Zimmer Knee

In the world of joint replacement knee replacements present a greater challenge than most others. This is because the knee joint is not universal between men and women. The knee joint is composed of three different bones, the thighbone, the shinbone and the kneecap. These three bones are held together by tendons and ligaments while cushioned by cartilage. However on a woman\’s body the angle of the joint is much different than on a man\’s body. This difference presents a challenge when joint replacements are considered and attempted.

In the United States more than 400,000 people get their knees replaced every year. Of those 400,000 nearly two thirds are women. Doctors know that women suffer from more knee pain and disability than do men which leads to a greater number of joint replacements. By providing a gender solution, the Zimmer knee joint has offered women greater ability to perform activities following replacement without additional pain and discomfort.

The Zimmer knee joint replacement reportedly has three separate differences which makes it a better choice for women. It is designed to contour and fit the unique shape and size of a woman\’s knee. The product does this by matching a thinner profile with more natural movements and a shape that is especially contoured for a woman.

The bone on the front of a woman\’s knee is typically less prominent but traditional implants have a thickness that end up making them feel bulky which results in pain and a decreased range of motion. Also the angle between the hip and the knee, called the Q angle, is greater in a woman than it is in a man. This affects how the kneecap moves over the thighbone when the knee is in motion. This different angle is built in to the Zimmer Gender Solution Knee which allows for more natural movement as well as less pain and less distortion.

This joint also reportedly has a contoured shape that is more closely a match to the narrower anatomy of a woman\’s knee. While this contouring may provide for more precision, it also prevents the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially causing more damage to the surrounding ligaments and tendons. These three distinct differences in this particular joint makes it the replacements of choice in the majority of women.

While the Zimmer Gender Solution Knee Replacement is often the replacement of choice it is necessary that surgeons measure the angle in the natural contour of the individual knee prior to making a decision. There are some women who have less of a Q angle and may struggle no matter which joint replacement is chosen.

While most knee replacements boast a very high success rate with both men and women these additional changes to the Zimmer knee make it an obvious choice for women.

Zimmer has come under fire from various sources after the development of this knee joint. This joint has been compared to the minimally invasive hip replacement surgery which led to several failures and never really took off.

At this point the Zimmer knee appears to be working successfully both for patients and for the company. If you, or a loved one, are considering a need joint replacement a conversation with your surgeon to consider all the options available will only help to improve not only the success of the surgery but also your ability to function in your previous lifestyle.

RESOURCES

Zimmer Knee Solutions

BoneSmart: Total Knee Replacement Implants

Orlando Orthopedic Center:http://www.orlandoortho.com/

MidAtlantic Orthopedics: zimmer Knee Replacement