Knee joint is a very complex arrangement as this important joint not only differs in size, but also in the shape which is required. Traditional total knee replacement surgery utilizes knee implants which are generally available in an assortment of 6 to 10 sizes which are standardized according to requirement. Orthopedic surgeons normally select the knee implant which closely matches with the shape & size of the patients’ knee, while minor adjustments are made during the knee replacement surgery so as to best fit the knee implant as near to the patient’s natural knee joint. Moreover, the knee replacement surgical technique sometimes compromises on how precisely the knee implant is able to fit the patients’ associated bone structures. Therefore, there is a narrow range of tolerance which improper knee implant fit can cause residual issues which may result in problems following knee replacement surgery.
Breaking New Ground
Requirement of precise knee implant fits has driven newer
trends among knee replacement implant companies towards customizing tailor-fit
& personalized gender specific knee implants. Research conducted has
suggested that such implants are very helpful in reducing compromising with
sizing during knee replacement surgery. Customized implants are more closely
able to replicate curvature of the original knee joint, thus providing the
patient with a more natural feeling after knee replacement surgery.
Personalized Patient-Specific Knee Implants
There are some knee replacement implant manufacturers who
are now offering customized or patient specific knee implants which are created
from CT scan or MRI data & which closely matches the natural curve &
shape of the patient’s knee. These companies are utilizing specialized
technology in order to convert scans of the patient’s knee into 3D models which
are then utilized to construct knee implants which closely match that of the
patient. By using the scanned data, the orthopedic surgeon utilizes
computer-assisted surgical instrumentation during the knee replacement surgery procedure. This in fact, simplifies several alignment & sizing issues which
are typically associated with the traditional knee implants & knee
replacement surgery.
Gender-Specific Knee Replacement Surgery for Women
Regular sized knee implants are found to overhang on bone
at the side of the knee & eventually lead to soft tissue interference or
mid-flexion instability. Moreover, in many cases this has been found to cause
pain & discomfort even long after the person has fully recovered. For this
purpose, relatively new knee implants are designed to accommodate the knee
which may be smaller from side-to-side than a knee from front-to-back. This is
meant to reduce knee pain & knee implant misfit after knee replacement
surgery. Experts believe that a woman’s knee differs from that of men not just
in size but also in shape. Due to this difference in knees of men & women,
orthopedic surgeons have been making tedious adjustments to the conventional
standardized knee implant so as to size them & make them fit properly for
women.
Gender Specific Knee Implants are Based Upon Research
Basic design of gender-specific knee implants is based
upon research which illustrates three distinct differences between men’s &
women’s knee joints. Women’s knees generally feature a thinner profile at front
of the knee. It has a distinct shape which accommodates the difference in angle
between the hip & knee alongside a different contour in order to allow for
a more precise fit. Some knee replacement surgery patients, orthopedic surgeons
& manufacturers also strongly feel that gender specific options are
absolutely necessary, while others are skeptical about customized knee implants
since there are a wide variety of stock options that are available.
Determining the Best Fit Knee Implant
On
the flip side, some experts feel that differences in knee shape & size have
very less to do with gender & more with the patient’s stature in general
& possibly few ethnic influences which go on to determine the differences
in size. Irrespective of these factors, there are a number of knee implants
which are available nowadays & which closely match the patient’s knee shape
& size, with a wide spectrum of knee implant designs offering a variety of
benefits. However, it is in the best interest of the patient that he discusses
these options with the operating orthopedic surgeon who will eventually be determining
as to which knee implant will most suit the patient’s lifestyle.
