Women’s knees have different needs. Because of the genetic differences between men and women, a new artificial knee has been developed for women who suffer from severe osteoarthritis. The new implant is designed to be a better fit and provide better function for women.

The implant, the first of its kind, is called the Triathlon Knee System from Stryker. It more closely resembles the anatomy of a woman’s knee and features a more narrow design to accommodate the female bone structure. As a result, it imitates the natural movement and feel of the knee joint.

Surgeons at Rothman Institute believe that because the Triathlon Knee System is specialized for women, it will boost women’s confidence in choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer severe arthritis, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, but are less likely to undergo joint replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgery is often required for treating severe osteoarthritis. Knee replacement surgery is designed to increase mobility of patients, decrease the pain associated with osteoarthritis, and help a person return to an active lifestyle. More than 400,000 people underwent knee replacement surgery in 2005.

To learn more about the Triathlon Knee System or knee replacement surgery, contact the Rothman Institute at 800-321-9999.