Total Knee Replacement

Tyler Nicholson MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement surgeries have been performed since the late 1800’s and fortunately technology has continued to advance throughout the history of the procedure. Currently the most common material used for components are various metal alloys to include titanium, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel as well as high grade plastics known as polymers.

Most systems consist of three parts, the femoral component which caps the endo of the femur, the tibial component which caps the top of the tibia, and the poly (short for polymer component) which rests between the tibial and femoral component and acts as the new cartilage or bearing surface. Many different companies produce components used in total knee replacement and all of the currently used implants have been extensively studied and approved to be safe for use by the Food and Drug Administration.

Regardless of the implant chosen by the surgeon, due to the improvements in technology and material properties throughout the history of total joint procedures, current implants are the best that we have ever had and demonstrate improved wear rates, longer success periods, higher success rates, more anatomic designs, and decreased need for revision surgery due to wear.

Technology Spotlight

Smith and Nephew Journey II Total knee replacement

The Smith and Nephew Journey IITM Total Knee Arthroplasty system is an innovative option for use in total knee replacement. The components are designed to improve range of motion and improve knee function following surgery. This is accomplished through the component design which allow for more anatomic knee motion following replacement. The system comes with multiple options for surgeons with regard to component design and ability to retain ligaments within the knee that may otherwise need to be sacrificed.

This allows the surgeon to have a greater amount of control over the implants that they desire to use. The Journey II system is also compatible with multiple other products to include custom 3D printed cutting guides, and surgical navigation technologies which allow the surgeon to have even more options at their disposal. Although the choice of implant should always be determined by the surgeon, allowing them to choose the product they are most comfortable with, the Smith and Nephew Journey IITM Total Knee Arthroplasty system is an incredible technology.