Total Joint Replacement Educational Series: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

GENDER SPECIFIC KNEE REPLACEMENT:
WHAT IS ALL THE HYPE ABOUT?

As part of our continuing efforts to provide you with the most up to date and accurate information about various topics concerning both hip and knee replacements, we have decided to address some of the latest trends in orthopaedic surgery. We know how confusing making the decision to have knee or hip surgery can be, and we want to make this process as easy as possible by providing you with accurate and unbiased information.

SO WHAT IS FACT FROM FICTION?

THEORETICAL BENEFITS:

• The new implant is designed to "better" match the anatomic differences of females
• An implant that is not as wide
• Slightly different angle to improve knee cap tracking
• Wider range of only the smaller sizes
• The companies believe that these slight changes in the implant will improve outcomes for women

• Implant companies are charging a lot more money for the implants even though the "new" design has only slight changes in the geometry
• There is no evidence that the female implant improves knee function, range of motion, or pain levels
• There are no long term studies which show improved overall outcomes, including better patient satisfaction
• There is no evidence that the subtle anatomic differences between men and women even warrant separate implants
• Every patient undergoing a knee replacement undergoes precise measurements to be fit for the prosthesis, so patients get a personalized knee, rather then one associated with gender
• There are many other factors that are likely more important than these very minor changes in the implant, such as surgical technique, pain management, rapid rehab protocols, and your involvement in the process,
• Studies have shown that patient and family centered care (the most complete approach to a joint replacement from start to finish) can improve overall outcomes, and for all implants