Local doctor honored in Germany
Surgeon with Adventist Health Lodi Memorial a pioneer in knee replacement surgery
Dr. Stephen M. Howell, a board certified orthopedic surgeon practicing at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, was recently awarded an honorary membership to the German Arthroplasty Society. Howell received the award at the organization’s recent conference held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Howell, a pioneer in the field of total knee replacement, was recognized by an international audience of medical professionals from Germany, Austria and Switzerland for his work and development of the kinematically aligned total knee replacement procedure.
Using a patient’s own natural knee joint alignment, kinematic aligned total knee replacement utilizes 3D technology to map the native joint line of the knee, as it was prior to the development of arthritis. This “kinematic alignment” allows for a custom and individualized placement of the implant in the knee for each patient, allowing for better outcomes. Patients see faster recovery times, pain relief, function and flexion, as well as improved implant survival.
Known internationally for his work as a clinician, researcher and innovator in total knee replacement, and listed in the top three percent of orthopedic surgeons nationally for outcomes, Howell is honored by this recent recognition from his German colleagues.
“It is truly an honor to be awarded this membership to a society of distinguished arthroplasty professionals,” he said. “We share the same focus and dedication to the care of our patients and continue striving to provide the very best outcomes.”