Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Leads Orthopedic Care into a New Era with Bio-Integrative Knee Implants

- Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is advancing orthopedic surgical care in South-Central Kentucky by offering an innovative bio-integrative implant technology designed to restore bone naturally and eliminate the need for permanent metal hardware.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Daniel Yanicko, MD, is among the specialists utilizing the OSSIOfiber® KneeBar® Procedure at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. The KneeBar® Procedure uses advanced bio-integrative implants that provide immediate structural support, then gradually transfer load-bearing responsibilities to the patient's bone as it heals.

For decades, traditional orthopedic surgery has relied on metal screws, plates, and absorbable synthetic materials to stabilize injured joints. While effective, traditional metal implants can sometimes cause tissue irritation, interfere with future diagnostic imaging, or require a second surgical procedure for removal.

Unlike conventional hardware, OSSIOfiber® is made from natural mineral fibers like those found in bone. Over time, through a process known as bio-integration, the implant fully integrates into the patient's surrounding anatomy and is replaced by natural, healthy bone.

"The KneeBar® Procedure represents a major shift in how we approach joint preservation and orthopedic repair," said Dr. Yanicko. "Instead of leaving behind permanent metal or using materials that simply dissolve, these implants work alongside the body's natural healing mechanisms. Over roughly 18 to 24 months, the implant is replaced by the patient’s own bone, leaving nothing permanent behind."

The KneeBar® Procedure is particularly helpful for people dealing with subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee (SIFK), a type of stress-related bone damage just below the knee cartilage. This painful condition is often linked to arthritis or meniscal injury and, left untreated, can cause the bone to weaken and collapse. Until recently, many patients were left managing the pain with medication, injections, or long stretches on crutches.

With the KneeBar® Procedure, surgeons use small incisions to place the high-strength implant directly into the weakened area. Because the material provides immediate support, patients can typically bear weight as tolerated right away, following their surgeon’s protocol. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients can go home the same day and recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Looking beyond knee insufficiency fractures, this same OSSIOfiber® technology is used across multiple sports medicine procedures, including ACL reconstruction and ligament repair.

"Orthopedic care is moving toward preserving as much of the patient’s natural anatomy as possible," says Dr. Yanicko. "By using materials that seamlessly integrate into the body, we give bones the structural support they need today while avoiding permanent metal hardware and reducing the need for future surgeries. The KneeBar® Procedure is designed to help protect the joint and preserve the patient’s native knee."

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital remains committed to investing in surgical innovation and expanding access to high-quality orthopedic procedures for residents across the Lake Cumberland area.