FACT SHEET The Zimmer® Gender Solutions™ knee implant

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The Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant

*      Zimmer has designed the first knee implant specifically for women.

*      Based on pioneering research, the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee is contoured to fit the unique shape and size of women's knees to give a better fit and more natural movement than a traditional knee implant.

Potential benefits of the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant

*      Compared to a traditional knee implant, the potential benefits of the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant include:

  • Contoured shape specifically for women’s anatomy, which potentially means a reduced risk of damaging surrounding ligaments and tendons and less pain experienced by the patient;
  • Thinner profile which gives a greater range of knee motion and more natural movement;
  • The ONLY knee implant that is designed to fit the female anatomy at the time of the launch (May 2007);
  • Designed specifically for women, and also available in five different sizes (left and right knee implants) to allow surgeons to address the female population with unprecedented accuracy.

*       With traditional knee implants, orthopaedic surgeons often have to make compromises during surgery in order to make the implant fit a female patient. The Zimmer Gender Solutions knee is designed to fit the female anatomy more accurately and therefore removes the need for these adjustments. This may result in:

  • Better joint movement as previously compromises in the fitting of the traditional implant may have affected its optimum function;
  • Reduced risk of damaging surrounding ligaments and tendons.

*      Orthopaedic surgeons that are already familiar with the Zimmer NexGen® knee implant will not need additional training to fit the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant, but for best practice Zimmer offer a demonstration to all orthopaedic surgeons before use.

*      Total knee replacements using the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant can be performed using existing surgical techniques, including Zimmer’s® Minimally Invasive Solutions™ (MIS) procedures. 

*      When the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant is used in conjunction with Zimmer’s MIS procedures, additional benefits include:

  • Smaller incision, 10-12cm rather than the standard 20-30cm which results in less scarring;
  • Less tissue trauma - muscle cuts are reduced;
  • Greater level of mobility experienced by the patient just one day after surgery
  • Potentially less pain for the patient;
  • Shorter hospital stay – between 3 to 6 days. Previously longer hospital stays were common;
  • Quicker recovery, which may allow a quicker return to work for the patient.

Training requirements for the Zimmer’s MIS knee procedure

*      Training for Zimmer’s MIS procedures are highly recommended for orthopaedic surgeons. 

*      Training in Zimmer’s MIS procedure for UK surgeons is provided by the Zimmer Institute in Warsaw, Indiana and through Minimally Invasive Solutions Centres of Excellence around the world.

Availability & Eligibility for the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee

*      The Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant is available in the UK on the NHS and privately.  It is currently being used by surgeons in seven centres of excellence:

Go here for list

*      Zimmer intend that up to 25 surgeons will be using the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee by the end of the year.

*      The Zimmer MIS procedure is available to the majority of orthopaedic surgeons.  As with any surgical procedure, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.  The final decision about whether or not to use the Zimmer Gender Solutions knee implant or Zimmer MIS procedure rests with the orthopaedic surgeon.

Quick links

Alternatively if you would like a brochure or written information on Gender, please call the Gender Knee Helpline on 01793 58 4545, and leave a clear message about what you would like and how to send it to you.