Just as in any other industry, the medical (and surgical) field is constantly evolving their procedures, techniques and technology. Specifically in orthopedics and knee replacement, leading manufacturers tinker with the shape, material and overall design of their knee implants…with the hopes of gaining an edge. As it stands, there’s really no undisputed implant leader, so the decision essentially comes down to a combination of your needs and your doctor’s experience and preference. So that you have a solid frame of reference, let’s go over a few of the finer details…
The Basic Anatomy of a Knee Implant
The image to your right breaks down the 3 basic parts (components) of a total knee replacement implant:
- Femoral Component – the metallic piece that attaches to the end of your femur (thigh bone).
- Plastic, Articulating layer – “articulate” means to bend and since it needs to give, all knee implants are made of a plastic composite intended to mimic cartilage and miniscus.
- Tibial Component – the plastic layer needs a solid support that that’s exactly what the tibial piece does. It permanently binds the top of your shin bone (tibia) to the articulating layer.
How do Implants Differ?
Materials – Metal
There are a variety of different metal alloys used but a few of the more popular include:
Titanium and its alloys – because titanium is so inert (it doesn’t react with the human body) and robust, its been the preferred material of implants for years. The most popular titanium alloy in use is Ti6Al4V.
Cobalt-chromium – just as widely used as titanium, cobalt-chromium is extremely inert, bio-compatible, and durable…ideal properties for a surrogate knee joint. The only potential downside here is the purported release of tiny metal ions due to friction – when you move, walk, etc. While the fragments are generally harmless (and may never occur), folks with sensitivity to nickel or other metals have been known to develop a reaction.
Tantalum – the key component of a new bone/metal mix called Trabecular Metal, Tantalum has excellent biological-friendly properties. Trabecular Metal is manufactured with small mesh holes that foster bone regrowth, creating a better bridge between metal and bone.
Shapes – Rotating vs Regular
As you know, the knee primarily moves in a back and forth motion (much like a hinge on a door). There isn’t much side-by-side movement, but it does happen, especially when you pivot and change direction. For that reason, a few implant manufacturers have begun to develop product lines that rotate inwards and out, as well as hinge. There isn’t a big case study available to substantiate their claims of markedly better movement and range of motion, but the occasional feedback from early adopters seems to be positive. Of course, the real test would be someone with a traditional implant on one knee and a rotational model on the other. There just aren’t a lot of folks in that camp, so it really boils down to your doctor and their experience with rotating implants. If they’ve had good luck with them in the past and you’re fairly active, rotating implants may be an option for you.
Gender-Specific
For years, implants came in the standardized sizes for both men and women (size Y for men = size X for women). There has been a recent trend to create specific models for each sex, however. Essentially, manufacturers slightly adjust the relative size and angle of each part to accommodate for the anatomical differences between sexes (different hip angles, size of the tibia, etc). Just as with the rotational implants, there really isn’t enough data to give the upper hand (or knee!) to gender-specific implants. It literally takes decades to begin to fully understand the short and long-term success rates of new implants.
Final Thoughts
With all the options out there (and, trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg), it’s tough to objectively compare them all, even for doctors. There’s no doubt knee implant manufacturers will do anything and everything to stand apart from the crowd, so a good number of the newer, “gotta have” models are probably more marketing hype than anything, so tread carefully. If you’re unsure, carefully discuss all the options with your physician – in a lot of cases, it’s simply the best and safest route to go with a tried and true model that’s been around for decades.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello: Could you tell me if the Sigma Tc3 revision knee systems are made with titanium materials and if so can you get an MRI or No?
Thank you in advance for your anticiapted response.
Lynn S.
Hi Lynn,
I’m familiar with Sigmas but only vaguely with the TC3. I believe the only titanium it has is on a reinforcing pin (if you’re concerned about a titanium reaction or other day-to-day issues, definitely ask your DR). In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the TC3 page on Depuy’s site (click “features and benefits” or try downloading the product details PDF). Good luck!
Dear Sir,
I am a master student in biomedical engineering department- near east university-north cyprus.
i have a thesis of CUSTOM DESIGN FEMORAL KNEE IMPALNT.
