submit research that contributes to the evolving landscape of knee surgery, highlighting the shift from standardized protocols to individualized patient care

Keywords: Personalized knee surgery, arthroplasty alignment, sports medicine, trauma management, patient-centered care, robotic-assisted surgery, individualized rehabilitation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.