Gender-Specific Knee Replacement
- Knee Surgery in Minnesota
- Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
- Custom-Fit Knee Replacement
- Gender-Specific Knee Replacement
Knee Surgery
Gender-specific knee replacements can help patients restore their active lifestyles, while catering to the patient’s specific anatomy. Contact Dr. Kruse to learn more »
Performed since the 1960s, knee replacement surgery has since become one of the safest and most successful surgeries performed in the United States. While knee implants are manufactured to replicate the fit and function of the natural human knee, they are typically produced in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ fashion Today, patients have more knee implant options, allowing for a more precise fit and natural feeling knee.
The success and longevity of a knee replacement prosthetic can be affected by the inherent differences between male and female anatomy. Because male and female body structures differ in size, a gender-specific knee replacement implant can potentially provide a more precise fitting knee replacement. Slight differences in implant size help accommodate the different sized bones between genders.
The success and longevity of a knee replacement prosthetic can be affected by the inherent differences between male and female anatomy. Because male and female body structures differ in size, a gender-specific knee replacement implant can potentially provide a more precise fitting knee replacement. Slight differences in implant size help accommodate the different sized bones between genders.
Dr. Jay Kruse is an advocate of gender-specific implants that are specifically designed for a male or a female. Patients who undergo gender-specific knee replacement surgery often see improved range of motion and function thanks to precise sizing and improved fit. These implants can potentially last much longer and experience decreased wear rates.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
As patients age, the knee joint becomes less capable of supporting the body’s weight without experiencing friction. The cartilage that protects the knee from friction, known as the meniscus, becomes brittle and less capable of absorbing “shock” from everyday use. Its natural degeneration leads to a condition known as osteoarthritis, commonly called “wear-and-tear arthritis.” This degenerative condition causes pain, joint swelling, reduced range of motion, and compromised function.
Treating Knee Arthritis
Depending on the severity of the condition, knee osteoarthritis can be managed either through conservative approaches or surgical repair.
- Activity modification to avoid painful positions
- Weight reduction to alleviate pressure placed on the joints
- NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) treatment to reduce pain and swelling.
If conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and restore joint function, Dr. Kruse may suggest a total knee replacement surgery. Knee replacements potentially allow patients to return to previous levels of activity with very little knee pain.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Gender-specific knee replacement surgery is performed similar to a typical knee replacement surgery, in which the knee joint, damaged by osteoarthritis or severe trauma, is removed and replaced by a prosthetic.
During the procedure, the knee surgeon will make an incision on the front of the knee, approximately 8-12 inches long. The knee surgeon will detach the quadriceps muscle from the kneecap, and move both components to one side to expose the ends of the femur and tibia. The damaged bone ends are cut and removed to fit the prosthetic components, which are fixed to the remaining natural bone by cement.
Knee Replacement in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Dr. Jay Kruse is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and currently acts as Medical Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Unity Hospital and Mercy Hospital. Through a variety of orthopedic courses and seminars, Dr. Kruse continues to learn and practice innovative approaches to joint arthroplasty and orthopedics. Dr. Kruse is a leading knee surgeon in the Twin Cities region, and specializes in procedures including, but not limited to: knee replacement, gender-specific and custom-fit knee replacements, muscle-sparing techniques, and knee arthroscopy.
To learn more about gender-specific and female knee replacement possibilities, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kruse’s offices, located in Coon Rapids and Fridley, MN, to discuss your condition.