Ceramic Knee Replacement Lasts Longer

More than two years of clinical trials at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York (NY, USA) show good results for a ceramic total knee replacement. The hospital is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases.

The knee is designed for younger patients in their late 40s to early 50s who need a total knee replacement. Other replacement prostheses are made of a plastic tibial component and metal (cobalt chrome alloy) femoral component and are estimated to last about 15-20 years. By substituting a metal (zirconium alloy) femoral component with a ceramic surface, the developers have reduced the wear on the joint caused by the tibial and femoral components rubbing against each other. This lengthens the life expectancy of the new knee to 20-25 years. The ceramic knee is the product of Smith & Nephew Orthopedics (Memphis, TN, USA)

Other advantages of the ceramic knee include scratch resistance and a smoother articulation with the plastic tibial component that reduces wear. In addition, the material is extremely biocompatible and contains no nickel. Therefore, it can be used by patients who are allergic to nickel. Traditionally, cobalt-chrome alloys used for total knee components could not be used by such patients. The ceramic knee has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to Dr. Richard Laskin, chief of the Arthroplasty Council at HSS, more patients with severe arthritis are being seen earlier in life. "Until now, these patients were advised to postpone the replacement surgery and deal with the pain. This new ceramic knee will offer dramatic pain relief to patients in their late 40s and 50s and will hopefully last much longer.”



Related Links:
Hospital for Special Surgery
Smith & Nephew Orthopedics