I want to make new approach of bone implant interface as smooth surface instead of five cut faces of internal side in femoral implant.
I wanted to ask you if you like this new design and if its possible and good for human patient to fit in femoral bone. I want replace the five cut faces , and change it as smooth surface .
Hi Qasem,
It certainly sounds like an interesting engineering and design shift – hopefully it makes it to testing phase. Keep up the good work!
I had a partial knee replacement at the end of January and everything was going great. After I had several weeks of physical therapy I started going to a gym to exercise. But now my knee is very painful again. How do I know how much is too much exercise?
MY experiance based on having two TNR is to use common sense .listen to your body and dont overdo it as i did on my first causing a torn muscle , Not to be recommended!!
What is the recommended treatment for patients who have a severe allergy to nickel and a minor allergy to cobalt. Leg has been stiff and painful for many years, blood test showed these allergic reactions to metals.
Thank you.
A good option if you have a sensitivity metals is to go with an Oxinium knee. Smith and Nephew manufacture this implant and has had very effective results. Also, the studies on their knees have had impressive life spans.
Two weeks after knee replacement 9/13/11 I developed psoriasis which started in the knee area and has spread to arms and legs and back. Is this a known reaction to knee replacement materials? The knee replacement is otherwise wonderful but the psoriasis is an awful trade-off.
Thank you
Yes I am just wondering….
I have had my acl,mcl, and PCL all replaced in my knee 3 times. I was just wondering should I replace them again in this up coming surgery or do a total knee replacement. Btw I am only 21.
I had a full knee replacement using a titanium implant and after 4 months I still am dealing with stiffness and a lot of inflammation. I have had no official blood tests, but I do have a sensitivity to metal, as I have to be careful wearing jewellery. I definitely cannot wear anything with nickel, as my body reacts in a few hours of wearing it. Most other type of metals, such as gold and silver, I can wear for a few days only, as I develop blisters, especially under rings.
I have rescheduled an appointment with my surgeon on the suggestion of my family doctor, but now I am worried.
Can you please recommend a treatment for others with metal allergies.
Thank you.
My mother face the problem of knee pain ,Doctor suggest Knee replacement surgery ,with Metal rotating inplant,,,so i wan’t to be information about inplant material, pls suggest which inplant is benificial for my mother for better life……
I have been researching knee replacement hardware but unfortunately it seems as though none of the manufacturers are forthright in sharing the types of metals or alloys from which their products are made. For patients with metal sensitivities, this information seems crucial. And for patients that are concerned about the possible leaching of cobalt or chromium it seems only fair to disclose this information. What are they trying to conceal? Disclosure should be a given.
As I am machist tool & die maker with bs in mechanical engineering. I had to deal with this issue when my wife had to have 3 level neck fusion & she cannot wear sterling or nickel jewelry,My backround i know metallurgy I questioned the surgeon I got blank Stares! I went to the Mfg when I question Mfg they didn’t want to tell me their formula for TI64alv =titanium 6% / 4% aluminum/ balance vanadium alloy 3 plates my wife needed which includes other metals. These are called elementals bc they are from periodic chart. This would be their complete metals list and is proprietary. I had to threaten with lawsuit then sign I would not disclose their formula bc of paitent infringement!
I am also looking at knee replacement in near future. I have had 3 knee surgeries on my left knee, ACL cadaver ligament replacement, fractured femur & recently bilateral Meniscus tears repairs not going well 2 months later.
I am doing my research for hardware. My doc I trust says his patients are getting 20-25 yrs from replacement! He is pro athlete surgeon & did my prior 3 surgeries over past 22 yrs.
I will post the hardware he is using.
Good luck to us all & speedy recovery
Don
Good luck to us all!
Hi
I need a knee replacement, I am 69 years old and have a pin in my femur for about 48 years will this be problematic , my Dr says he can do it as he uses computer imaging . He says the removal of the pin could be a problem after that many years. Your thoughts please.
Hi, i live in México, and i only need the implant, i would like to know the price of 1 piece.
Right side leg knee total knee replacement
Walking and sitting problem
Does the NexGen total knee used in 2007 have any nickel in any of its parts? Thank you in advance.
I am 63 yrs, is cobalt-chromium implant is good for both knees.