Find The Best Knee Replacement Implant: Top Brands
There are more than a dozen manufacturers of artificial knee implants. However, like anything else, some knee implant manufacturers have a larger market share than others. In the US, the most popular knee replacement parts manufacturers are Zimmer , Stryker, DePuy and Smith & Nephew.
Here are the top brands and styles used by surgeons in the US.
Zimmer is the most popular manufacturer of knee replacements. In fact, according to Zimmer, more than 25% of knee replacements implanted worldwide are a Zimmer product. Thats a whole lotta implants!
Different Styles
Biomet
Biomet, who has recently merged with Zimmer and is now called Zimmer Biomet, offers a nickel-free implant for those with allergies. They also offer an antioxidant polyethylene material insert component to pair with their tibial and femoral parts. In saything this, there is nothing to prove that antioxidant plastic holds any true benefit. Admittedly, it sounds pretty good though!
Different Styles
Among the most popular manufacturers in the US, Stryker offers total, partial, and revision knee replacement systems that are suitable to a wide variety of patients. Stryker implants are used in over 100 countries.
Different Styles
DePuy
Different Styles
Smith & Nephew offers a wide range of replacement variations that fall under their Legion family. This includes replacements made from oxidized zirconium, a nickel-free metal thats suitable for patients with metal allergies.
Different Styles
Conformis’ Surprising Strategic Shift To Standard Knee Implants
The orthopedic company known for its customized knee implants now plans to sell a standard off-the-shelf knee in parallel to its higher-cost customized knee implants.
Ryan Zimmerman, a medtech analyst at BTIG, says the benefits will be a lower average selling price and faster lead times, but he worries it could diminish the value of the customized knee implants.
“This may open a few doors in , but we worry it will also poke holes in the case for knee customization, which has been foundational for since inception,” Zimmerman said in an investment report. “All told, it will take considerable resources and time to build this strategy.”
Conformis has taken a hard hit during the pandemic. In March the company had to furlough 80 employees due to a sharp decline in elective procedures. In April, the company received a $4.7 million loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, and was able to bring most of its furloughed staff back to work.
Conformis CEO Mark Augusti said the second quarter was also impacted by the pandemic, but the company has seen a “fairly quick” resumption of scheduled orthopedic procedures, going from April when the company was down 94%, to being down 39% in May, and then down just 9% in June.
Conformis’ new knee offering will allow the company to deliver a “complete and efficient knee replacement package” profitably at a lower selling price than the company’s fully personalized knee implants, Augusti said.
What Do I Tell Patients Who Are Interested In Knee Replacement
First of all, I reassure them that the process is not as bad as they are expecting, as knee replacement success rate is very high. They often know people who have had a tough time recovering and arent happy with their results. In my experience, with the advances in patient-matched implant design like the Conformis iTotal®, better anesthesia, and advanced physical therapy techniques, patients are recovering quicker and achieve much better results than in the past.
Most of our patients are able to take advantage of preoperative physical therapy and classes before surgery that help prepare them for what to expect. We teach them about possible complications like infection and blood clots, but they are gratified to know the lengths we go to prevent them and the treatments that can help resolve them if they occur.
We go over the plan right before the surgery and also go over the anesthesia. Our surgical team is able to use advanced pain management techniques and regional anesthesia blocks to reduce pain to a minimum. Many of our patients are able to walk the day of the surgery because they dont experience the grogginess, pain and nausea that anesthesia caused in the past. Patients can start walking moderate distances and climb stairs the next day and generally can get around fairly well with crutches or a walker. Physical therapy starts right away and helps patients advance to a cane in the first few weeks.
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The Itotal Cr Process
Should you and your surgeon determine you are a good candidate for the iTotal, your surgeon will give you an order for a ConforMIS knee scan at a local CT imaging center. Your iTotal implants are then designed from the CT scan using the ConforMIS iFit technology. The iFit design process interactively maps the diseased joint, using your bone geometry to define the shape and size of the customized implant components as well as the customized instrumentation. That image then guides the design and manufacture of the personalized jigs and the personalized implants that resurface your knee. Your iTotal CR should be available in approximately seven weeks from receipt of the scan.
The personalized implant will be shipped to your surgeon along with personalized surgical instruments derived from your CT scan called iJigs. The iJigs will guide the surgeon in determining the precise placement of your implants.
Following surgery, your care will focus on reducing and controlling swelling, pain management and physical therapy. While every person’s experience is different, many can weight-bear and walk with an aid within hours following surgery. Most people return to activities of daily living within 6 weeks. More physical activities such as sports may take up to 3 months. Consult your doctor or physical therapist about your individual goals and limitations.
Nhs Knee Replacement Or Conformis
ADMINISTRATOR Staff member since February 2011
Administrator
invasion” . , less”, and it “
ADMINISTRATOR Staff member since February 2011
Administrator
As for this term ‘less invasive’ – what exactly do YOU think it means? …..I’ll explain that if you want me to!And I wasn’t explaining it to you, I was explaining it to Pezza!
