Although a woman’s body structure is very different than a man’s, male and female knee replacement patients have been receiving the same artificial knees for years. Due to this one-size-fits-all approach, orthopedic surgeons have reported that they often must make adjustments during surgery to make traditional implants fit female patients. But now, scientific advances are allowing surgeons to opt for total knee replacements designed for women – who make up nearly two-thirds of knee replacement patients in the U.S.

Narrower shape, proportioned to fit a women's anatomy and to prevent the implant from overhanging the bone potentially pressing on, or damaging, surrounding ligaments and tendons.	Thinner in shape in the front so the replacement knee feels natural, not "bulky."

Within the past year, a variety of FDA approved knee replacements specifically shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy have become available. The design of gender-specific knee replacements is based on distinct and scientifically documented shape differences between women’s and men’s knees.

The implants help to alleviate knee pain and restore mobility, while offering fit and function that is optimized for the characteristics more commonly seen in female patients.

These implants are thinner, precise in size and anatomically conformed to the female body, ultimately providing patients with a better fit. Together these features allow for a pain-free range of motion and accommodate bending.

One of Bergen County’s first knee replacements designed specifically for women was performed in 2006 by Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeons.

More natural tracking, allowing the implant to move more like a natural knee

At Englewood Hospital, knee replacement procedures are performed within an hour. As many of the Medical Center’s surgeons are specially trained in blood conservation techniques, the typical procedure requires no blood transfusions.

Patients are able to walk around within hours and are usually discharged from the hospital within two or three days. Normal, daily routines can be resumed in just four to six weeks following the procedure.

Prior to surgery, knee replacement patients – both female and male – attend a Joint University where they and their “coach” (a loved one who will help the patient through their recovery) meet with the Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner, the Physical and Occupational Therapist, and the Care Coordinator to discuss the expectations of joint replacement surgery.

For more information about gender-specific knee replacement or other innovative orthopedic surgery options offered at Englewood Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center, call 1-866-980-EHMC.