Indiana Orthopedic Institute surgeon performs groundbreaking knee procedure on fellow colleague

Device used during surgery co-designed by both surgeons

Submitted

Dr. Michael Meneghini, a nationally recognized leader in joint replacement and the CEO and founder of the Indiana Orthopedic Institute (IOI), which has a Noblesville location at 14065 Borg Warner Drive, recently performed a partial knee replacement using the Enovis EMPOWR Partial Knee – a device he co-designed.

What made this procedure especially meaningful was the patient: Dr. Brian Palumbo, a fellow nationally renowned hip and knee surgeon based in Florida, who also contributed to the development of the implant that was used.

Co-developed with Enovis, the EMPOWR Partial Knee represents a major advancement in personalized joint replacement technology. Dr. Meneghini’s dual role as designer and surgeon underscores IOI’s deep commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and advancing the field of orthopedics.

“This experience was more than just a surgical procedure; it was the culmination of years of research, design, and clinical expertise,” said Dr. Meneghini, CEO of Indiana Orthopedic Institute and Chief Market Development Officer at HOPCo. “Being entrusted with the care of a fellow orthopedic surgeon is one of the highest professional honors and speaks volumes about the quality of care we provide at Indiana Orthopedic Institute.”

IOI is nationally recognized for its evidence-based care pathways, specialized physician leadership and exceptional patient outcomes. Dr. Palumbo’s decision to travel to Indiana for his surgery reflects IOI’s growing reputation as a destination for advanced joint preservation and replacement care.

The EMPOWR Partial Knee implant aims to provide a less invasive option for knee replacement. It’s designed to replace only the damaged part of your knee, preserving as much healthy bone and tissue as possible. This approach helps maintain more of the patient’s natural knee function and can lead to a quicker recovery. The implant is shaped to mimic the natural contours in the knee, allowing for smoother motion and a more natural feel. It uses a special plastic blended with vitamin E to reduce wear and tear over time, enhancing the implant’s longevity. The design allows for a streamlined surgical process, which can reduce hospital stays and recovery time.

“When considering treatment options, I gained a whole new perspective on what our patients go through,” said Dr. Palumbo, Orthopedic Surgeon at Florida Orthopedic Institute and President of Actuos Med. “When the injections stopped working, I knew I was a good candidate for a partial knee replacement and I began to question who I trusted to do it. Choosing the best option for my own health mirrored the decisions I help my patients make every day. Now, being back in the gym and not constantly thinking about my knee, I realize this experience has given me a fresh perspective. I believe it’s made me a better hip and knee surgeon.”

To learn more about Indiana Orthopedic Institute’s advanced joint replacement services or to schedule an appointment, call (317) 620-0232.