Jozilla said:I had the Depuy Trumatch tkr in December. Very similar. I had a CT scan and the measurements are sent to the knee manufacturer and made. The process from scan to having knee made was six weeks. I had no problems with surgery or recovery thankfully. I do not believe it is less invasive though. I do think however it makes things more accurate for the surgeon. I will be having the same thing done on my left knee this September. Personally I think the surgeons skill is the most important part of the knee replacement. Choose an OS with a great record and that you like and trust! Good luck!
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Three To Six Weeks After Your Knee Replacement
As you gain strength, youll rely lessor not at allon assistive devices such as canes.
Often, at this point, more low-impact activities may be introduced into your exercise regimen. In addition to walking, this includes swimming or riding a stationary bike.
Many of the exercises above will continue. Knee bends will concentrate on the goal of bending your knee to 120 degrees.
At this point, many are able to complete basic household chores and slowly get back to daily activities. If you have an office job or a job that doesnt require heavy lifting or climbing, you may be able to return to work.
Provide Motivation For Rehab And Exercises
Adhering to a rehab plan is critical. For many people, this means walking for 30 minutes two or three times per day. Doctors may also recommend exercising for an extra 20 to 30 minutes two or three times per day.
The person may find that walking or exercising is painful. This is normal. If they express a desire to discontinue with their rehabilitation plan, remind them that what theyre feeling is common and that rehab will help speed up their recovery.
Helping them chart their efforts, results, and progress may help keep them motivated. Exercising and walking with them may also help keep them on track.
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How Is My Customised Knee Replacement Designed
ConforMIS iFit® image-to-implant® technology converts a CT scan of your knee into a 3D model and then designs an implant thats unique to you. This fully automated process ensures that your implant is made for your knee, and only your knee.
For more information, refer to the links on this page for brochures and videos about this personalised/customised Knee Replacement System undertaken by Professor Jari.
The perceived benefits of the ConforMIS personalised Knee System include:
- Fits YOUR knee by design
- More natural feeling knee for the patient post-operatively
- Better stability is more closely matched to the natural knee
- Less invasive
- Reduced hospital length of stay
- Better patient satisfaction
What About A Custom Knee Replacement Made Just For My Leg
One of the most exciting innovations when I was practicing is the concept of custom-manufacture of knee implants that are made specifically to each patients size and unique anatomy. CT or MRI imaging is used to determine the precise anatomy of the patients ankle, hip, and knee. These data are sent to a company called CONFORMIS , where the metal and plastic pieces are custom-made for the patient in about 5-6 weeks, much like a tailor-made suit. The instruments used to implant the knee prosthesis are designed for a one-time use, specific to the patient, and are made of a biodegradable material. One neat package contains everything needed for the operation, and is unique for each knee joint, fitting only that one.
We used this in my practice beginning in 2013 and found it truly innovative, a meaningful step forward in knee replacement surgery. Our results showed earlier and easier recovery for the patient, and x-rays that are beautifully precise in terms of rotation, alignment, and sizing. This technology incorporates all of our knowledge and design understanding in knee replacement, worldwide. It increases patient safety, promotes quality and consistency, ensures precision and a perfect fit every time, and therefore has our full support.
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Robotics Makoplasty And Marketing Gimmicks
MAKOPLASTY and other so-called robotics have yet to prove their benefit in total knee and hip replacement despite their 10-year presence in the orthopedic marketplace. Numerous studies fail to show any substantial clinical benefit for pain relief, speed of recovery or durability of total joints. Most studies that support their use are industry-sponsored and conducted by surgeons who are paid a consulting fee to use the technology. In fact, MAKO uses a 13 year old knee implant with outdated sizing options. The MAKO requires that extra holes be drilled into the bone to attach tracking instruments. This causes more pain and can, occasionally, lead to fractures of the bone through these holes..
While robotically assisted procedures have proved valuable in general surgery and urology using the DaVinci Robot, there is a world of difference between the DaVinci and the MAKO in terms of technical sophistication. The DaVinci is truly a robot: it is remote, autonomous and controlled by the surgeon distant from the surgical field. The MAKO is a hand-controlled cutting tool whose claims of improved sizing and positioning of implants have not been borne out.
For less pain and faster recovery, AVATAR® is superior to MAKO. Kudos to robotics for a great marketing gimmick. Five Pinocchios for science. Results speak for themselves
Heres 12 Things Youll Need Around The House Once You Return Home After A Total Knee Replacement Surgery
These items should be purchased beforehand.
Even the most prepared-thinking person may not consider the usefulness of some of these items.
My father has had three total knee replacements , so I definitely know all the things that should already be in the home, once the patient returns.
The new knee will not be able to bend well. Hopping and balancing on the good leg is not an option because:
1) If a persons knee was bad enough to require knee replacement surgery, the odds are pretty strong that the other knee is also degenerated.
