Knee replacement implants refer to the artificial joints that are surgically placed in your knees in place of a damaged or worn-out knee joint.
There are many different types of knee replacement implants, and the type of implant your orthopedic surgeon will use depends on many factors, including:
- Your knee problem and knee anatomy
- Surgeon’s experience and familiarity with the implant
- The performance record of the implant
- Cost of the implant
Here we’ll talk about the components of an implant, the implant material and design, and where you can go for a thorough evaluation of knee replacement implants in Boynton Beach, FL.
Components of Knee Implants
Typically, a knee implant is made of three main components, femoral component, tibial component, and patellar component. The femoral component is designed to replace the lower part of your largest bone (femur).A polyethylene spacer is paired with the tibial components and replaces the top surface of the tibia.The tibial component holds the spacer and allows the metal to articulate against the plastic.The patellar component is a dome-shaped piece that glides in the groove of the femur.
Types of Implants Based on Material
Based on the types of material, knee replacement implants can be:
Metal on Plastic
This implant is the most common and least expensive type of knee replacement implants. This implant features a metal femoral component that rides on the polyethylene plastic spacer, which is attached to the tibial component. The metal can be titanium, zirconium, nickel, and cobalt-chromium.
Ceramic on Plastic
In this implant, the femoral component is made of ceramic or a metal component that has ceramic coating. The ceramic component rides on the plastic spacers. People with nickel sensitivity may be candidates for this implant.
Ceramic on Ceramic
In this type of implant, both the tibial and femoral components are made of ceramics. Even though these implants are likely to react less with the body, they can make noise while walking.
Metal on Metal
In this type, both femoral and tibial components are made of metals. Such implants are often recommended for younger people due to their ability to last longer.
Types of Implants Based on Design
There are more than 150 designs of knee replacement implants in the market today. The two most commonly used knee replacement implant are:
Posterior-Stabilized Designs
In this implant design, the cruciate ligaments are removed and the implant components replace the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The tibial surface of the implant has a raised surface with an internal post that fits into the femoral component. Both components do the functions that a posterior cruciate ligament does.
Cruciate-Retaining Designs
As the name suggests, for this implant, the PCL is preserved. Such implants do not have the central post and cam design. Patients who have a healthy PCL to stabilize the knee joint are considered appropriate candidates for this design.
Knee Replacement in Boynton Beach, FL
If you’re a candidate for knee replacement and are looking for a reliable orthopedic surgeon, consider Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our highly trained knee replacement surgeons will thoroughly evaluate your condition and recommend the type of knee implant suited to your unique needs. After your replacement surgery, they will also guide you on how to increase the longevity of the implants.
To schedule an appointment with our knee surgeons, call our office today. You can also fill out our online appointment request form.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
