Osteoarthritis affects nearly 350 million people worldwide.1 Those with osteoarthritis of the knee may experience pain, which may keep them from performing and enjoying simple daily activities. In order to treat this condition, your doctor may recommend you have knee surgery with a knee implant manufactured by MicroPort Orthopedics Technology, Inc. Facing surgery can be daunting. However, MicroPort Orthopedics has decades of experience producing revolutionary products which may improve the lives of patients such as yourself, struggling with pain and unable to live the active lifestyle you once did.
HEALTHY KNEE JOINT
Knee anatomy
The knee joint is where the end of the thigh bone (femur) meets the top of the shin bone (tibia) and the knee cap (patella). The femur and tibia are connected by a set of muscles and ligaments, of which the thigh (quadriceps) muscles are primarily responsible for straightening the knee.
The knee joint is cushioned by cartilage that covers the ends of the femur and tibia, helping them to move smoothly against each other. On the tibia lie two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci. The menisci act as shock absorbers for the knee. They also provide a pocket-like surface on the top of the tibia for the femur to sit in. This pocket increases the stability of the knee and prevents it from sliding during activities. In a knee joint that has osteoarthritis (Arthritic Knee), the cartilage wears down and bone begins to rub on bone. This creates pain and reduces the function of the knee.
ARTHRITIC KNEE JOINT
Why does my knee hurt?
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to knee joint deterioration, resulting in pain, reduced range of motion, and decreased quality of life. When cartilage in the knee joint is damaged or worn down by disease, your knee bones begin to rub together, resulting in friction, pain, and even bone deterioration. Worn cartilage is typically associated with osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis leading to knee replacement. Osteoarthritis is just one of the many forms of arthritis, which can result in individuals experiencing pain and limited activity level. Other forms of arthritis include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Traumatic Arthritis, and Non-Arthritic Trauma.
KNEE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
Total knee replacement
Before recommending surgery, your doctor may have considered other treatments for your knee pain. Total knee replacement (commonly known as TKR) is one of the most successful treatments to restore knee function and stop arthritic pain, and may be recommended by your doctor.
The goal of the surgery is to replace the arthritic surfaces of the bones with smooth artificial surfaces made of metal and plastic. These new surfaces are designed to closely mimic normal knee function, while also preventing pain caused by the damaged ends of the bones rubbing together.
Precision instruments are utilized to reshape the ends of the bones to accept the artificial knee implant. A metal “tray” is placed on top of the tibia. An implant-grade plastic (polyethylene) insert is locked into the top of this tray.
The plastic now acts as the cushioning cartilage and menisci. Next, a highly polished, implantgrade metal component is placed on the end of the prepared femur. Finally, the underside of the patella (knee cap) may be removed and replaced with a plastic dome that will slide against the new joint.
EVOLUTION MEDIAL-PIVOT KNEE SYSTEM
Example of a MicroPort Orthopedics total knee solution
Through innovation in implant technology and less invasive surgical techniques, MicroPort is continually working to create products that can dramatically improve the lives of patients.
PRECAUTIONS & DISCLAIMERS
Every patient is different, and individual results will vary. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery. Consult your doctor to determine if joint replacement surgery is right for you.
Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Please click here to read about risks associated with surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.