Leading the Way in Smart Knee Implant Technology
PIH Health Uses Persona IQ® Smart Knee Implant to Help Avid Golfer Get Back on the Green
PIH Health patient Duane Harder
Today, Duane is back in action and enjoying a life without pain. He walks nearly three miles a day, continues to play golf as often as he can, and enjoys keeping busy with his two young grandchildren.
In January 2024, PIH Health became one of the first healthcare organizations in the Los Angeles area to offer Persona IQ®, the world’s only smart knee replacement granted “De Novo” status (assurance of safety and effectiveness) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for total knee replacement surgery.
Persona IQ features implantable sensor technology that records and shares real-time data metrics, such as walking speed, range of motion, stride length, and even overall step count, with both patient and doctor.
“This state-of-the-art innovation gives our healthcare team access to data obtained directly from a patient’s implant post-surgery, allowing us to monitor the patient’s recovery process and improve health outcomes,” said Andrew Luu MD, PIH Health orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Luu recommended the device to Duane Harder, 64, an avid golfer, hiker, and active Whittier resident who needed a total knee replacement.
“I had serious arthritis in my knee and bone-on-bone pain that was worsening over time,” said Duane, who plays golf every weekend and most weekdays during the summer. “Dr. Luu said I was a good candidate for the Persona IQ implant, and after we discussed the pros and cons, I decided I was ready.”
After the surgery in February 2024, Duane said the recovery couldn’t have gone any better. Just hours after surgery, Duane walked out of the hospital as part of PIH Health’s Rapid Recovery program, which offers same-day discharge. He was back to work within a few days and prioritized physical therapy three times a week for eight weeks.
Today, Duane is back in action and enjoying a life without pain. He walks nearly three miles a day, continues to play golf as often as he can, and enjoys keeping busy with his two young grandchildren.
“Dr. Luu is absolutely incredible,” he said. “He’s very knowledgeable and made the whole process enjoyable. He’s been there every step of the way and continues to check in—using my activity metrics to ensure I’m making an excellent recovery.”
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit PIHHealth.org/TJR or call 562.789.5461
