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.

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