Innovative Knee Material Designed to Improve Longevity of TKA
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or knee replacement has been found successful in relieving pain and improving mobility. One recent improvement in knee replacement technology is the “e-plus,” manufactured by DJO Surgical, a DJO Global Company, and now offered by Dr. Tom DiStefano, orthopedic surgeon at St. Francis Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.
This new device is an innovative polyethylene blended with vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant. It was created for the 3DKneeTM, a knee replacement designed to improve strength, stability, and flexion in recipients.
In a knee replacement system, an insert component, which is made out of polyethylene, is positioned between the metal femur and tibial replacement components and serves as surface for the femur to move against. Polyethylene wear continues to be a weak point in total knee replacement. Vitamin E improves the material’s tensile strength while preventing polyethylene degenerating oxidation. This will help the material hold up to the expectations of today’s active patient. E-plus is the first blended vitamin E polyethylene, meaning that the vitamin E is blended right into the resin and is homogeneous throughout the insert component.
The 3DKnee Data Driven Design is based on over a decade of research into total knee kinematics and over 30,000 have been implanted world-wide. E-plus now adds a new level of performance to 3DKnee total knee replacement.
“I am very excited about this significant breakthrough in the processing of polyethylene so that it is expected to last 57% longer,” said Dr. DiStefano. “I’m proud to offer this cutting-edge orthopedic technology here locally in Maryville.”
With the aging baby boomer population, orthopedic procedures are growing exponentially. Active people are requiring joint replacements at a younger age now, and are living longer. It is becoming increasingly important to use strong, lasting materials in joint replacements.
Total knee replacement is conducted under general or local anesthesia; and generally takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours to complete. Most patients will be placing weight on their new knee the day of or the day after surgery.
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. DiStefano, call St. Francis Orthopedic & Sports Medicine at (660) 562-7999.