Comparison of outcomes after bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty using gender-specific and unisex knees

Abstract

The clinical and radiologic results of a gender-specific total knee arthroplasty design were compared with those of a conventional unisex design in 50 female patients with bilateral osteoarthritis and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Total knee arthroplasty was performed using a conventional unisex implant in one knee and a gender-specific implant in the other. Clinical outcomes, which included range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery scores, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, were compared. In addition, patients' subjectively preferred sides were noted, and radiologic results based on implant positions, posterior offsets, anterior offsets, and patellofemoral alignments were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery score, or Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores. Patient subjective preferences and radiologic results were also similar for both sides. In conclusion, gender-specific knees in female total knee patients showed no advantages over standard unisex knees in terms of clinical or radiologic outcomes.