A knee replacement designed for women
Until recently, knee replacement surgery was the same for a man or a woman.
Today there’s a knee shaped specifically for a woman’s anatomy, creating a more comfortable fit.
“There have always been different sizes for knee replacement components, but never different shapes for the female knee,” says Stacey Youcis, Assistant Vice President of Musculoskeletal & Surgical Services at Lancaster General.
Researchers looked into the reasons why women were more likely than men to have chronic anterior knee joint pain after a knee replacement procedure.
“What they discovered was that a woman’s knee has a slightly different structure—slightly more tapered,” Stacey says. “The Gender Solutions™ knee has a more natural anatomic configuration.”
Designed by Zimmer, the Gender Solutions™ knee focuses on three distinct differences between a man and a woman’s knee:
Thinner profile – The bone in the front of a woman’s knee is typically less prominent than in a man’s. This can lead to a bulky feeling that can cause pain and decrease range of motion in a woman.
More natural movement – The knee takes into account the angle between the hip and knee, allowing for more natural movement of the kneecap over the thighbone when in motion.
Contoured shape – This more closely matches a woman’s narrower knee and prevents an implant from overhanging and causing ligament and tendon problems.
“While the knee components are new, the surgery itself is the same proven technique that has been used for years,” Stacey says.
Knee replacement is a very individual thing, so some women may still benefit from the standard knee components. “This option gives the patient a choice, so they find a replacement knee that’s a more perfect fit,” Stacey says.
Since it is individualized, Stacey recommends talking to your orthopedic surgeon to determine if the Gender Solutions™ knee is right for you.
“What is most important is that the patient has a positive relationship with her orthopedic surgeon and is confident in the care she is being provided,” Stacey says. “Each individual has different needs and a different anatomy and only your physician can determine what is best for you.”
For more information about this more natural-feeling knee replacement for women, call (800) 341-2121 and ask for your free Women’s Orthopedic Kit.
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