Science Fiction
The thickness and shape of the anterior flange on traditional knee implants is adequate for both men and women.
Science Fact
The anterior condyles of a female knee are typically less prominent than those of a male knee.2,11
When the combined thickness of the anterior flange and the patellar component is too great, the patellofemoral joint may feel tight or overstuffed after surgery.1,12,13
Furthermore, the shape and width of the resected anterior surface of the typical female knee is different from that of a typical male knee.
Comparing the Facts
The Zimmer Gender Solutions™ NexGen® High-Flex Implants are the only knee implants that address the need for a thinner anterior flange to fit the female anatomy. Furthermore, the shape of the anterior flange is designed to better fit the shape of the resected anterior surface of a female knee.
1. Hitt K, Shurman II J, Greene K, et al.
Anthropometric measurements of the human knee: correlation to the sizing of
current knee arthroplasty systems. J Bone Joint Surg.
2003;85:115-122.
2. Poilvache PL, Insall JN, Scuderi GR, Font-Rodriguez DE. Rotational landmarks and sizing of the distal femur in total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop. 1996;331:35-46.
11. Data on file at Zimmer.
12. Scott NW. Pearls on avoidance and treatment of intraoperative and postoperative complications: exposure of the stiff knee. Presented at: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Knee Society Specialty Day; March 25, 2006.
13. Bengs BC, Scott RD. The effect of patellar thickness on intraoperative knee flexion and patellar tracking in total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2006; 21(5):650-655.
