Gender-specific design in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has now been performed for more than 3 decades, with millions of implantations, and a tremendous volume of scientific data regarding its use. There is little, if anything, in the academic literature to suggest an inferior result when a TKA is performed in a female patient. Recently, implant manufacturers have introduced TKA designs with modified dimensions to accommodate the anatomical differences that occur between sexes. This article will attempt to clarify the known sex issues surrounding TKA, and outline the attempts by manufacturers to improve outcomes based on sex-specific or sex-friendly designs.