Women's Knee Replacement
Ask our expert why this knee replacement is different
About Our Expert
Eric Lebby, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
- I’ve heard about a new knee replacement surgery that is better suited for women. What is it?
- How are women’s knees different than men’s?
- How does this difference in shape affect traditional knee replacement?
- How does the Gender Knee make up for these differences?
- Is the Gender Knee only for women?
- If I’m a woman who had a traditional knee replacement, should I be worried?
- Are surgery and recovery different with a Gender Knee?
- How do I find out if I am a candidate for Gender Knee?
- Is the Gender Knee covered by insurance?
Q: I’ve heard about a new knee replacement surgery that is better suited for women. What is it?
A: There is a new knee replacement called the Gender Solutions™ Knee, which has a specially designed part to match the unique size and shape of a woman’s knee.
Q: How are women’s knees different than men’s?
A: A woman’s knee is generally smaller, a difference that has been addressed in the past by smaller knee replacement sizes. But a woman’s knee also is different in three other ways: It is usually narrower than a man’s, it has a less prominent bone in front of the knee and it has a distinct shape that affects the angle between the hip and knee.
Q: How does this difference in shape affect traditional knee replacement?
A: Women sometimes say the traditional knee replacement feels bulky and the movement is more mechanical than their real knee. In some cases, it could decrease flexibility in the knee and cause pain or damage to surrounding ligaments and tendons.
Q: How does the Gender Knee make up for these differences?
A: The knee prosthetic – or artificial knee – used in a knee replacement is made up of several parts. The Gender Knee is the same except for the part that attaches to the thighbone. This is called the “femoral component.” In a Gender Knee, this part has a contoured shape, a thinner profile, and it accounts for the different angle between the knee and hip. This results in a smoother motion in how the kneecap moves over the thighbone.
Q: Is the Gender Knee only for women?
A: No, it’s also for some men whose knees have a smaller shape.
Q: If I’m a woman who had a traditional knee replacement, should I be worried?
A: Not at all. Traditional knee replacements have worked great for women in relieving pain and restoring motion – the two main reasons people seek knee replacements. The Gender Knee provides a more precise fit and smoother feel.
Q: Are surgery and recovery different with a Gender Knee?
A: We use the same surgical techniques as in traditional knee replacements. While some patients have reported that recovery is faster and less painful, we tell our patients to expect the same recovery as a traditional knee replacement.
Q: How do I find out if I am a candidate for Gender Knee?
A: The best way is to meet with an orthopedic surgeon who uses this new prosthetic. Your surgeon will consider your shape and specific anatomy in determining whether the Gender Knee or a traditional knee implant will work for you.
Q: Is the Gender Knee covered by insurance?
A: It is usually covered by the same insurance plans that cover traditional knee replacements. You will need to check with your particular health plan for details.
This page last updated 12/29/08 09:07 AM
