2002

Kaleida surgeon Dr. Owen Moy appeared on AM Buffalo Thursday, April 11 to talk about a pioneering surgery he performed in January to replace the hand joints of patient Michael Farely. Dr. Moy is a surgeon at the Hand Center of Western New York, located at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital.

Dr. Moy is the first physician in New York State to perform the implant procedure, which uses a new substance recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. He is one of just a handful of "alpha users" in the nation trained to perform the procedure. The new implants are made of pyrocarbon, a harder and more durable substance.

Also appearing was the patient, Michael Farely, who, as a result of the surgery, can continue his hobby of woodworking. Over the years Mr. Farely experienced increasing difficulty performing the craft due to pain and discomfort from arthritis in his hand. The pain grew so intense that it interfered not only with his woodworking but also with other daily activities.

Traditional treatment methods had either failed to help or were not viable options. Farely's debilitating arthritis led him to seek treatment at the Hand Center of WNY, located at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital. In January, Dr. Moy performed the implant procedure, and now Mr. Farely is on the road to resuming all normal activities, including his beloved woodworking, without pain.

Following is additional information regarding the new joint replacement surgery. If you would like further information, please contact Kaleida Health at (716) 887-4599.

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Fact Sheet
Pyrocarbon Joint Replacement

The new joint replacement is for people who suffer from many types of arthritis.

According to manufacturer Ascension Orthopedics, the pyrocarbon total joint system "features design characteristics that are biologically compatible, provide adequate fixation without the use of cement, exhibit superior wear and strength, restore normal joint kinetics, as well as allow for soft tissue reconstruction and preservation."

It provides not only pain relief and cosmetic improvement, but also establishes functional motion and functional pinch and grip strength in the long-term.

Ascension received FDA approval to market the pyrocarbon replacements in November 2001.

The pyrocarbon implant is made from a material friendly to their bodies that does not require fixation with cement or other materials. Pyrocarbon-related materials have been used for decades to produce artificial cardiac valves; pyrocarbon has properties ideally suited for making implants to replace the small joints of the hand and foot.

Prior joint replacements consisted of single-piece silicone rubber spacers. The pyrocarbon joints are two-component prostheses with an anatomic shape. The device achieves fixation - without the use of bone cement - by means of direct implant/bone apposition.