Gender-Specific Knee Replacements: Recognizing the Differences Between Men and Women
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
t's no secret--from the clothes we wear to our taste in movies--men
and women are different. In fact, research shows that we are different
all the way down to our knees. Yet, up to this point, all knee
replacement implants have been designed based on an average size of
both women's and men's knees combined.
Number of Knee Replacements Growing
In the United States, more than 400,000 people get their knees replaced each year, and nearly two-thirds are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
As the number of women having knee replacement grew significantly, orthopedic surgeons began reporting the need for more frequent adjustments during surgery in order to make traditional implants fit their female patients. It became clear that it was time for a knee implant specifically designed to fit the shape and size of women's anatomy.
Recognizing these differences, leading orthopedic surgeons nationwide, including Joseph Kozielski, M.D., Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, began using a new product, the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee, in female patients with great results.
Designed for a Woman's Body
The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee better matches a woman's unique shape and size, resulting in more natural movement. "The bone in the front of a woman's knee is typically less prominent than in a man's," said Dr. Kozielski. Traditional implants have a thickness in front that may end up making them feel "bulky," which can result in pain and a decreased range of motion. The contoured shape of the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee also more closely matches the narrower anatomy of a woman's knee. This provides for a more precise fit and prevents the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially pressing on or damaging surrounding ligaments or tendons, Dr. Kozielski explained.
Surgery isn't always the solution for chronic knee pain. But, if you're still experiencing knee pain even after you've made lifestyle changes and taken medications, knee replacement surgery may be the best option for you.
Joseph Kozielski, M.D.
Dr. Kozielski is in practice with Walter Proprycz, M.D., at Professional Orthopedic Associates of Southern N.J., Heights Professional Center, 17 White Horse Pike, Suite 1, Haddon Heights, N.J., (856) 547-7932.
To contact Dr. Kozielski to discuss knee replacement options for both men and women, call (856) 547-2323.
In the United States, more than 400,000 people get their knees replaced each year, and nearly two-thirds are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
As the number of women having knee replacement grew significantly, orthopedic surgeons began reporting the need for more frequent adjustments during surgery in order to make traditional implants fit their female patients. It became clear that it was time for a knee implant specifically designed to fit the shape and size of women's anatomy.
Recognizing these differences, leading orthopedic surgeons nationwide, including Joseph Kozielski, M.D., Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, began using a new product, the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee, in female patients with great results.
Designed for a Woman's Body
The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee better matches a woman's unique shape and size, resulting in more natural movement. "The bone in the front of a woman's knee is typically less prominent than in a man's," said Dr. Kozielski. Traditional implants have a thickness in front that may end up making them feel "bulky," which can result in pain and a decreased range of motion. The contoured shape of the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee also more closely matches the narrower anatomy of a woman's knee. This provides for a more precise fit and prevents the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially pressing on or damaging surrounding ligaments or tendons, Dr. Kozielski explained.
Surgery isn't always the solution for chronic knee pain. But, if you're still experiencing knee pain even after you've made lifestyle changes and taken medications, knee replacement surgery may be the best option for you.
Joseph Kozielski, M.D.
Dr. Kozielski is in practice with Walter Proprycz, M.D., at Professional Orthopedic Associates of Southern N.J., Heights Professional Center, 17 White Horse Pike, Suite 1, Haddon Heights, N.J., (856) 547-7932.
To contact Dr. Kozielski to discuss knee replacement options for both men and women, call (856) 547-2323.
