Anthony M. DiGioia III, MD: October 2007 Archives

As you may have seen on the news or in magazines, orthopaedic companies have started marketing a knee replacement made specifically for women.  They claim that it will fit women better, feel better, and improve knee mechanics.   The companies are basing this claim on the fact that women TYPICALLY have narrower knees from side to side, a thinner knee in the front, and a greater angle at which the knee cap tracks the best.  Implant companies have been marketing the "female specific" knee, which may address the above differences between men and women.   

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
• Different angle to improve knee cap tracking
• Wider range of 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 than 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 holistic approach to a joint replacement from start to finish) can improve overall outcomes, and for all implants

In response to all of the information that has been released about various topics concerning both hip and knee replacements, we have decided to post an informational blog, which will allow patients to obtain both current and accurate information.  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 an unbiased account of the latest trends in orthopaedic surgery.