2) Even if the other leg IS good enough to hop on, this is not advised because it will interfere with recovery.
The person must use both legs as he normally would, so that the new knee is properly introduced to normal movement.
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Different Types Of Surgery
There are 5 main types of knee replacement surgery:
- Total knee replacement. This is the most common form. Your surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone that connects to the knee.
- Partial knee replacement. If arthritis affects only one side of your knee, this surgery may be a possibility. However, itâs only right for you if you have strong knee ligaments and the rest of the cartilage in the knee is normal. Partial knee replacement can be performed through a smaller cut than is needed for total knee replacement.
- Patellofemoral replacement. This replaces only the under-surface of the kneecap and the groove the kneecap sits in. This can be very effective for people with chronic kneecap arthritis.
- Complex knee replacement. This procedure may be needed if you have very severe arthritis or if youâve already had two or three knee replacement surgeries.
- Cartilage restoration: Sometimes when the knee only has an isolated area of injury or wear this area can be replaced with a living cartilage graft or cells which grow into cartilage.
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What Makes A Knee Implant Best
Asking orthopedic surgeons what knee replacement is best is like going to a car show and asking people which is the best car. You’ll find lots of different answers, and each person thinks they’ve got the right answer.
One of the most important aspects of knee replacement surgery is determining the proper implant to be used in the operation.
However, people disagree on what criteria are most important to select the best knee replacement implant.
- Do you use the implant with the newest design or the implant with the longest track record?
- Does a surgeon use many different implants depending on each patient, or become most comfortable with one implant for every patient?
- Should a surgeon use implants suggested or asked for by their patients?
Orthopedic supply companies have begun to advertise directly to consumers. The advertisements might make you believe that their implant has been shown to be better than other implants. This has been seen with ‘gender-specific knee replacements‘ and ‘rotating knee replacements.’
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Australia Clears Conformis Itotal Ps Knee Replacement System
The systemâs patient-specific implants fit the unique size and shape of each persons knee.
- patient-specific femoral and tibial fit to avoid overhang, under-coverage, and sizing compromises
- patient-specific shape designed to provide stability throughout the range of motion and to restore kinematics
- patient-specific cam and spine to provide optimal stability and to reduce the potential for a mechanical feel
- pre-operative surgical plan to enable a predictable, reproducible knee replacement procedure and
- a safe and simple delivery model that includes a single pre-sterilized kit, a single reusable instrument tray, and no implant inventory.
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Protecting Your Knee Replacement
After surgery, make sure you also do the following:
- Participate in regular light exercise programs to maintain proper strength and mobility of your new knee.
- Take special precautions to avoid falls and injuries. If you break a bone in your leg, you may require more surgery.
- Make sure your dentist knows that you have a knee replacement. Talk with your orthopaedic surgeon about whether you need to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
- See your orthopaedic surgeon periodically for a routine follow-up examination and x-rays. Your surgeon will talk with you about the frequency and timing of these visits.
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Custom Total Knee Replacement Using Conformis Technology
Wondering which of the knee replacement options available today will work best for you? Whether you need one of your knees replaced or both, the primary goal is to be pain-free. You want the natural motion of your knees to be restored in a way that allows you the ability to once again engage in a healthy and active lifestyle. Ready to find out more about why so many patients are choosing customized knee replacements?
Custom Total Knee Replacements
Custom total knee replacements simply allow for better knee alignment and better knee orientation. Computer-assisted knee replacement options are the way of the future, which means more surgeons are adding this updated knee replacement technology to their list of orthopedic services. Customized knee replacement services allow orthopedic surgeons to utilize the robotic technologies that create a more precise model of a patients knee, giving them the detailed information that they need to perform the surgery much more efficiently.
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Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
In recent years several centres and implant companies have been pushing for the use of robotics for knee replacement surgery. A robot can help ensure that a knee replacement prosthesis is put in straighter and more accurately.
The issue with this is that those pushing the use of robotics are still using off-the-shelf prostheses. Whilst the robot allows you to put in something very accurately, the knee implant itself may or may not accurately match the size and shape of the patients knee.
The Conformis Custom Knee Replacement Offers Advantages Not Available With Off
Conformis is a leader in advanced and innovative orthopedic replacement systems. Conformis uses a 3D printing process to create custom-made implants to fit the patients specific needs based on their unique anatomy, shape, and needs. Using iFit Image-to-Implant technology to create the customized knee implants, Conformis patient-specific implants give patients more flexibility and movement, offering them the chance to get their life back.
Conformis customized implants ultimately offer the patient increased mobility, more efficient healing, and an overall faster recovery time as opposed to traditional implants. Traditional, or off-the-shelf, implants are uncompromising in their design and can lead to immense post-surgical pain and an extended recovery time. Also, unlike Conformis custom-designed implants, traditional implants do not offer the natural feel and movement patients deserve and need to continue leading an active, comfortable lifestyle.
With this implant system and technology we can more readily reproduce how a normal knee moves.
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