The newest designs in knee implants now take into account the knee's natural curvature by utilizing three-dimensional technology during the design phase, says Oren Gelman, director, global brand management of Stryker Orthopaedics. Based on this technology, the trend in knee implants tends toward designs with a single axis of rotation that helps to promote stability, greater range of motion and more rapid return to function than the multi-radius designs.
"Traditionally, knees were viewed on x-rays and implants were designed based on the x-rays," says Mr. Gelman. "By looking at the knee more dynamically, knee implants are designed to accept more movement and allow the natural soft tissues to direct the motion of the knee implant."
Traditional knee implants were designed with the idea that the normal knee was egg-shaped while the three-dimensional views allow designers to perfect a more circular implant, modeled after the actual shape of a knee. Recent studies suggest that the single-radius design makes it 30-60 percent easier to extend the knee.
"Essentially, we have a data base of MRI and CT scans that we utilize in order to design knees," says Mr. Gelman. "We looked at all the different scans and embedded the learnings into our knee system."
Physicians can use these implants during traditional surgeries as well as new types of procedures, such as computer-assisted solutions. Single-radius knee implants follow the current trends of focusing on increased longevity (Stryker's Triathlon X3 Knee has demonstrated a 96 percent decrease in wear), better fit and function of the implants.
"In the past, implant designs were scripted in how they would dictate motion to the body," says Mr. Gelman. "Now the Triathlon knee design works with the body."
Learn more about Stryker.
Read more coverage on knee implant technology:
- New in Knee Surgery: Personalized Knee Resurfacing Implants
- First Michigan MAKOplasty Performed at Blodgett Hospital
- Gender-Specific Knee Implants May Not Benefit All Women
"Traditionally, knees were viewed on x-rays and implants were designed based on the x-rays," says Mr. Gelman. "By looking at the knee more dynamically, knee implants are designed to accept more movement and allow the natural soft tissues to direct the motion of the knee implant."
Traditional knee implants were designed with the idea that the normal knee was egg-shaped while the three-dimensional views allow designers to perfect a more circular implant, modeled after the actual shape of a knee. Recent studies suggest that the single-radius design makes it 30-60 percent easier to extend the knee.
"Essentially, we have a data base of MRI and CT scans that we utilize in order to design knees," says Mr. Gelman. "We looked at all the different scans and embedded the learnings into our knee system."
Physicians can use these implants during traditional surgeries as well as new types of procedures, such as computer-assisted solutions. Single-radius knee implants follow the current trends of focusing on increased longevity (Stryker's Triathlon X3 Knee has demonstrated a 96 percent decrease in wear), better fit and function of the implants.
"In the past, implant designs were scripted in how they would dictate motion to the body," says Mr. Gelman. "Now the Triathlon knee design works with the body."
Learn more about Stryker.
Read more coverage on knee implant technology:
- New in Knee Surgery: Personalized Knee Resurfacing Implants
- First Michigan MAKOplasty Performed at Blodgett Hospital
- Gender-Specific Knee Implants May Not Benefit All Women